Alexa on Zephyr questions

[Mark Schlicher]

Yup.

 

I own a Cam-jam plate. It is a solid, lightwright, and inexpensive bit of kit that also can be used with broadcast cameras to replace the Sony quick release plate. Always love something that can do dual-duty.

[Zoltan Jonas]

Hi Victor,

 

I acquired the custom plate from fellow Aussie, Louis Puli (I believe he's an active member of this forum). After he saw the photo of the 24v setup, he put me in touch with his son James who showed me the plate, and sold it to me for AU$150. Slightly dear, but it's well made, and, as proved in the photo in my earlier submission, it's rendered the whole 'Alexa on Zephyr' debate moot. I'm sure Louis would love to hear from you in this regard; James hinted to me that they've got a few of them in stock

https://www.dropbox.com/s/78p20zwim9a1cgs/2013-10-15%2016.02.28.jpg

 

 

None-the-less, I implore you to invest in the 24v battery hanger that Tiffen offers (again, not cheap, around US$650), but it's indispensable for heavier setups.

 

Anecdotally, I've seen an alternative attempt, (from another man here in Sydney), but obviously he abandoned the idea (I saw this photo on the Market page) - I think dynamic balance would be impossible in this configuration: https://www.dropbox.com/s/amh2gdsiiswoedo/IMG_7983%5B2%5D.jpg

[Eric Fletcher S.O.C.]

I own a Zephyr, and one of my goals was to figure out a realistic and practical way to fly the Alexa. I'd done tons of research on these forums over the months leading up to my purchase of the rig, and the Alexa appears to be a contentious issue with the rig.

 

The Alexa is *perfectly flyable* (even with reasonable accys) on the Steadicam Zephyr *IF* certain conditions are met. I've (hopefully correctly) attached photos of two ways I have achieved the setup. Keep in mind that neither setups include accys (WFF, video link, matte-box etc.), BUT, the rig was still wide open for additional attachments.

 

The FIRST photo shows the camera body and lens mounted on top, with the camera taking 24v power from the two batteries I have mounted below. This configuration solves the weight and power issues. What you will need though is the correct 24v power cable for the camera (more on that in a moment), and it also requires the secondary, optional battery mount that Tiffen offers for the Zephyr and Archer2 rigs. Running the camera at 24v is essential in this case, as the 85w(minimum) the camera draws completely exceeds the amperage rating of the internal power cabling (Mark Schlicher has researched this extensively in one of his posts). The 24v cable is one that I came across on eBay. I took a risk with it, and it's worked fine so far thankfully - it seems to have been made with fine build quality.

 

The SECOND photo shows another scenario; I acquired a custom made, slimline adapter plate (THIRD photo) that eliminates perhaps half a kilogram of weight up top from the bulky dovetail plate otherwise required for a secure mounting. In fact, the payload was reduced to the point where I "had to" put a battery up top to get the gimbal close enough to the stage. You'll also see that I needed only the single battery down the bottom. In this configuration, adding WFF, video link, or anything else you'd reasonably throw at it is a perfectly viable option. Also, the camera now has it's own power, so sled voltage and current is no longer an issue for it.

 

 

First photo:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/58klkwkf1qhln6z/2013-06-28%2016.37.19.jpg

 

 

Second photo:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/108lmt1la0j45ow/2013-08-05%2011.39.55.jpg

 

Third photo:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/bng5h3u0ug2p613/2013-08-05%2010.48.47.jpg

 

 

 

None of those photos are a "Perfectly flyable" Alexa. to be perfectly flyable you HAVE to have a matte box, you HAVE to be able to carry two filters in it. You HAVE to have a follow focus, then there are things like Transmitters, Cinetapes and whatever else you are asked to fly. What if you are asked to fly a zoom? how about a codex? a ring light?

 

You might be able to squeak by a time or two but you won't get called back if someone else has a more approiate rig and accessories. Rather extolling that you "Can" fly it, learn why you don't WANT to fly it.

 

Never let your equipment limit you.

[Zoltan Jonas]

Hi Eric,

 

I'm very grateful for your comments, as I'm now aware of how open my original words are for misinterpretation.

 

You're of course completely correct in your list of accys that my photos fail to depict, but I did say that the setups I had (or, at least the second one, using the slim adapter plate) that there was plenty of room left for mass on the rig, both in theory and in practice, and if I had access to a matte-box and other stuff at the time, I would have loaded them on, and flown them for demo's sake. FYI, the photos with the adapter plate in use were taken at a rental house, where I was specifically testing the plate out before buying it. In hindsight, I should have pimped the sled out further while I had the opportunity. Next time.

 

I don't think it's fair to bring a Codex into this discussion though - that's a whole other ball game, and I'll concede that adding it to the equation would be a very hard ask for the Zephyr. I'm keen to try it now, for experiment's sake. I've interpreted the original query of this thread to be about the stand alone Alexa, which of course records natively. By mass, it's acceptable on the Zephyr. And it depends what level game you're playing as to what 'acceptable' means. In my typical line of work, it would pass fine. A seasoned veteran would obviously have to meet completely different expectations.

[Wolfgang Troescher]

Surely it's rarely good to go to a tools limit. But it's good to know that it's possible to fly an Alexa on a Zephyr (as an exception!). It makes no sense to invest 20+x k$ in a rig just because it's possible that I have to fly an Alexa or another camera in this weight class. If this is the norm a greater rig is necessary - no question about it.

 

Nevertheless I'm surprised that the Zephyr arm/sled is carrying an Alexa with accessories!

[Mike Germond SOC]

To Eric's point, below is a fairly basic Alexa package that we will be asked to fly, perhaps without the Cabrio zoom (the battery on the back is just there for standby). And then just when you're balanced and confidant, the sound guy will walk over with some gak to add. Somewhere in the week, the Matte Box ends up full of glass and a Cine Remote appears so the 1st AC can get away from the camera. I don't need to worry about making weight with all the variables.I loved squeezing every lb out of my first rig. It almost felt like smart business to pay so little for a rig and still collect the big bucks. But you'll be living on the edge of workability and reputation doing business like that. The last 2 Alexa rental agreements I put my stamp of approval on were from Abel Cine and Arri CSC, and both were more than the Steadicam rental! I wouldn't feel right showing up with a Zephyr knowing what's at stake. You gotta pay to play in the big boy's game. After buying my PRO/XCS sled, it never fails that I'll get several remarks on each set about how clean and professional my sled looks compared to other ops they've worked with. Sometimes your gear and its' aesthetics are just as important for client confidence.I'm not spreading doubt because I've tried it all too, but there's some more food for thought to consider.

 

Can you give more details on the custom plate. what are the specs and where to get a similar one. (Or would Eric Fletcher's mystery plate do the trick here)

I too am waiting to hear from Eric and see what problems the new plate solves. I have a Cinematic Precision plate right now, and I love that it doubles as a low-profile dovetail for my DB3. My standard plate is the thicker XCS plate that accepts 15mm rods. Neither of those help you Zephyr owners that don't have the industry standard stage though (maybe the new one will be useful to you). Edited October 15, 2013 by Mike Germond

[Caitlyn Timberlake]

I've flown the Alexa with Optimo DP 16-42, single channel preston, and clamp on matte box (with filters) on my Zephyr. It came in at 23.4 lbs. The arm still wasn't maxed out, but I quit adding AKS as to not overtax the gimbal. It's definitely not something I would do on a paid gig. In this case I was on set with solid friends who understood the limitations and what to expect.

[Alan Rencher]

I just did a music video on Alexa. I'm lucky enough to live in an area where there a many great ops that are willing and able to dry hire a bigger rig to me.

 

It's great having piece of mind knowing that you're not going to max out our rig with unexpected gak.

 

If the job can afford the rental, I take the job. If not, I politely tell production that I can't take the job.

[Mark Schlicher]

Alan, that sounds great. Conversation is often thrown around the forum as if there is only one "correct" business model. Obviously you have a setup that makes good sense for you, and could work for others as well.

[Wolfgang Troescher]

Found another adapter plate for Alexa and Zephyr dovetail:

http://lentequip.com/collections/camera-support/products/steadicam-alexa-plate

[Guest christoper]

Hey Jim, I bought a zephyr 5 days ago and I'm really happy with it. I am planning to buy the accessories so I can fly the Alexa on it, so can you please post a link or a contact name to buy the plate from?
Many thanks mate

[Victor Lazaro]

Hi Christopher,

You may want to look into this cheap solution from Chris to use the Zephyr plate for Alexa

The rest of the needed accessories can be found on Tiffen's website http://www.tiffen.com/displayproduct.html?tablename=steadicam&itemnum=807-7350-02

Then you will also need a 24v power (Tiffen's website too) cable http://www.tiffen.com/displayproduct.html?tablename=steadicam&itemnum=250-0093

 

Fly safe.

[thomas19]

Thanks for sharing some links. Really Helps..