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Hey guys, I'm looking to buy a steadicam Alexa plate to mount it directly to my zephyr but most companies told me that they made the plates for the "steadicam ultra" sled size. I want to see if anybody knows if the zephyr and the ultra have the same dovetail plate size, if not which plate do you advise for the zephyr? Many Thanks.

Setting up my Zephyr for some at home practice yesterday, I discovered an odd and unsettling sensation in the gimbal. It appears that something has worked loose in the connection between the yoke of the gimbal and collar around the post, to the point where I can freely slide the collar back and forth about a 1/16" between the two points of the yoke. There's no other play to speak of; it's a perfect horizontal slide. Everything else feels fine, but of course if I have the rig pointing along the same line as the two points in the yoke and start a tilt, it will suddenly slide forward or back by a fraction of an inch, and there goes my balance. I popped a few covers off to have a closer look, as shown in the picture, but I'm not really sure where to go from here, or even if I should go any farther, if this is something better left to factory service. Tried Dan Ikeda at Tiffen, no answer yet though. I'd welcome any advice, including "Put the allen keys down and back away slowly before you wreck your gimbal." Thanks, Tom

Having been researching/poking around both Tiffen's site and here for a while, my understanding of the Zephyr's place within the Steadicam range is as a semi-professional, self-contained, non-upgradeable system. Having said that (and assuming it's correct), can the Zephyr arm attach to the standard socket block on the Exovest? If not, is there an adapter anywhere that anyone knows of? Thanks :) (Side note: I'm aware of the advice to all newbies to attend a workshop. It's on the list.)

Great rig bought in late September of 2011! Kept it around as a backup/running rig with my G70x arm, but now selling it to buy more accessories for my Ultra 2. Besides a couple aesthetic scratches, a couple tape marks, and a little dust in the hard to clean spots, it's in great working condition. Zephyr HD Kit (V-Mount): Rolling Hard Case Sled Arm (used only for a few months) Vest Weights Docking Bracket Second Battery Mount Low Mode "F" Bracket 6" Arm Post for a G70x/G50x arm to the Zephyr Sled Socket Blocks for both the Zephyr Arm and a G70x/G50x arm With the extra Arm Post and Socket Block, you have the option of using the Zephyr Vest and Sled with a better Tiffen Arm. Please ask if interested in a Pelican Storm case, cables for this set up, or buying everything except the vest (if you want to use your own vest). Price for all: $8,750 Happy to take/send more detailed photos on forum or through email. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. All the best, Richard Volsky rkvolsky@gmail.com Atlanta, GA

Hey, I got a shooting coming up in 5 days with the Alexa XT, it's my first time to fly an Alexa XT on my zephyr and I'm a bit worried. I will receive the 2nd battery hanger, the steady-Alexa plate and the 24V cable in a couple of days. The setup will include the camera, an Arri Master Prime Lens and a bartech wireless follow focus. Anyone has a previous experience with this cam on this rig? Will I be able to fly it in Low mode (hips level) or no chance? I'm planning to power up the Bartech from the sled also. Any advice is much appreciated. Many Thanks, Christopher

To all former Flyer/Zephyr users, I'm looking for a used F Bracket / Low Mode Bracket for my Zephyr, preferably located in Europe. tilman.holzhauer@yahoo.de Thank you!

UP FOR SALE: TIFFEN ARCHER SLED (NO VEST - NO ARM) (with camera plate and camera screws) MARSHALL 7'' LCD HD-SDI MONITOR, (with power supply, 6 batteries and 2 chargers) LOW MODE BRAKET, LOW MODE CAMERA ATTACHMENT, ALLEN KEY, DOCKING BRAKET 2 X SLED CAMERA POWER CABLES (LEMO 2 PIN TO XLR 4) 3 X HD VIDEO CABLES (LEMO TO HD) STEADICAM THERMODYNE CASE 6800$ / OBO I CAN SHIP FROM CANADA OR US. FOR MORE INFO CONTACT ME AT: ALBUSSI@VIDEOTRON.CA

I'm selling my Steadicam Zephyr for a bigger rig for £8500 Inc VAT 20%. Steadicam in very good condition only used 3 times... DESCRIPTION The Zephyr vest design incorporates adjustable and pivoting shoulder buckles to assure a new comfort level for extended use. New vest and pad covers are easily removed for cleaning or replacement offering extended durability. The tools-free patented Iso-Elastic stabilizer Zephyr Arm has been upgraded from the Steadicam FLYER and supports 23lbs (10.4kg) of payload weight. The no-tools Arm / Vest interface allows for quick customization to the individual operator. “On the fly” weight adjustment frees the operator from dismounting the system to make changes. The open design of the arm has freedom of movement unknown in this weight class. The Zephyr adjustable and interchangeable arm post assembly is a feature usually found on more expensive systems. The Steadicam Zephyr comes standard with a 7 inch, 16:9/4:3 composite NTSC/PAL LCD monitor, or optional 7 inch 16:9/4:3 HD/composite LCD monitor that features enhanced image quality and a wide viewing angle, even under bright sunlight making it ideal for field production use. Input configurations include: Analogue NTSC/PAL Composite/S-Video/Component/RGB and HD/SDSDI (SMPTE-274M, 296M, 260M, 125M) with active loop through. The Zephyr camera mounting stage was designed for enhanced mounting stability with standard HD and composite BNC video connectors, 2 x standard 3-pin LEMO power connectors and expandability ports for future accessories. The stage comes complete with a dual axis vernier adjustable mounting platform and extended camera mounting dovetail plate. The Zephyr Sled Base features extendable rigid aluminum monitor and battery mounting rods, easily removable for compact storage or transport. A single mounting rod release allows for quick set-ups and ease of dynamic and inertial adjustments. PICK UP ONLY (UK) Please feel free to contact me if you require further information. Please see attached photos and plus a heavy duty C-Stand (Heavy Duty Docking Stand) is also included.

Lightly used Zephyr kit with rolling case. Comes with low mode bracket, c stand with arm mount bracket, protection sleeves for springs for use outdoors, Epic power cable, SDI cable, Steadicam Operators Handbook and Merlin weights. A very nice kit. Price lowered to sell $6600.

Hello everyone. Looking to sell my Steadicam Zephyr. I've had it for just about a year now and it has served me very well. I finished upgrading my gear about two months ago so I'm ready to say goodbye to this one... 12v/HD Sled Zephyr Arm (w/ bag) Compact Zephyr Vest HD Monitor (w/ plexiglass shield) Docking bracket Batteries (2x Gold Mount Switronix) Dual Charger Sled Power Cables BNC Cable F-Bracket (for low-mode) Low-Mode Bracket Merlin weights (for additional weight when working with lighter cameras) Original DVD and Manual Zephyr Sled to XLR 4-pin cable Carrying case for the whole deal (and it has wheels for your back!) Everything is in damn good condition. Very few and very minor scratches, purely cosmetic. Had the gimbal serviced about 9 months ago by Tiffen; works perfectly. The Switronix batteries surprised me with how long they last. I'm looking to get $7,500.00 (+shipping) OBO. I'm located in Winston-Salem, NC and am willing to work out a hand-off for East-Coast residence if you want to save a little cash on shipping. Please feel free to PM me or email me (aaron.gantt@gmail.com) if you have any further questions.

I've got a low mode bracket. It's like new. I've only used it twice. I just sold my Zephyr so I have no use for it anymore. If someone needs one make me an offer. Thanks! Here's a link to the exact model: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/192877-REG/Steadicam_300_7901_3007901_Mini_Low_Mode_F.html

I participated in the group buy for the BON FM-073SCH, almost identical with the Ikan MD7 (the BON has some additional features, flip image etc.) and wanted to share with you a document with you I got from BON. I recently bought a Zephyr (SD version) and was figuring out if the yoke/stand BON offers would be mountable on it. The stand has a hole on the bottom to mount it with a screw/bold and they provided me with this PDF with specific data about length, width, height of the diferent parts of the monitor. I also want to mention that Jason from BON answered my questions right away (answer didn't take half a day). As soon as I get the monitor (they will be shipping 3rd or 4th week of december) I can share my experiences if you are interested. 7 INCH-STAND DIM.PDF

I have a Steadicam Zephyr package for sale in good condition. I've flown everything from a 5d to a red epic and even a bare bones Alexa. I'm looking for $8500 for the package. The package includes everything below and I'll also throw in an extra BNC and a Red Epic power cable to power an Epic from the sled. Steadicam Zephyr Camera Stabilizer Package (V-Lock Battery Mount, Standard Vest) includes: V-Lock Battery Mount Standard Vest Camera Mounting Chassis (Sled) X-Y Vernier Stage Drop-in Dovetail Camera Mount 2x Lemo Power Connector on Stage 2x BNC Connector on Stage (Composite and HD) 12/24V Via 1x 3-Pin Lemo HD Capable Via 1x BNC 2-Section CF Post Dual Rod Pilot Type Base Coiled Post Cable 24V Capability (via after sales battery mount) 1/4-20 Mounting for Base Weights Inertial/Balance Control via Merlin Weights Docking Bracket 12V Power Cable 3' (0.9m) Lightweight BNC Video Cable Dovetail Plate Hard Case 2x Mounting Screws 2x Locating Pin 2x Start Weight 2x Middle Weight No-Tools Gimbal Clamp Email me at foundation1@gmail.com if interested. Thanks! - Devin

This is a robust, and well made DSLR cage for Film/Video use. It has plenty of 1/4 20 and 3/4 holes to attach accessories as well as one of the best HDMI security systems on the market. It has access panels for the battery, CF card, monitor, and top view LCD. It comes with a 15mm Rod adapter, and accessories to mount almost any camera. I have only used it with Canon DSLR, not sure if it can support a Nikon, but I am willing to test it out with the buyer. I have posted several pictures of the item, but if you need more clarification on the features please go to the video link bellow: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5k2-bTTD2WY Or search: "Hollywood HD-SLR Camera Cage--Alan Gordon Exclusive" on YouTube. The cage alone is priced at $508, new. The rod adapter is priced at $130, new. The whole package would cost $638.00 plus tax and shipping. At $325.00 this is a great deal for any DSLR filmmaker looking for a cage solution. Thank you.

Hello to the forum, I have been reading trough a lot of posts, so I will try not to be repetitive. I am a cinematography student from germany in his 5th year and just getting interested in the topic, have experience in handling all kind of cameras of course (35, 16, Red, Alexa, DSLR, BMCC, EX3 etc.) but no experience what so ever handling any kind of stabilizing equipment. I understand that I would be good to read some books, take a workshop (or several) to aquire some basic knowledge and getting closer to the topic. I am planing to do that (just ordered the Steadicam Operator's Handbook). But in the meantime, steadicam workshops in germany are a little rare, I love to research about a possible model for me to get in the future (I tend to do that with all my equipment as many others do, too i guess). So you understand, I would like to work my way into it smoothly, learn, do student projects, learn, not necessarily jump fully into it as a fulltime career plan (So, I know it is too early but I would like to ask your advise anyway). I would like to get some help about what things to consider..or better, which things to take more in consideration than others, not generally ("search button"). I will get more specific. First thing for me was the amount of weight I can fly and the money I think I could invest right now....that lead to (still thinking about it) the Zephyr. Some good comments about it in the forum. Although I'm convinced that new cameras in the future will tend to be lighter than the actual Alexa (Amira, F5/55, Epic, C500 and their successors) I feel uncomfortable about the actual Alexa reaching easily the limits of that system (going along with powering issues due to the electronics inside the pole of the Zephyr, right). Since there is no way to update the Zephyr I also understand that it is a system one would buy and then sell to update (good Idea or not, seems to sell quite well). Also, I don't like the fact that the Zephyr is made in the US which makes service and maintainance more complicated for me (If somebody knows how far the service of german distributor betz-tools goes, I would like to hear about that). It has a front mount. Opinions about front or back mount seam to depend a lot on personal taste? That lead me to swiss actioncam. They offer the Raptor system for a similar price. It flies more weight (up to 38lbs with additional spring set, suppose one can change them himself?). I understood that It has no electronics in the pole so you can run any kind of cable through it. It is modular and updatable. It has a back mount vest. It is made in Switzerland, just about 3 hours from my city. Then again, there is nothing to be found about that system in this forum (almost) or the entire Internet. I don't know to what extend it is considered professional. If somebody has some experience with that system I would love to hear about it (especially regarding my consideration points). Maybe some folks from europe know about or have tried it? So, I already hid some questions in the text:) I would like to know from you how important you value your brands being in the states for service. I supposed that the lack of information about the actioncam products is partly due to that (and It's pretty new?) I would like to know what you think how important is how much weight the system can fly in terms of qualitiy. I suppose that, although I can fly an all-equipt Alexa with the Actioncam Raptor, I will experience some limitations in comparison with bigger systems (Pro ect., you guys often recommand looking for a used "big" system instead of buying a cheap new one). I also spoke with a co-student who has owned a pilot, owns an archer know and told me to stay away from "no-names". Obviously there can be great differences in all parts of the system but how can I identify bad quality? Even trying it out I can't since I'm a newbee...and then maybe it's the workshop:) I would like to know if you think my considerations make sense or if I'm missing some big part of the picture. Thanks for listening.

Steadicam Zephyr for sale. Rig includes: -Sled (V-lock battery mount) -Arm -Vest -Hardcase with wheels -Decimator 2 converter -American grip stand Rig purchased June 2012 and only used 2 days on a film. Mint condition. mail@bjornbratberg.com Location: London, UK £6000 More pictures: http://bjornbratberg.com/steadicam/photos/index.html

Looking for someone who can built 6pin Hirose breakout cable to xlr4/BNC ( for Zephyr ). replacing SD monitor on the Zephyr for Marshall... Thanks

I recently upgraded and I have a zephyr package I'm trying to get rid of. It is only a little over a year old (bought new last March) and recently checked out by Tiffen. It includes: Sled HD monitor Arm Vest Low mode bracket Collapsable C-Stand IDX endura 7s batteries Weights for the zephyr Rolling hard case It has been very nice to me, but for the past 4 months I've been using a Pro1 rig now that I'm flying heavier cameras, so it is time to part ways. I'm asking for $9,500 but feel free to send offers if they are not un-reasonable. I am based out of San Francisco so pickup is available, but shipping would have to be included in purchase. Please let me know if you have any questions!

Selling our Steadicam Zephyr, includes: Zephyr sled Iso-elastic stabilizer arm Lightweight vest Docking and balancing bracket Dovetail mounting plate 3 Merlin middle weights 1 Merlin end weight 1 12V power cable Wheeled hard case with handle Zephyr operating manual 7" HD Monitor Operating manual for monitor Rig was purchased in July 2012 and is still under 1 year warranty. In great shape, has only been used on a few commercial shoots. $8,000 Pick-up in Santa Monica, CA Email questions to jenna@dokumentfilms.com, thanks.

Hello everyone. I'm selling my Steadicam Zephyr package includes: STEADICAM ZEPHYR SD PACKAGE: Camera Mounting Chassis (sled) Telescoping Centerpost 7" LCD Monitor Iso-Elastic Arm Standard Vest AB Battery Mount Docking Bracket 12V Power Cable 3' (0.9m) Lightweight BNC Video Cable Dovetail Plate (with 1x 3/8", 1x 1/4" mounting screws) Hard Case with Handle and Wheels BNC to RCA Adapter RCA to BNC Adapter EFP Instructional DVD Owner's Manual 4 x Merlin Start Weights 4 x Merlin Middle Weights Steadicam SteadiSTAND (c stand) includes: H50 Digital HyTRON 50, NiMH Battery DIONIC-90 Lithium-Ion Battery Tandem-70 On-Camera AC Power/Charger QR-GOLD Gold Mount Battery Plate Anton Bauer PowerTap Open End - 3' Male PowerTap Power Cable to Open End, (10 amp max) MATRIX Cheese Plate 15mm Rod Clamp Kit BarTech Focus Device (Transmitter, Receiver, XLR power cable, Case) Ultra/Vector/Cliper/Receiver Power Cable Anton Bauer Power tap Power Cable Matte box rod receiver/amp mounting bracket Motor longvideo M-one (Length: 154 mm (6.06 in.) Width: 29.2 mm (1.15 in.) Height: 68.0 mm (2.70 in.) Weight: 286 g. (11.29 oz.) Connector: Lemo Type B size 1, 5 pin. Rod Collets: 5/8”, 15 mm, 1/2", 19mm w/o a collet. Lens Gears: Module/Pitch 0.8m-32P, 0.6m, 48P, 0.5m, 0.4m-64P, extra wide 0.8m-32P. Mounting Brackets: 19 mm universal mounting bracket, Will mount on either side of motor in either direction. Also a 2.5” universal extension/offset bracket with 19mm attachment tubes (1.12” & 2.12” long) Motor cable: 58 cm (23”) long. Price: 10,500 U.S. dollars I am located in Colombia (South America) shipping and taxes paid by the buyer. Any questions or offers please contact me at the mail danielbuilesm@gmail.com Best regards, Daniel Builes M.

I just wanted to share my last creation for my Zephyr. A recorder mount on the battery hanger to place my Hyperdeck Shuttle. I used to place it under the post, where the second battery should go, but I wasn't satisfied. This is a first prototype made with what I could find in my local hardware store, an alluminium 3" L bar a few screws, a hack saw, a metal file and a drill. Feel free to share if anyone has an idea to improve it (and I know there is a lot that could be done)

Hi, I Sell Steadycam Zephyr package. - Sled Zephy HD - Bras Flyer LE (11kg) - Veste Flyer LE - Century tripod - weights - key allen - Cables SDI (2X) - Dock - Flycase STEADICAM 9800$ without shipping Location PARIS teva.vasseur@gmail.com +33 6 80 78 86 34 www.disquetteprod.com

WTB a Zephyr package.. Would prefer the Anton Bauer kit, but the V-Mount doesn't bother me either. SD or HD doesn't matter..

Just a tip for Zephyr owners who are not using the bottom 1/4"x20 battery/accessory mount and who want to try the "Mickey" / 90 degree dynamic balancing method for getting the bottom half of the rig balanced: Turns out the 1/4"x20 tap is coincident to the axis of the post (thanks Tiffen engineering!). A short 1" or so 1/4x20 screw, bearing with 1/4" internal diameter, and a nut allows you to "do the Mickey" incredibly easily. The Zephyr lower post isn't round, so the external roller method isn't going to work... Just screw 'em in there, and hold the post up by the bearing at 90 degrees as mentioned elsewhere. Top stage empty and centered. Spin, adjust, add weights as necessary. Works like a charm! Apologies if this is mentioned elsewhere... and not sure if other sleds have this particular mounting location as well. -Chris

First off, I know this thread should be in the Arm's section of this forum. I'm posting here to get more views, admins if you would like to move it, go ahead. Nope it wasn't the spring that broke. I was oping a music video with a Red One, red drive, vlock batt, a nikkor 50mm, red one monitor, and a Bartech on the top stage. After balancing my Zephyr I began loading the Arm, it was maxed out, but still properly operable. The arm's were slightly raised. After Oping on and off for 6 hours or so, I was in-between takes talking to the Director and KACHING.... the whole rig dropped. Luckily I prevented the rig from hitting the ground. See picture below. I emailed Dan Ikeda via advice from a local Steadicam Operator and friend in the SF Bay Area. Now I'm asking you guys, what to do next? I Have insurance with a $1,500 deductible as well. Brent