35mm and only 12v

[Mark Calver]

Hello everyone,

 

Im still a newbie to steadicam but I need some help or tips. So I might have to opportunity to operate some 35mm. Im not sure what camera it would be but the problem is I own a Provid which is not modified for 24v. Im sure there are lots of other who have done this just by powering the camera from its own battery, but maybe some of you have some helpful hints I should know.

 

thanks,

[Frederic Chamberland]

Hi Mark,

 

The only camera you could fly with an on board battery that runs 24 volts is the 235. every other camera will have to be powered by a block battery or a belt (that means a cable to the camera). You can probably fly with a belt battery on your shoulder cabled to the camera, but it is a hassle to fly with a cable, and the power cable is always thick and heavy, two things you don't wan't messing around the sled.

There is no magic solution:

-Rent a 24 v capable sled

-Try to make the most out of it with a freaking cable and a belt battery

-Get another sled if you see a future in flying these 24v cameras.

-Get a converter (12-24 volts) from a reliable source and the good cables to power your camera . Marell has one : Marell converter

 

The converter should do the trick but it drains your batteries so fast you need a lot.

 

The only thing you don't want is stepping on set and say "i can't do it because it is a 24v camera" to the crew.

 

Fly safe at any voltage required

[RobVanGelder]

Problems: power supply, weight, accessories

 

Action 1: check the camera, type, connectors and weight

Action 2: check the lenses, do you need follow focus (very likely), other accessories

Action 3: check the the kind of shots you are supposed to do, it must limit the choice of camera you want to use.

 

So first, get this information from the people you are going to work for, otherwise it is impossible to make any further steps.

 

But:

 

The provid is mainly for a certain range of video cameras.

Film cameras and surely 35mm cameras will quickly reach the weight limits of your system and don't forget to add the needed accessories.

Power "can" be supplied by a cable and a assistant behind you, not very pretty and it can hinder you, but it is possible.

 

Oh, don't let them talk you into running shots with a BL3/4 or 535 or such, believe me, it is not worth your health, your reputation and the other damage just waiting to happen!

 

In any case, don't wait until the shooting day to try out the combination, test before!

[Mark Calver]

Hey Guys,

 

thanks for the tips, very much needed. I will discuss all of this when I meet with Producer and Director next week. I am thinking about doing a conversion from 12v-24v which I have seen before. What do you guys think about that and if I did what would be a good camera that will fly comfortably on the Provid arm?

 

thanks,

Mark

[Erik Brul]

Hey Guys,

 

thanks for the tips, very much needed. I will discuss all of this when I meet with Producer and Director next week. I am thinking about doing a conversion from 12v-24v which I have seen before. What do you guys think about that and if I did what would be a good camera that will fly comfortably on the Provid arm?

 

thanks,

Mark

 

Hi Mark,

 

On this board we have Jefferey Cools. He has done a 12-24 upgrade :

 

http://www.steadicamforum.com/forums/index...amp;#entry24820

 

Maybe he can help you further with this ?

He has also a picture on the SOA website with a 435 on the Rig :

 

http://www.steadicam-ops.com/database/soaD...hp?detailID=627

 

Best, Erik

[Janice Arthur]

Hey Guys,

 

thanks for the tips, very much needed. I will discuss all of this when I meet with Producer and Director next week. I am thinking about doing a conversion from 12v-24v which I have seen before. What do you guys think about that and if I did what would be a good camera that will fly comfortably on the Provid arm?

 

thanks,

Mark

 

 

Mark;

 

Its easy to ask lots of questions here an generally everyone is very helpful.

 

I am going to say you have do so some more research before you start asking these really general questions like

"what would be a good camera that will fly comfortably on the Provid arm?"

 

Your learning curve and confidence will soar when you know the info not just the answers to stuff you've posed here.

 

I'm sure you know the weight range of your provid arm. I'm sure you've checked the weights of the various 35mm cameras available.

 

How are you going to power a follow focus?

 

You seem like a smart guy so I'm sure you know this stuff.

 

(I'm not really trying to beat you up.)

 

Janice