Premium Members Afton Grant Posted October 6, 2005 Premium Members Report Share Posted October 6, 2005 After months of searching and financial war, I finally found and purchased my first full sized package. It's a second hand Master Elite. Perfect running condition and includes a good amount of accessories. One of the larger accessories is a Seitz 8710A Dual Channel Focus System with 2 Heden M26P motors. As with the rest of the gear, the Seitz is well used. I've powered everything up just fine. The motors operate fine. I haven't yet been on a show that's allowed me to put the system to the real test yet, but so far so good. I've always been one to desire brand new over second hand when at all possible. I prefer the comfort of knowing the exact history and behavior of a product. I prefer the comfort of dealer/manufacturer support as well. That being said, I've been thinking about selling the Seitz so that I can purchase a new Bartech system. Not being too familiar with a Seitz system, and unable to find much literature online, I don't know if this would be worthwhile or not. The Seitz is dual channel, that's good. Is it a durable system? Should I have any concerns about it being second hand and several years old? What is the approximate value of the system (excluding motors)? If the Seitz is worth keeping, I'll certainly do that. It's just my unfamiliarity with the system, as well as the abundance of good literature and reports about the Bartech system that make me consider making the trade. As always, I greatly appreciate all advice. Regards, Afton Grant Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members charlesneufeld Posted October 6, 2005 Premium Members Report Share Posted October 6, 2005 Hey Afton, I also purchased a old Seitz and it works great for my application. However, when I do upgrade, a Bartech system is next in-line. These systems, while now out of date, were the system to use for quite a long time... 5-8 years I think??? I have a lot of documentation for the Seitz. If you need them let me know. Good luck in your decision Charles Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcin Brauer Posted October 6, 2005 Report Share Posted October 6, 2005 Hi Afton. Well I`m useing my Seitz for almost a year now, and it is working just great. My unit is about 10 year old and there are absolutly no signs of it (only looks - most of the crew laughs and play with it as it would be a radio transmiter from WWII - but that all). Most of the time I`m working on Low RF setting and still the range is just amazing. I have 3 battery kits - 2 orginal, 1 custom made by myself (simply with 9AA accus). Because it is a older device you shouldn`t have any problems with serviceing (I doubt if you will ever need it) and makeing new battery kit is plain simple. Especialy considering that one battery with 1,1Ah will last for 3 days of shooting with Low RF setting (I don`t use the Hi option much so I don`t know how much it would run on it, but should be a day with no problem). The configuration of the unit is also simple, it is just enough to remember on what focus value you started setting up and then you can change the rings to diferent lenses with without loosing scale. I`m always putting the channel knobs "+" "-" to zero and seting the lens to 3 feet than I turn the scale-knob to go to infinity by adjusting the "+" knob (that depend on the side of lens you put the motor on - on other side it would be "-" knob). When I go to Inf. I turn the scale-knob to other end and aim the lens to the lowest focusing distance. And that`s it. Now when you change lenses and than go back the the first on it is enought to do the same procedure exacly and the scale doesn`t have to be retyped on the dial. I don`t know if that make sens - but I have to say that Seitz is great when you use to it. Enjoy the new rig! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TJ Williams Posted October 14, 2005 Report Share Posted October 14, 2005 REading this I remembered that I have an extra Seitz amp and junction box and a backup receiver out in the storage room. I think two amps will let you gang two motors on stiff lenses. also for backup. if the would be useful to you let me know. TJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcin Brauer Posted October 14, 2005 Report Share Posted October 14, 2005 Hi TJ, This gear should be very easy to repare but just in case a backup would be nice :) Could you make some photos? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Kapil Verma Posted October 18, 2005 Premium Members Report Share Posted October 18, 2005 hey guys...i've been using bfd with m one for two years now...its a great combination and would alwayz prefer bfd to any other device.... kapil verma. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Igor Savatovic Posted October 28, 2005 Premium Members Report Share Posted October 28, 2005 Hi Marcin I also have Seitz FF, but my batteries are almost "dead". You said it's quite simple to make a custom made batteries!? Do you have some photos, bluprints, anything,.. so I can make few!? please be free to send me any kind of info. Kind Regards, igor 1 custom made by myself (simply with 9AA accus). Because it is a older device you shouldn`t have any problems with serviceing (I doubt if you will ever need it) and makeing new battery kit is plain simple. Especialy considering that one battery with 1,1Ah will last for 3 days of shooting with Low RF setting Enjoy the new rig! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcin Brauer Posted October 28, 2005 Report Share Posted October 28, 2005 Hi Igor, I have made them myself - just disassebled one battery and copy all holes and joints. Unfortunatly I don`t have any photos of the production process and the cover film is not transparent. You can check the final resault at: http://www.steadipixels.com/seitz.jpg - the red ones. I got a few extra connectors left, so if you would like I can make 2 battery packs for you. There is 9 cells per battery, one cell 2700mAh costs around ?2, so I guess I can make two of them for around 50-60? plus shipping. 2700 mAh - I never tried it out till the end, but on one set I forgot to take the charger, and one battery last for 3 day of shooting still not blinking empty, it was only 3 day at remote location, when I returned I charged them again. But I will beat thay can handle 5+ days. Let me know if you are interested. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Igor Savatovic Posted October 31, 2005 Premium Members Report Share Posted October 31, 2005 Thanks Marcin, I will definetlly thnk about it! Can you send me your emil, contacts,... so I can contact you if I will need the batteries? igor.savatovic@zg.htnet.hr regards, igor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcin Brauer Posted October 31, 2005 Report Share Posted October 31, 2005 Igor, The mail with info is on the way. Afton, Did you decided to let the Seitz go? If so let me know the price as I could now a guy who would want to buy it. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Afton Grant Posted October 31, 2005 Author Premium Members Report Share Posted October 31, 2005 Igor,The mail with info is on the way. Afton, Did you decided to let the Seitz go? If so let me know the price as I could now a guy who would want to buy it. Thanks! I did actually, and it has been sold. Thanks to everyone for their interest and advice. Unfortunately, Jim is backordered on the BFD's, but I do own a new M-One motor and should have a BFD to run it very soon. Best, Afton Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcin Brauer Posted November 22, 2005 Report Share Posted November 22, 2005 Just out of curiosity, does any of you guys have a manual for Seitz focus system? I would very much appreciate if someone could send me a PDF version :) Thanks in advance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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