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Alexa XT on Steadicam Zephyr (low mode)


Guest christoper

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Guest christoper

Hey,

 

I got a shooting coming up in 5 days with the Alexa XT, it's my first time to fly an Alexa XT on my zephyr and I'm a bit worried. I will receive the 2nd battery hanger, the steady-Alexa plate and the 24V cable in a couple of days.

The setup will include the camera, an Arri Master Prime Lens and a bartech wireless follow focus.

Anyone has a previous experience with this cam on this rig? Will I be able to fly it in Low mode (hips level) or no chance? I'm planning to power up the Bartech from the sled also. Any advice is much appreciated.

 

Many Thanks,

Christopher

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Guest christoper

I just got the complete setup, this is it:

Alexa XT body

Arri High speed primes

Bartech Wireless follow focus

Teradeck bolt

Clip-on mattbox LMB-15

 

What do you say?

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I tried the zephyr rig once with a red epic, master primes, bfd, and a modules 3000, down converter, and clip on MB.

I had major vibration issues especially with low mode.

If you don't want the vibration issues just stand still. No problem.haha...

I quickly switched the camera to my pro sled and arm. No more vibrations.

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I would cross hire another rig in for this one, that lot will shake the zephyr like a wet noodle in normal mode, let alone low mode, you are sitting right at or just beyond the limit of the rig with that set-up as Thomas said the slightest thing like a cinetape or even a couple of filters could easily push you over what even the arm could take, let alone your sled.

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Yeah this is not a good idea. Its always tempting to think about the short term in these situations but if you show up with the wrong gear to big job, it could haunt you for years. Hire out a bigger rig or give the job to someone who will owe you a favor even if it stings its worth it. The zephyr is not made for a full sized camera like the alexa

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Christopher

 

That's a lot for that rig

 

I take a different tack and say that's a lot for my set up any chance you can get me a scarlet or epic (pick something you think would work) and say this way ill be set up and ready while A camera is working and you'll have no down time etc when you need steadicam.

 

It will save you money and time and personnel etc.

 

Make it a positive. Good luck

 

Janice

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hello chris,

 

a 24V cable? i'm not sure that zephyr's internal wiring will be robust enough to carry power for a hungry AlxXT. zephyr owners would chime in about it.

 

Also, attempting to put more to a rig can handle might cause irreparable damage to your vest, arm, gimbal, center post, top stage etc. A sudden arm failure might also harm you and the camera package which in turn will harm your reputation badly. you should consider either renting a full sized rig for the job or somehow get the production use a smaller package although i wouldn't dare to ask that to a production.

 

 

fly safe

 

ps: you should use your full name on the forum. change it quick before the teacher sees you ;)

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There is a 24V option on the Zephyr with the additional battery plate http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/875137-REG/steadicam_807_7350_02_small_dovetail_ab_battery.html

but I didn't even bought for my Zephyr it because I don't think it's a good idea to overload your sled with a heavy camera. If production has an alexa they should have the budget for a full size rig.

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Guest christoper

I appreciate all the details you guys gave me, I'll try to convince the production to change the camera otherwise I'll give the job for someone else since there are no appropriate steadicams available for rent in the country.

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