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PRO Gimbal VS. XCS...


Tom Wilkinson

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Guest Howard J Smith (Temp)

Hi Guys

Please do not forget the V2 Advanced Gimbal and the new Gen2 1.5" Gimbal from MK-V

Here is what Eric had to say about the V2 Advanced Gimbal

"

The gimbal is FAR from a copy of Pro or XCS one. The top of the gimbal bears ZERO resemblance to a Pro Gimbal. It also doesn't fly like a Pro Gimbal, In-fact it fly's like no Gimbal that I have every flown (And I have flown them ALL) it's the first Truly Transparent Gimbal on the market, and the only gimbal that will do a 360 Degree roll and not change it's feeling. (there is a reason for that)

. This gimbal is slickest most rock solid gimbal ever. There is absolutely ZERO play in any of the axis. Finally a gimbal that feels the same in lo-mode as it does in High-Mode. This gimbal is so slick that there is a bit of a re-programming curve for the operator. I found myself overshooting fast pans and stand-ups the first few times due to the lack of friction. You will also find yourself constantly re-trimming as the slightest weight shifts in the camera. The gimbal has a built in wrap grip that is just right feeling in your hand, nice and chunky, with an aggressive yet comfortable knurling to provide excellent traction.

 

Jan 26 2005, 08:09 PM

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And while that was true in 2005 it's not my opinion now. Both the PRO gimbal and the XCS Gimbal exceed the performance of the MK-V gimbal that I owned in the past.

How and what makes PRO and XCS gimbal performance better than MK-V?

Can you give more detail?

 

Based on your statement, today PRO and XCS gimbal are much better than the gimbals they made before 2005?

 

Cheers,

 

Ken Nguyen.

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I am pretty convinced that most gimble discussion is based on superstition. The coefficient of friction is SO unbelievably low in most modern well serviced gimbles that it simply is irrelevant. Maybe some don't sit right at a 6 second drop time but your moving and tilting and panning anyway.

 

I am not saying that superstition isn't a very important part of focusing the mind and getting the best work but I do think that; Just get to work, do your shots, enjoy yourself and find a good school for your kids.

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And while that was true in 2005 it's not my opinion now. Both the PRO gimbal and the XCS Gimbal exceed the performance of the MK-V gimbal that I owned in the past.

How and what makes PRO and XCS gimbal performance better than MK-V?

Can you give more detail?

 

Based on your statement, today PRO and XCS gimbal are much better than the gimbals they made before 2005?

 

Cheers,

 

Ken Nguyen.

Bearing technology. Both PRO and XCS have bearings custom made for their gimbals. The MK-V gimbal uses two taper roller bearings which is great for inversion but ultimately has higher friction than high tolerance ball bearings

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I am pretty convinced that most gimble discussion is based on superstition. The coefficient of friction is SO unbelievably low in most modern well serviced gimbles that it simply is irrelevant. Maybe some don't sit right at a 6 second drop time but your moving and tilting and panning anyway.

 

I am not saying that superstition isn't a very important part of focusing the mind and getting the best work but I do think that; Just get to work, do your shots, enjoy yourself and find a good school for your kids.

 

No it's not, I own both the XCS Gimbal and the PRO Gimbal and have owned the MK-V, there are much different levels of performance between the PRO/XCS and the MK-V and then there is a difference in feel between the PRO and the XCS. There is no superstition, just experience

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Guest Howard J Smith (Temp)

Where do you get your lame info - we use very expensive custom bearings that certainly are not tappered in anyway - utter tosh!

 

This is why most of the top ops in the world tell me the Mk-V gimbal is the best gimbal out there - even Larry and Jim, Greg Lundsgaard etc

As usual you have no idea what you are talking about and only changed your tune for reasons I will not go into hear. (again)

 

The V2 Advanced gimbal and the all new Gen2 (that you have never even seen) are stunning.

Thank you

Howard

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And while that was true in 2005 it's not my opinion now. Both the PRO gimbal and the XCS Gimbal exceed the performance of the MK-V gimbal that I owned in the past.

 

Eric,

 

Do you mean that pro and xcs BOTH upgraded their gimbal builds in 2005? was it faulty before? did they offer free upgrades to pre '05 owners? if not, how this is not different than the X upgrades for G-series arms? how can somebody tell the difference between '05 and '06 pro AND xcs gimbals? do they named it differently to differentiate the new design from the old one?

 

my starting to steadicam operating is after '05 so i couldn't have first hand experience about a pro, xcs gimbal upgrade but it seemed me a little weird that i never heard of this joint upgrade or nobody seems to specify what build is their gimble while selling them in the forum's market nor nobody seems to care to ask the sellers about this apparently huge upgrade.

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Guest Howard J Smith (Temp)

Hi Guys

Of course they have not changed their gimbals since 2005 - they were very good then, so why change.

Eric also had this to say regarding the gimbal and sled:

 

I have been flying this rig 6 days a week for the last 4 weeks and it's the most Soild, transparent gimbal and center-post that I have ever flown. There are quite a few other operators that will agree with me on this. Case in point go grab your Nov or Dec issue of the ICG mag and see what Steve Campanelli has to say about the Post and Gimbal (and the whole Nexus for that matter) and if you saw "Million Dollar Baby" the Steadicam Work in that film was done with this Gimbal, Post and monitor arm Combo.

Really Mike your posting history in relation to MK-V have shown to be pure Agenda.

--------------------

Eric Fletcher Los Angeles, Ca Online Reels

Steadicam Forum Moderator

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I love my MK-V gimbles (plural) and find they balance absolutely great in all directions at all drop times. I have tried other gimbles including the PRO and Tiffen ones and honestly they feel nice too. I prefer my MK-V because its 2 inch and I know it but I do honestly think that gimble technology is the first thing most companies got right very early on in the Steadicam business. I am sure there are some poor operators out there that blame the gimble they are using.

 

Oh I find the Pilot a little twitchy but I don't think that is to do with the gimble. Its just I am not very good at using the pilot but I'll happily blame the gimble if I was an arrogant sod with little life view and a narrow minded pedant.

 

Luckily I am not. I think the Pilots gimble is quite good. I just need a little practise at using it.

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Howard, That was then, and again It's not my opinion or my experience now. Both PRO and XCS upgraded their bearings in the interim. I have flown your gimbal recently and it simply does not compare to what the PRO or the XCS gimbal fly like. Both the PRO and The XCS gimbal fly better.

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Howard,

 

This is the sort of personal attack that will not be tolerated here. Please, let's keep things civil.

 

Eric's opinion is just his opinion.

 

 

Where do you get your lame info... - utter tosh!

 

As usual you have no idea what you are talking about and only changed your tune for reasons I will not go into hear. (again)

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