Guest christoper Posted April 25, 2014 Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Alan Rencher Posted April 25, 2014 Premium Members Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 It's going to be tough to get that pig low mode on a Zephyr. Is there any chance you can go to a local rental house and try out that setup? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Thomas English Posted April 25, 2014 Premium Members Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 It is going to be tight. You should find out if there is going to be a CineTape as that could curveball you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest christoper Posted April 25, 2014 Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 I just got the complete setup, this is it: Alexa XT body Arri High speed primes Bartech Wireless follow focus Teradeck bolt Clip-on mattbox LMB-15 What do you say? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Thomas English Posted April 25, 2014 Premium Members Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 Can you convince them to use Ultra Primes instead of MP s ? Your going to have to test. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Hart Posted April 25, 2014 Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 I tried the zephyr rig once with a red epic, master primes, bfd, and a modules 3000, down converter, and clip on MB. I had major vibration issues especially with low mode. If you don't want the vibration issues just stand still. No problem.haha... I quickly switched the camera to my pro sled and arm. No more vibrations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members James Davis Posted April 25, 2014 Premium Members Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 I would cross hire another rig in for this one, that lot will shake the zephyr like a wet noodle in normal mode, let alone low mode, you are sitting right at or just beyond the limit of the rig with that set-up as Thomas said the slightest thing like a cinetape or even a couple of filters could easily push you over what even the arm could take, let alone your sled. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Michael Hauer Posted April 25, 2014 Premium Members Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 Yeah this is not a good idea. Its always tempting to think about the short term in these situations but if you show up with the wrong gear to big job, it could haunt you for years. Hire out a bigger rig or give the job to someone who will owe you a favor even if it stings its worth it. The zephyr is not made for a full sized camera like the alexa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Eric Fletcher S.O.C. Posted April 25, 2014 Premium Members Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 Tell the DP you need to change his choice of lenses because you said yes to a job and don't have the proper gear.... That's going to go over well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Janice Arthur Posted April 25, 2014 Moderators Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 Christopher That's a lot for that rig I take a different tack and say that's a lot for my set up any chance you can get me a scarlet or epic (pick something you think would work) and say this way ill be set up and ready while A camera is working and you'll have no down time etc when you need steadicam. It will save you money and time and personnel etc. Make it a positive. Good luck Janice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evrim KAYA Posted April 25, 2014 Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 hello chris, a 24V cable? i'm not sure that zephyr's internal wiring will be robust enough to carry power for a hungry AlxXT. zephyr owners would chime in about it. Also, attempting to put more to a rig can handle might cause irreparable damage to your vest, arm, gimbal, center post, top stage etc. A sudden arm failure might also harm you and the camera package which in turn will harm your reputation badly. you should consider either renting a full sized rig for the job or somehow get the production use a smaller package although i wouldn't dare to ask that to a production. fly safe ps: you should use your full name on the forum. change it quick before the teacher sees you ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Victor Lazaro Posted April 25, 2014 Premium Members Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 There is a 24V option on the Zephyr with the additional battery plate http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/875137-REG/steadicam_807_7350_02_small_dovetail_ab_battery.html but I didn't even bought for my Zephyr it because I don't think it's a good idea to overload your sled with a heavy camera. If production has an alexa they should have the budget for a full size rig. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Jens Piotrowski SOC Posted April 26, 2014 Premium Members Report Share Posted April 26, 2014 FYI the Alexa does not "need" 24V, it works just fine with 12V... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest christoper Posted April 26, 2014 Report Share Posted April 26, 2014 I appreciate all the details you guys gave me, I'll try to convince the production to change the camera otherwise I'll give the job for someone else since there are no appropriate steadicams available for rent in the country. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Victor Lazaro Posted April 26, 2014 Premium Members Report Share Posted April 26, 2014 FYI the Alexa does not "need" 24V, it works just fine with 12V... I remember that the draw on the 12v line was too high thus using the 24v. I may be wrong... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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