Andrew Stone Posted March 13, 2011 Report Share Posted March 13, 2011 Darren, I thought the same thing. I'm guessing that TIFFEN based their lift specifications around using a Tango and not a standard Steadicam setup. The marketing they have placed around the Zephyr has largely been in the context of it being used with the Tango rig. It would explain a few things like the lack of sufficient battery hanging points and what is probably and overstated camera load capacity if they based the figs on only Tango use. I believe you are going to need approximately 6 pounds of battery or ballast at the bottom to get decent drop time on a relatively short post, if the package weighs 22 pounds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members James Davis Posted March 13, 2011 Premium Members Report Share Posted March 13, 2011 Something like these would maybe help....in terms of the battery mounting issue: http://www.abelcine.com/store/Switronix-GP-TS-RED-V-type-Hotswap-Adapter-for-RED-One/ http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/255058-REG/Anton_Bauer_QR_HOTSWAP_GM_QR_HOTSWAPGM_Hot_Swap_Battery_Plate.html With regards to the arm lifting capacity, maybe stump up for a G40/G50, for future upgradability, you need a G40 (at a minimum) if you want to run the Tango on the rig anyways, at least if you want to use it up to its max capacity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Darren McDonald Posted March 13, 2011 Author Premium Members Report Share Posted March 13, 2011 Darren, I thought the same thing. I'm guessing that TIFFEN based their lift specifications around using a Tango and not a standard Steadicam setup. The marketing they have placed around the Zephyr has largely been in the context of it being used with the Tango rig. It would explain a few things like the lack of sufficient battery hanging points and what is probably and overstated camera load capacity if they based the figs on only Tango use. I believe you are going to need approximately 6 pounds of battery or ballast at the bottom to get decent drop time on a relatively short post, if the package weighs 22 pounds. Andrew you have nailed my point !! The need for a decent battery and ballast system on the Zephyr for handling the heavier cameras is my key point. Does this mean you would now have to carry a few screw on weights around in replacement of a second battery? I know Howard at MK-V is making a lighter and more practical mod for the bottom section for the Flyer. Might have a better look at that instead ?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew Stone Posted March 13, 2011 Report Share Posted March 13, 2011 Hi Darren, Before you resort to non-functional ballast, I would look into different sized batteries as well as an additional battery plate square on the bottom of the rig. For anyone who is a Steadicam Op this shouldn't be that much of a challenge. We all know what is required to get drop time for an approximate weight. Simply make it so. It is not as if we have to do a bunch of machining to get it done. The solutions are either bolt on or darn close to it. I think it would be prudent to wait for Mark to report back before spinning too much more on this. Hopefully the existing battery plate & rod on the lower spar is robust enough to take a heavy battery thrown at it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members chris fawcett Posted March 14, 2011 Premium Members Report Share Posted March 14, 2011 Before you resort to non-functional ballast, I would look into different sized batteries as well as an additional battery plate square on the bottom of the rig. On the question of non-functional balast, I think it has an undeservedly bad name. When the Pilot was released, I admit to having viscerally disliked the idea of these 'useless' weights. I didn't really get the concept myself until I got a load of the Tiffen Accessory Balance Weights. Now I prefer them to so-called 'useful' weight. I put just as many batteries and accessories as I need on the rig, put the gimbal more or less where I want it, select the post length appropriate to the shot, then trim the rig with the balance weights—above the gimbal or below it. They are cheaper and smaller than batteries, and they give you the ability to adjust the drop time by discrete amounts, without moving the gimbal or lengthening the post. They are so compact that you mostly don't notice they are there, until you wonder why the rig won't fit back into its case ;) If you are just starting out, you'll probably want to keep what batteries you're not using on the charger anyway. A battery you don't need and can't (for the time being) charge is even more useless. My 2lb Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew Stone Posted March 14, 2011 Report Share Posted March 14, 2011 (edited) Chris, I am guilty of not thoroughly reading Darren's post. The screw on weights obviously have benefit for pan inertia and will add a bit of weight but when you are 4 to 5 pounds shy of the proper weight for decent drop time, a good chunk of battery is what you want, at least in my view. The cost/benefit of a big refurbished Hytron is worth having sit around idle and have to be recharged every now and then, if it means you are going to have a really well behaved sled. Those of us that have been using the older Flyers know the benefit of having a bunch of different battery weights around to get the sled just so. Edited March 14, 2011 by Andrew Stone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nelson Villamil Posted March 15, 2011 Report Share Posted March 15, 2011 Hi. No way. I'm pretty confused. The zephyr was uan platform he wanted, but comments are discouraged me a lot. Please MARK and all other operators already have their hands on the Zephyr, to share more information and detailed pictures of the system. I would like to clarify the picture with Zephyr. for me now is "out of focus. " Thanks Nelson Villamil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Mark Schlicher Posted March 15, 2011 Premium Members Report Share Posted March 15, 2011 Hello all, I'm working all this week on an editing project so my time with the rig is limited. I have some initial impressions but don't want to say too much until I can back it up with real data...I'm borrowing a heavy camera and will experiment with different combinations of batteries, etc. and report the results. I like the rig overall. Here's what I can say: -the increase in payload from Flyer's 15 (or 19/20 in the case of the LE) to 24lbs adds more possible cameras and configurations. -the vest is vastly improved. Vastly. -the topstage redesign is elegant, with the vernier adjustments and extra connectors -the gimbal is visibly beefier and tools-free. -the arm is visibly beefier, yet obviously kin to the excellent flyer arm -the bottom stage redesign is clever, adds power connectors and standard video connectors (composite and HD-SDI), and (at least in theory)easier to acheive dynamic balance -standard video and power connectors on the monitor, meaning if you don't like it, swap it out, no need to hack your wiring loom or custom-wire and adapter. -the inertial merlin weights mean I'll be able to dial in big-rig-style panning without big-rig-style weight. There are some shortcomings, as we've all been discussing, but I'd rather wait until I can do some hands-on testing before commenting any more about that. I promise I will. By the weekend for sure, hopefully sooner. Hi. No way. I'm pretty confused. The zephyr was uan platform he wanted, but comments are discouraged me a lot. Please MARK and all other operators already have their hands on the Zephyr, to share more information and detailed pictures of the system. I would like to clarify the picture with Zephyr. for me now is "out of focus. " Thanks Nelson Villamil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nelson Villamil Posted March 15, 2011 Report Share Posted March 15, 2011 Hi Mark I am sure many colleagues, we are very aware of all possible information (positive and discussion) of this new system. I personally would like to have pictures of this new system (if possible) Thank you for taking the time to do tests to share with all Nelson Villamil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Mark Schlicher Posted March 15, 2011 Premium Members Report Share Posted March 15, 2011 I'll definitely take some photos and post them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Amando Crespo Posted March 16, 2011 Premium Members Report Share Posted March 16, 2011 ZEPHIR???... ....mmmm.... I´m the proud owner of a new ZEPHIR unit. Yes, I know, I´ve a ULTRA2, a MASTER FILM, a III-A... Why a ZEPHYR?.. Easy answer: The new light weight cameras in the market. It´s crazy be working with a ULTRA2, XCS, PRO... on board a CANON MK-II PANASONIC P2 or?? ... :blink: :blink: :blink: ZEPHIR is an small "devil"... I´ll post more comments . :) :P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Rush Posted March 16, 2011 Report Share Posted March 16, 2011 We are pleased to see the very positive comments pertaining to our new Zephyr. Thank you! However, there is some misunderstanding as regards the 24 volt option.The following is a paraphrase of that written direct to Mark earlier today. We have not cancelled the 24 volt option for the Zephyr. It was delayed as other design plans were focused first. We have received very little call from operators for this planned option. However, Tiffen has worked hard to provide the best products with requested features since it acquired Steadicam. That focus is paramount. As we are now hearing that the 24 volt option is currently desired we have responded with the final design. Between now and NAB this will be finalized and shown during the show. We would expect the 24 volt option available for delivery shortly thereafter. This was a planned announcement at NAB. Please be assured that we are anxious to furnish the products and service that is World Class and as expected by our Steadicam Operators. We are just as anxious to hear any comments that help us both achieve a high level of excellence! Please help us in that regard and let us hear directly from you often. Personally I am available 24/7. You may reach me at frush@tiffen.com, my cell is 1.205.229.5572 and my direct office line in Glendale is 1.818.567.7913. Please do not hesitate to contact me at any time. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. If you are a ZEPHYR or about to be a ZEPHYR Owner please let me know through email that you have interest in the 24 volt option and the date required. We will take this into account as we begin manufacture of the 24 volt option for the ZEPHYR. Look for another announcement but our tentative plan at present is to sponsor an Operators Night at the Harley - Davidson Cafe on Monday night of NAB. Thank you for your use and support of out Tiffen Steadicam products. Frank Rush VP, GM Steadicam Division The Tiffen Company. LLC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Amando Crespo Posted March 16, 2011 Premium Members Report Share Posted March 16, 2011 Straight from Tiffen via email this week: "There is no plan in the foreseeable future to offer a dual battery mount for the Zephyr." Not what I wanted to hear. This means no hot-swap parallel 12V and no 24V. Also no way to balance heavy cameras without extending the post or adding dead weight to the bottom of the centerpost. (a Hytron 140 is about 5.5lbs I believe...about the heaviest single battery available) The "optional second battery mount" is still listed on Tiffen's website. Good question about. But.. Why 24 volts for a sled designed for video or low weigh cameras?... Do you want more weigh on board?... Do you want fly Zephyr with Red-one, Alexa, Arri 435 on board?.... (working with G-30/40 arm, of course) MISTAKE!. This sled is designed for it work. Try to force limits of it capacity is a big mistake. For this work, are others models like ARCHER2 to ULTRA2. Is the right way. I know, the Zephyr´s price is really sexy, but isn´t the right solution to fly medium-big cameras. An smile fron Spain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members RonBaldwin Posted March 17, 2011 Premium Members Report Share Posted March 17, 2011 what does the zephyr sled weigh? Say with it's lcd monitor and an hc-90? rb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Sanjay Sami Posted March 17, 2011 Premium Members Report Share Posted March 17, 2011 Good question about. But.. Why 24 volts for a sled designed for video or low weigh cameras?... Do you want more weigh on board?... Do you want fly Zephyr with Red-one, Alexa, Arri 435 on board?.... (working with G-30/40 arm, of course) MISTAKE!. This sled is designed for it work. Try to force limits of it capacity is a big mistake. For this work, are others models like ARCHER2 to ULTRA2. Is the right way. I know, the Zephyr´s price is really sexy, but isn´t the right solution to fly medium-big cameras. An smile fron Spain. Hi Amando, Congratulations on your new purchase ! I think this is a great sled for cameras like the ARRI 416, which uses 24 volts, now while it does have great onboard batteries, it is important to have the option to power it off your sled. Besides which, if I were to buy one, I would certainly like the option of 24 volt power, since the 24 lbs payload now allows you to use the ARRI 235 onboard as well. It is a dream running rig for 35mm. Post some pictures please ! Regards Sanjay Sami Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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