Newbie Owner of Used Masters Film needs advice

[Patrick Doyle]

Hey Folks,

 

Just purchased my first steadicam a used Master Series Film. I'm very excited about it... but I think I have to either get new batteries or recell, or change to another system other than PAG? Does anyone know a suitable system or what someone feels is the best system to go with? I already use the IDX system for a betacam, so if they are useable that would be great too.

 

Look for any thoughts. Thanks so much

 

Patrick Doyle

 

Steadicam operator owner.

[MattWyer]

Hi Patrick,

 

The first thing I will say is that EVERYONE on this forum will give you a different answer based on what they prefer, it's a bit like that with batteries.

 

I also have a Film Master rig and recently changed from the original CP Steadicam batteries to Anton Bauer Hydron 120 batteries and am so happy with them. With Digibeta kit, 2 channel radio focus and microwave on board I get a good 2 hours intense use out of each one. I don't do much film work so cannot comment on how they perform there. And they come with a three year warrantee which does give some peace of mind. Hope this helps.

 

Matt

[Patrick Doyle]

Thanks Matt,

glad to at least get some sort of idea what I can do. Where did you end up getting the work done... and does Bauer make a brackett that is an easy change over. Because with the pag system its a different locking.

 

If you can let me know, that would be great.

 

thanks again

[RobVanGelder]

Browse the forum and you will find pictures how other people solve this.

[MattWyer]

Hi Patrick,

 

I actually did the mod myself - I had a suitable AB bracket spare. I'm not sure if AB do a dedicated bracket, I think not. Anyway, if you decide to go this route once you've done your research, let me know and I'll email you some diagrams and info about which brackets will work. Best, Matt

[Hervé Colosio]

i've made that changes on my master too .

here in france there is not many AB use , it's more V-mount or Pag systems .

for more compatibility i have put PAG system .

dont be worry about changing it yourself , it's very easy .

i'm not electronical ingeneer , i dont know anathing in this , beleive me it's easy .

 

http://www.pbase.com/kindofmagik/steadicam

 

you need to make some holes (2 holes) , a little wiring of 2 cables one red one black , welding and isolate )

if you switch to pag , the pag socket is a little bigger than AB . you need to remove the little battery metter on the back of the sled . i've done this because i put a dual bubble level including a battery metter .

if you are interested in this i will release the mounting of the duale bubble internal , near the frameline generator of master series , with the buttons switchs external . i'm going to make some pictures of this release and put them here .

the dual bubble is the new marell in OEM version for integration .