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Merry Christmas and who the hell is this guy?


Ramon Engle

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Just want to say Merry Christmas to all of you that engage in this endeavor we call steadicam. I hope everyone has a happy and healthy holiday.

 

As for the quote below...........I couldn't resist. I had to post this.

 

Here's the site where it came from.

 

http://cinemazement.com/blog/?p=10708

 

 

There’s also a short documentary about the dangers of operating a steadycam. If you fall with the steadicam rig on, the vest will not allow you to bend, the camera will come slamming down, and in most cases the operator attempts to “save” the camera or try to keep it from hitting them, causing them to hit the floor even harder. Even worse is the damage a 30 pound swinging arm with hinges can do..not to mention the lens glass shattering near the operator. For this reason it’s a very flawed design that should be eliminated completely, immediately, and redesigned from the ground up.

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Apparently he's also a guru in 'graphix,' space mountain, and the TomTomG0510.

 

And he's against Demo Reels.

 

--------

 

Just a few notes. Nothing mean.

 

"the camera which can weigh 1-20pounds"

- Actually the camera can be 1-40ish pounds

 

"All this weight can cause serious irreversible back problems according to the steadycam operators’ comments I’ve read. This has put many operators out of commission permanently."

- Actually, if used improperly, your computer can cause wrist problems, and all handheld cameras can cause back problems. Also, if used improperly, your socks can cause foot problems.

- I don't know of any operators that use the rig properly that have back problems. My back problems have disappeared since I started operating.

 

"For this reason it’s a very flawed design that should be eliminated completely, immediately, and redesigned from the ground up."

- People die in car accidents every year. for this reason it's a very flawed design that should be eliminated completely... etc.

- People also are hurt while walking, or running on set. For this reason it's a very flawed design that should be eliminated completely... etc

- People also are hurt while eating. They choke on food and drink...for this reason it's a very flawed design that should be eliminated completely... etc

 

"helicopters...There are also smaller versions of these made for small R/C helicopters that are also used in TV and Films."

- For some reason, I can imagine that when a helicopter crashes on a set, there is more potential damage to people than if someone falls over. I think that has something to do with blades spinning at high speeds, and maybe gasoline?

- It's hard to fly a helicopter and run sound, or fly the helicopter next to a wall. Or fly a helicopter in 'low mode'

 

"Unfortunately Glidecam and Steadicam still use weights and have not made any notable advancements in their field."

- I think they are working on a modification that will alter the laws of Physic. It's probably going to cost a lot though.

 

"Steadicam operator hits a dancer:"

- dancer hits a Steadicam operator?"

 

"Amazing unedited steadicam fight sequence:"

- how would the segway thingy run up steps"

 

"Steadicam fall on the beach at the end:"

- How did he survive all of that shattering glass?

 

"Reason not to use a Movcam:

Segway Faceplant:"

- I just won't operate my steadicam while this lady is driving, problem solved

 

"steadycam operators walk that way because it’s like lifting a microwave or mini fridge on your back and trying to walk as smoothly as possible. It’s heavy even with a mini prosumer camcorder."

- Also, they sometimes have to use the bathroom.

 

When you make your steadicam camera product, you should name it "horraycam"

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I think Amando could send the guy an email for using his pics of his wife on the guys blog. It would pisses me of for sure. He used a youtube movie from me, wich i deleted in a second when i saw this crap story he made. it always pisses me of when a guy who isnt an op, tells us its a dangerous piece of equipment. yeah right, thats why we use this for the last 25+ years or so. Comon

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All I can say is bravo to a man who can spit in the face of his $5000+ investment. He definitely has some balls to be able to post that kind of an argument.

 

It's clear that he has no experience working on set though. All of his "solutions" completely defeat the practicality of a steadicam.

I think there is also a human element that would be missing if the operator sat behind a remote gear head. You might as well rent a motion controlled techno crane. Take the human operator out and replace it with a machine if you REALLY want some smooth shots...

Clearly he has no appreciation for the craft.

 

But the argument will probably go on forever. I imagine MrMickeyman is pretty obstinate. No matter what we say, he will always just delete the negative comments and close his blog down from further responses.

At least there is somebody with a difference in opinion.

 

Happy Holidays everybody.

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The man is funny, and I don't even think he knows :-)

And the clip with the title: Movcam Steadicam/Segway Hybrid

That's Chris Fawcett - flying an Archer1 - HVX100

I remember seeing the final shot. And it was very fluid and steady...

 

Here's MrMickeyMan's comment:

Why the Movcam is flawed. The segway’s speed changes are not fluid. It bops and weaves when the operator goes faster. Also the operator appears to be continually worried about not hitting obstacles:

 

I think Chris is navigating so he avoids falling over - like when you ride a bicycle!

 

And BTW.

Bryan, your post was spot on.

 

Thanks guys - I had a laugh

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Yea, me too.

 

Anybody want to buy a nice new rig? I can't ask much for it, considering it's so dangerous, and badly designed.

 

In fact, maybe someone could just take it off my hands. That's better than having to pay some Hazmat firm to dispose of it safely.

 

Damn, just when things were going so well ;)

 

Happy Holidays everyone!

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I think Amando could send the guy an email for using his pics of his wife on the guys blog. It would pisses me of for sure. He used a youtube movie from me, wich i deleted in a second when i saw this crap story he made. it always pisses me of when a guy who isnt an op, tells us its a dangerous piece of equipment. yeah right, thats why we use this for the last 25+ years or so. Comon

 

Thanks a lot Job.

That guy never asked me or my wife for permission to use that picture. I´ll e-mail him.

Nobody needs to be a genius to know that steadicam used along the years can hurt your back, your legs... But it´s dangerous also to be American footbal player, to play ice hockey, rugby, etc...

Is it only bad designed steadicam or glidecam?, Pro, Xcs, etc.. don´t hurts the back?. Walter K. vest?...

Any way...

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