Steadicam Flyer LE Vs. Glidecam X-22

[chris fawcett]

Hi Josip,

 

Thanks for pointing that out. I now realise my own mistake. The monitor I refer to in the above post was in fact the 500 NIT one. It really did perform fine for me under the conditions I describe.

 

Sorry for the confusion,

 

Chris

[Mark Schlicher]

The SK2 has some significant limitations compared to the Flyer (and even the X22):

 

1. Single section arm

2. Fixed battery position - difficult to DB

3. Fixed post length

4. Bright but small, greenscreen monitor. I assume it's 4x3 only though I don't know.

 

For a couple thousand more you can get the Flyer LE with its great dual arm, telescoping post, and a better (though not ideal) way to achieve DB. For a couple thousand less you can get a used original Flyer, giving up 4 lbs in weight capacity, and the telescopic post, but having a very capable rig. Personally, if I needed the 20 lb capacity, I would save a little more for the Flyer LE or try to find a used LE (probably around $7000-8000).

 

I have an original Flyer and I like the monitor fine. Bright daylight conditions are manageable. I did make a sunshade out of foamcore and velcro, but it still works pretty well without it.

 

Does the L7 Glidecam monitor have identical specs as the Flyer's 500nit standard monitor? It looks like the same housing, but that doesn't mean there aren't possible differences.... For instance, does the manufacturer apply a different coating to the face of the screen for the Tiffen version? If so, this could have a big effect on how well it performs in sunlight, I'm told...even if the "nits" are the same. Does anybody have the facts on these monitors?

 

Hi Chris,

 

No, I didn't meant 700 nits monitor which is optional but standard monitor which comes with Flyer LE and X-22. It is 500 nit monitor (as official pages say) with poor antireflex coating and I still maintain it is unusable outdoors on a sunny day! I know because I used it. If I were on budget, and around 20 lbs of capacity would be sufficient, I would go for SK2, one is still available at Adorama for 7200$.

 

Josip Pavelic

[Josip Pavelic]

Hi Chris, Mark,

 

I'm glad that you are satisfyed with those monitors of yours, maybe really varies in terms of daylight visibility from various manufacturers and so on, although I red about it and people said it's exactly the same. However mine experience is that couple of times while running rig with that monitor in extreme conditions (sunny, angle of sun/monitor, don juan position) I found myself in a situation where I could see almost zero in that screen. Expecially the parts in the shade vas invisible. So I discretly asked asistant to move along with me to produce shade by himself. I thaught about improvising a hood but as I hold the sled pretty forward while in don huan, it was out of the question, it wouldn't help.

So in those situations I would sacrifice even dual action arm for one of SK, for exchange for good monitor brightness..

It seems that the same monitor is the part of one 20k plus sistem, according to their official page..

It seems also that today's lcd's are the weakest part of the chain (generally, except 2 or 3 most expensive ones).

 

Take care,

Josip

[RobinThwaites]

Hello Josip

 

The 500 nit monitor is restricted to the Flyer range, "20K plus system" get the 700 nit 7" with a special anti reflection coating.

 

"So I discretly asked asistant to move along with me to produce shade by himself."

 

I believe that most ops have done this at some time whatever the monitor. This is just part of the coping with adverse conditions - no need to be discrete, use some sort of flag to make it truely effective.

 

“I thaught about improvising a hood”

Blackwrap or Cinefoil are a good answer for this as they can be shaped for the particular shot.

 

By the way the SK2 had a 3.5" CRT 4x3 screen meaning that if you look at a 16x9 image it will be something like 2.8" wide (70mm) by 1.57" (39mm) high.

 

Robin

[Josip Pavelic]

Hello Josip

 

The 500 nit monitor is restricted to the Flyer range, "20K plus system" get the 700 nit 7" with a special anti reflection coating.

 

 

 

Hi Robin,

 

In fact that 500 nit monitor is really a part of one 27000$ system, according to theirs official site, it is not the company where are you working (I always hate to name it, don't know why).

By the way, can you inform me is it possible to purchase G40 arm separately, and what would be the price in US?

 

Thanx in advance,

 

 

Josip

[Sydney Seeber]

Why are you complaining about the stock monitor... They're really easy to replace.

[Andrew Stone]

...can you inform me is it possible to purchase G40 arm separately, and what would be the price in US?

 

Josip

 

Josip,

 

If you go to the Steadicam website there are pricelists for all the rigs and almost all the pieces of a rig are available separately and listed in the price lists. The G-40 is the arm that is standard with the base Archer 2. You will probably find the price there. If you are going to use the g-40 on the Flyer, there will be some issues with the gimbal being overtaxed. You would also have to deal with matching the arm to the vest and sled. Socket block and so on. I wouldn't do it but that's me. Failing the pricelist you can call up Tiffen and ask.

 

-Andrew

[RobinThwaites]

"In fact that 500 nit monitor is really a part of one 27000$ system, according to theirs official site, it is not the company where are you working"

 

OK just making sure our own literature and website made it all clear.

 

"By the way, can you inform me is it possible to purchase G40 arm separately, and what would be the price in US?"

 

The G-40 is not currently available separately. For any prices please contact me off forum at my direct e-mail address robin.thwaites@tiffen.com however please note that prices in Europe (or any part of the world) should be the same as the US list on the web plus whatever freight and duty it costs to get it to that country meaning that you are better off to buy from your closest local dealer.

 

Robin