Search the Community

Steadicam operator Dom Jackson and RF Technician Gary Sims used one Boxx Meridian system to pull off this amazing live shot at BBC TVC. (Starts 30sec in)

I have recentely purchased a steadicam Merlin. Balanced it after 30 min, put on an accesory and haven't manged to balance it again for days and days. Watched all tutorials and videos, read through many forum opinions and links, read all instructions, cookbooks, magic formulas and the like Camera: 5D MII, 17-40mm Canon Lens. Merlin on hole "N" with nose weight 1 mid+1 finish, lower weights 3 mid+ 1 finish. drop time under control After I discovered a strange thing about my Merlin, by mistake. I wonder if it's normal or if it's damaged in some way and thus my impossibility to balance it properly. I have the Merlin set up on the original bracket so it's easier to handle. Please watch the video, it's a much better explanation than the textual one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYwyaxJgGpQ&feature=youtu.be This is the strange issue: I can only balance it if I turn the grip at a certain angle (25-30 degrees) on the Y(vertical) axis, relative to the position of the grip with the place where you put your fingers aligned parallel with the Merlin spars. If the grip si facing forward (as the Merlin nose weights are, for example) I can not get it to balance whatever I do, even when bottom heavy. If I turn the grip at that certain angle something seems to turn with (inside?) the gimbal and I have a steady point to balance the Merlin on. Is it normal to be able to balance the Merlin only under those conditions and not to be able to rotate and turn the grip independently with the camera holding steady? I don't think it should be... As seen in the video, the Merlin displays some friction between one edge of the ball holding the gimbal and the inner wall of the cylinder ring, if rotated (camera un-mounted and stage turned on a side). I would like your opinions on this. Will send the video to Tiffen as well. Is this behavior normal as I'm a beginner at this or is there something wrong with this particular Merlin unit?

Hello, I'm a fresh steadicam owner/ operator in LA who is considering joining a camera union, but am unsure about which union treats steadicam operators the best. Has anyone joined a camera union, and has experience with your membership you feel is worth sharing?

Hi I'm a student at Birmingham City University and am doing my dissertation about Steadicam and low-budget alternatives. I wish to contact a Steadicam Operator who I can do a quick email/phone interview with as part of my research. I wish to know information about why the Steadicam costs so much, the future of the Steadicam (as cameras get smaller and lighter) and also an experts opinion on why the Steadicam is better than other alternatives. If anyone here knows an operator who may be willing or is an operator themselves you contact me they can email me at Jacob.williams1@mail.bcu.ac.uk Also if anyone has any responses to the questions, suggestions of alternatives I shouldlook into that would be great. Thanks :-)

Hi again, Another missing piece to my puzzle. I am looking for a Vest, preferrably of the Ultra or Master variety. I will consider other offers too. Of course I'd love to stumble upon an used PRO vest, but those are never on sale when I'm buying. Thanks and Happy New Year! Mike

Vendo equipamento usado.Ótimo estado, único dono, só é alugado comigo operando. Belo Horizonte MG.. Steadicam Flyer LE, V-Mouth, 12V e 24V. Post, braço, bag empermeavel para o braço, vest, soft case, alem, monitor steadicam sd, plate para montagem, docking bracket,cabo xlr 4 pin para lemo 3 pin, 3 estagios de extensores de aluminium. Sem bateria e sem tripé de descanso! Se precisar tem muitas fotos do equipa em uso no meu face. R$18.000,00. Contato: viktorgiovani@hotmail.com , viktorsteadicam@gmail.com, (31)92350228. Grande abraço!

To all steadicam operators out there: Just want to give a shout out about my agent; Daniella Milton at the Milton Talent Agency. She's been an agent for quite some time but just recently representing steadicam operators. She really handles the my negotiations with the producers/UPS extremely well. For anybody who is looking for representation I give her my highest regards. Her contact info is: (323) 466-4441 email: daniella@miltonagency.com p.s. if anybody would like to speak to me first. Please feel free. Greg Smith (310) 877-7296/ smittycam@aol.com

What are the basic Steadicam accessories that you would expect the camera house (that is renting the Alexa to your production) to carry?

Hello everyone, I've been looking for a pretty good rig out there to start off with and I've been looking toward the Zephyr. It seems to be a pretty good solid rig to start with. If anyone is selling one I'd be interesting in hearing more from others. Feel free to respond here or my email thanks a lot. -Matthew Perez mperez135@hotmail.com

I'm selling my beloved Satchler Artemis cine hd pro sled. Going for a smaller rig. This sled is only a year and a half old and It is like new except for minor evidence of usage . It is completely PRO GPI compatible (very modular). The Cine HD Pro includes: 1.8“ telescopic Post 1.8“ Gimbal 12V / 24V HiCap wiring Hot Swap technology HD SDI & SD Video Recorder in/out Video-power out Tally-function 8“ camera dovetail plate Post tool & Allen wrenches V-Mount battery mounts Comes with a case with weels Available for sale is a telescopic monitor arm with the post clamp $900 ($1100 new) Also selling a brand new ACT 2 docking bracket for $750 ($900 new) Full details here: http://shop.artemis-...is-Cine-HD-Pro/ The price for this rig new is $16,600, make me a reasonable offer, serious inquiries only! Will sale anywhere in the US. Will sale outside the US but VAT and Shipping is your responsibility. Info: saudinelle@me.com or 312-560-9653

hello guys, i just to bought a second hand DBII to upgrade me old one provide topstage, I´m happy, but i don´t finish to undestand the correct functionality of the lever. because however is necessary tighten the screw. is ok. some DBII owners, can you tell me how use the combination of the lever and screw? no is posible don´t use the screw? like the betztools top stage?. PS: sorry for my english.

STEADICAM FLYER LE FOR SALE - LONDON, UK £3700 + VAT I really can't justify owning two rigs (heavyweight and lightweight) at the moment so this one is up for sale. It is being sold as it was delivered when new, but with custom built focus unit mount included. Does not include batteries. V-Locks required. Kit includes: Vest Flyer LE arm in soft bag Post and gimbal Dovetail plate Stand Docking bracket Monitor (small dead area - very cheap to replace) 3 pin Lemo to XLR cable Allen key for gimbal Original soft case Home made monitor shade (don't get too excited - it's not fancy - but it does work well!!!) Custom built bracket to hold Preston brain. The rig has recently been serviced by Optical Support. Please contact them for confirmation, if required. It is in good condition. There are the usual scuffs that rigs get on the arm etc but nothing performance affecting. As mentioned the monitor has a small dead area on it. I can replace this or knock £200 off the price if you would prefer to replace it yourself. This may be a better option as you can choose one that may suit your purposes better. Send me a message if you're interested.