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NAB 2019 - M2


Brad Smith

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This is the original forum for discussing steadicam.  The Facebook group is a cascade of posts.  It is easier to find and reference archived information here which makes this a better place for any info to be posted.  If you have info, it would be great to post it here for all to be able to read, see, etc instead of directing someone to go to yet another place.  Not everyone has time to scroll through countless posts on a Facebook page just to find a bit of info on a new piece of gear.

Grayson Grant Austin, SOC

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7 hours ago, Grayson Austin said:

This is the original forum for discussing steadicam.  The Facebook group is a cascade of posts.  It is easier to find and reference archived information here which makes this a better place for any info to be posted.  If you have info, it would be great to post it here for all to be able to read, see, etc instead of directing someone to go to yet another place.  Not everyone has time to scroll through countless posts on a Facebook page just to find a bit of info on a new piece of gear.

Grayson Grant Austin, SOC

Well... I thought I was helping someone. Not everyone has time to collect information and then post it here - to use your words. At least I was responding :-)

Next time I do better.

 

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What info did you have to collect?  Either you know a few things about the rig or you don’t.  The time it took you to respond to my post, you could have posted a brief bit of info and please don’t use my words.  Use your own.

Grayson Grant Austin, SOC

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So here is what I've gathered from facebook
 

It's the second "modular" sled from Tiffen.
Most parts are interchangeable with the M-1.
It is the successor to Archer2 & Shadow.

It has Volt electronics built into the topstage.

I'd love to post pictures here but they are not mine and as far as I know there is no official marketing material yet.

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My list of features on the M2 follows - Alas, the final specs for weight and min and max lengths, and of course, the pricing, are not done. Some post-NAB tweaks are in the works, and I believe Tiffen will announce it all officially by CineGear, if not sooner.

M2 highlights

Overall 

Lightweight, stiff, modular, 12/24v + 3rdbattery, integral Volt electronics, Volt ready gimbal, +/– tilt head, 3x HDSDI lines. G-50X companion sled.

Modularity

Stage, base, and posts are fully interchangeable with M1 components, both mechanically and electronically.

Stage features

Very low profile

Large size, longer dovetail plate, updated hole pattern

Tool-free dovetail plate lock and release, identical to M1

Integral Volt “brain” electronics inside stage (optional feature)

3x HDSDI ports, 2x Lemo power ports, tally connector, 2x P-taps

+/– 10 degree tilt head

Post systems

Standard 2 post system

Shorter 2 post system

Also available with M1’s 2 and 3-stage post systems

Gimbal

High precision bearings

Volt ready

Integrated Volt encoder ring

Tool-free post clamp

Handle for .500, .625, or .740 arm posts

Monitor mount to center post

Tool-free, solid design

Clamp lever for height adjustment

Inserts for different post sizes

15mm rods on 60mm centers

Monitor

Universal monitor mount

Choice of many monitors

Base

3x HDSDI connectors

2x Power port

Monitor port

Low profile

Integral 3rdbattery mount (optional)

Dovetail base (optional)

Cheeseplate base (optional)

Battery mount

2x IDX or AB (IDX mount now with battery release protectors)

Switchable 12/24 volts

3rd battery on/off switch

12 volt P-taps on each battery

USB power tap

 

 

Edited by Jerry Holway
oops
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Thanks Jerry,

Very helpful.  Being an M1 Volt system owner already, it’s nice to hear that new components are interchangeable with the things I already own.  After many years of owning just about every professional rig out there, I can say that I really love my Volt rig.  What it does is truly innovative.  It still feels like operating a regular rig thanks to its ability to be adjusted to your preference of “feel” but it’s impact is both subtle and profound at the same time.  As with any rig, there are a few tiny things I would love to see done a bit differently, (one of which is the integration of the encoder ring into the gimbal) but overall it is fantastic.

a couple of questions about the M2:

If the post size for the M2 is the same as the M1, what makes them different other than length options?  Is the two stage post any lighter in weight, etc?

Can the V Lock release safety be retrofitted to the M1?  I run my battery box upside down and the release is dangerous.

Overall is the M2 (in a similar configuration) lighter than the M1?

Any chance that the motor strength can be raised from the M1 Volt maximum?  Just curious.

Also, I wish the motor disengage was a button at the gimbal handle instead of a switch at the control box.  As often as that switch gets used, I am concerned that it will go bad sooner than later.

 

Finally,

To Andreas,

The use of the word “whatever” in response to me is universally known as a rude, disrespectful term to dismiss what the other person has said in a conversation and in my opinion has no place in any conversation between adults but especially not on this professional forum.  Then you iced your disrespectful cake with the phrase, “I hope you have joy in your life!”.  If you truly cared about me having joy in my life, you would not have been rude and disrectful in the first place, and yes, I have great joy in my life.

i tried to give you some advise and instruction on how you might help this forum and other operators better which you could have either taken or ignored.  Instead, you took the low road.

My last piece of advice to you is this:

The next time a veteran Steadicam operator with over twenty five years of experience and multiple Academy Award winning films to their credit including this years Academy Award winner for Best Picture, “The Green Book” tries to give you some advice, if it’s relevant and useful to you, take it.  If it isn’t, ignore it and go on with your life but do your best not to be rude and disrespectful to them (or anyone for that matter).  This is a small community and you never know when you might need their help someday.

Please note that there is no use of extreme punctuation in my posts (like you used in yours) and therefore no tone implied.  Just a matter of fact any my opinion.  This will be the last time I’ll waste anymore space on the general forum over this silliness.

Grayson Grant Austin, SOC

 

 

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Grayson -

If the post size for the M2 is the same as the M1, what makes them different other than length options?  Is the two stage post any lighter in weight, etc?

Standard post diameter is 1.58, like the U2, Masters, Clippers, Shadow, etc. Posts are not indexed, lighter than M1's, and monitor rod spacing is at 60mm, not 100 mm like M1. Only comes in a 2 section post, but in two lengths, "standard" similar to Shadow and shorter. Exact lengths TBD. Monitor bracket at post slightly lighter than M1's and easier to use. Or you can use M1's 2 or 3 section post & monitor bracket, your choice. The new gimbals work with spacers for different diameter posts; all are the same with the encoder ring inside if equipped with the Volt.

Can the V Lock release safety be retrofitted to the M1?  I run my battery box upside down and the release is dangerous.

Yes, it's a non-destructive add on. I made a bunch of prototype "protectors," 3D printed, that I (and others) glued directly to existing V-mount battery mounts. I'll sell a set for cheap (I made a bag of extras) and postage if anyone wants set. BTW, I made these for IDX V mounts, some other brands I know are different and don't have the same shaped release button.

Overall is the M2 (in a similar configuration) lighter than the M1?

Much lighter (no exact number yet, still shaving off excess material)

Any chance that the motor strength can be raised from the M1 Volt maximum?  Just curious.

No - the same motors & power as the M1.

Hope this helps...

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