Thomas Karlsson Posted January 11, 2010 Report Share Posted January 11, 2010 Hi, Currently looking at some 2nd hand Flyers rigs and I am trying to determine if they are the LE variant or. Is there any simple way to distinguish that release from the older ones, if I understand it correct LE is the third generation of the Flyer (please correct me if I have misunderstood it .-)) The one I have on my radar right now was bought in 2007 so in case someone can confirm the LE was available at that time I will continue to investigate else I will drop it from my list. Thanks a bunch, Thomas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Brian Freesh Posted January 11, 2010 Premium Members Report Share Posted January 11, 2010 (edited) Hi, Currently looking at some 2nd hand Flyers rigs and I am trying to determine if they are the LE variant or. Is there any simple way to distinguish that release from the older ones, if I understand it correct LE is the third generation of the Flyer (please correct me if I have misunderstood it .-)) The one I have on my radar right now was bought in 2007 so in case someone can confirm the LE was available at that time I will continue to investigate else I will drop it from my list. Thanks a bunch, Thomas Flyer LE became available during/after NAB 2008 (April '08). Other ways to tell: extendable post (on the bottom, by the monitor, you can see the tie down clamp/kip), thicker grip, it'll be 12/24 without any modification or HD monitor, it makes coffee, espresso, cleans all but the toughest stains, and includes the kitchen sink. Happy purchasing :) Edited January 11, 2010 by Brian Freesh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomas Karlsson Posted January 11, 2010 Author Report Share Posted January 11, 2010 Can I get a Starbucks White Mocca as well on that version? Is so then it's a must :-) Thanks for the information! Looks like the one discussed is not a LE then. //Thomas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomas Karlsson Posted January 14, 2010 Author Report Share Posted January 14, 2010 (edited) As a follow-up on this; would you gals and guys recommend a 2nd hand Flyer (not the LE) or brand new Pilot? It's more or less the same price. I am mostly using PD170/175 sized cameras. Tia, Thomas Edited January 14, 2010 by Thomas Karlsson Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Brian Freesh Posted January 14, 2010 Premium Members Report Share Posted January 14, 2010 It depends. If you know you're never going to go over the pilot's weight limit (10lbs, yes?) then go for the pilot. But if you think there is a chance now or down the line that you will, get the Flyer. Pilot's easier to dynamic balance, and a new one will have a warranty, and you can use AA (right? or a different size) batteries (so long as you get the one with that mount) which could end up saving you money in the short run (or even long run). There are a few Pilot users here that may chime in as to the benefits of this rig, as it is a nice one. Flyer will take more weight, and will be good even used (as wood a Pilot for that matter). Word of warning, the camera can often, if not almost always, weigh more than you think it will. Unless you use the same camera (such as your own) and therefor set-up every time, then it's always what you think it'll be! If you're putting whatever you're client provides on the rig though, it can easily be set-up in a way that weighs more than you prepared for. However, if you go Pilot and decide to upgrade later, you can fetch a great resale value on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Peter Abraham Posted January 24, 2010 Premium Members Report Share Posted January 24, 2010 Brian makes an excellent point. Using the book spec for a camera weight to use as a point of reference for buying a rig may be misleading. The entire payload needs to be addressed. A partial list of items that are frequently used along with a camera body. ( List applies to 4 pound cameras as much as larger systems ). Riser plate/ rods for mattebox and / or follow focus and / or ring light. Follow focus motor and bracket. Wireless receiver. Hard drive. Clip on mattebox. 35mm lens adaptor kit ( Letus, RedRock Micro, PS+Technic, etc ). Extended life battery. Build the system you are going to work with. Weigh it accurately. Then decide which system affords you what you need. Peter Abraham Dir. of Technical Services / Steadicam The Tiffen Company Former Steadicam Operator Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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