Steadicam Flyer Model ID

[Jordan Collalto]

I'm looking to pick up my first Steadicam to start learning a bit while there's nothing going on in the film industry but I'm struggling to ID a model of Flyer that someone is selling locally. The red handle and balance knobs are throwing me off as most of the photos I've seen of the Flyer appear to just be black. Was this just a limited run with different colors or is the spec actually different in some way? 

If anyone feels like this isn't appropriate to learn on, I'm happy to hear other suggestions too.

Thanks for any help you can provide. I'm looking forward to learning some new skills!

[Greg Johnson]

Hey, I'm not sure about that model of flyer but I'd recommend getting a used Zephyr instead. I was able to fly most red and alexa mini camera builds with mine and it made for great starter rig. The vest and arm will be better and the sled has more power options that make flying heavier cameras and powering them through your sled a lot better  

[Andrew Stone]

That Flyer looks in very good shape. As long as the gimbal feels "frictionless" when doing a spin with a balanced camera or load on it you should be good. They are solid units. Nothing wrong with them. Only issue is you will have the equivalent of standard def cable running down the post but you can just get over that or run HD-SDI cable off the front of the sled and down to a replacement monitor like a High Def TVLogic or Marshall, at least that is what a lot of us have done. Cameras are waaaaaay lighter than they used to be so don't turn your nose up at this Steadicam. They are good beasts and it is all in the operator at a certain point. There you have it. So go ahead and learn the nobel Art.

Edited August 28, 2020 by Andrew Stone