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Newbie Introduction + questions


Carlos Hernandez

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Hello!

My name is Carlos Hernandez, I work primarily as an Assistant Camera for mostly reality based content in the Tampa Bay area. I've been intrigued with Steadicam since 2015, the delightful shots and the physical ability enticed me. However I wasn't able to get experience with a rig until December last year, with a very kind NY operator. I'm very grateful for that opportunity because it solidified my curiosity into desire. I then scheduled a Tiffen Silver Workshop in Burbank. It was scheduled in March, I almost canceled due to Covid-19 but took the risk. We all social distanced and took best practices at the time, and to my knowledge no one was exposed to Covid-19. 

 

Instead we were exposed to the extensive knowledge from Rey Reyes, Tyson Galland, and Nic Somera. They were all very helpful and encouraging. And my peers were very pleasant and impressive operators. It was a very enlightening and fun workshop, I wholeheartedly recommend it.

Then after arriving home safe, the pandemic had set in. So I haven't bothered reaching out to local Florida operators, however I know there are many productions up and running in Florida. I have two negative test results already and plan to be tested again.

Is there any op in Florida that is willing to let a newbie get in their rig? Of course, with proper safety measures taken. I definitely need more practice, so any time in a rig at all would be very helpful.

 

I will soon be buying a rig for myself. The Zephyr has been recommended to me, which I'd like to buy used if possible.

Does anyone disagree with the Zephyr as a starter rig? Any things to look out for on a used one? Do you know someone selling theres?

Any and all advice is welcome, I would love to hear from my seniors.

 

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Hey, I had a zephyr starting out, it is a great starter rig but you will outgrow in very fast. I upgraded to a Pro within a year of having mine but it was great to get started at steadicaming. I was able to fly most Red and Alexa mini camera builds with it, even with anamorphic lenses if you have the right cables. 

If you get one buy it used and make sure to have it serviced before purchasing or right after purchasing. Also try to buy one with the second battery hanger included, it will help tremendously with keeping the post short and balancing cameras at the top of it's weight range. Be careful not to overload it though because the yoke can snap after a while. 

If you have the means definitely look at getting a used Archer or older Pro rig though, as you'll be able to keep those for a long time before needing to upgrade

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On 8/26/2020 at 5:11 AM, Greg Johnson said:

Hey, I had a zephyr starting out, it is a great starter rig but you will outgrow in very fast. I upgraded to a Pro within a year of having mine but it was great to get started at steadicaming. I was able to fly most Red and Alexa mini camera builds with it, even with anamorphic lenses if you have the right cables. 

If you get one buy it used and make sure to have it serviced before purchasing or right after purchasing. Also try to buy one with the second battery hanger included, it will help tremendously with keeping the post short and balancing cameras at the top of it's weight range. Be careful not to overload it though because the yoke can snap after a while. 

If you have the means definitely look at getting a used Archer or older Pro rig though, as you'll be able to keep those for a long time before needing to upgrade

I hope I'm in need of an upgrade in a year, first I've gotta get my practice and time in. I am in the process of buying a used zephyr now, it is going into Tiffen this week. Fingers crossed.

The rig comes with a v-mount battery hanger (no 2nd yet). Do you know if I would be able to switch the plate to AB mount myself, or would I need to search for a whole replacement? 

Thank

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2 hours ago, Carlos Hernandez said:

I hope I'm in need of an upgrade in a year, first I've gotta get my practice and time in. I am in the process of buying a used zephyr now, it is going into Tiffen this week. Fingers crossed.

The rig comes with a v-mount battery hanger (no 2nd yet). Do you know if I would be able to switch the plate to AB mount myself, or would I need to search for a whole replacement? 

Thank

I think i've seen a post on the forum about with someone switching theirs but it does require rewiring the plate if you're comfortable with that. Other options are buying a whole new battery mount from Tiffen or getting a V mount to Gold mount adapter 

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