Steadicam Flyer Newbie Question...

[Fabrice Maurel]

Hi,

 

I would like to know the differences between the Low Mode kit and the Low Mode Cage? Do you need the low mode kit to use with the low mode cage? What does the low mode cage add?

 

Cheers.

[Eric Fletcher S.O.C.]

What is the "low mode Kit"? a low mode cage is exactly that a cage that you put the camera in. It tends to make the camera ride lower than a low mode bracket and that can cause some center of gravity issues

[Chip Monk]

What is the "low mode Kit"? a low mode cage is exactly that a cage that you put the camera in. It tends to make the camera ride lower than a low mode bracket and that can cause some center of gravity issues

 

The Low Mode Kit is probably the handle clamp.

[Kareem La Vaullee]

In the Steadicam accessories brochure that you can find here there is the Flyer's Low Mode Kit and Low Mode Kit parts :

 

 

And the Low Mode Cage :

 

 

Prices are here.

 

K.

[Fabrice Maurel]

Right, so if I understand I must have the low mode bracket "kit" for low mode operation. The low mode cage would be optional and put the camera even lower? but either way I would need the low mode kit to use the low mode cage...right? :unsure:

[paul magee]

Right, so if I understand I must have the low mode bracket "kit" for low mode operation. The low mode cage would be optional and put the camera even lower? but either way I would need the low mode kit to use the low mode cage...right? :unsure:

 

 

Hey Fabrice,

 

Depending on how you post your footage all you really need is the F Bracket. You don't need to use

the handle bracket or the low mode cage just keep the camera mounted as is. When you go into low mode invert the image on your monitor. When you get to post just have them flip the footage.

This does not apply to film cameras going straight to print, Directors who will not flip their monitors or

live to air performance situations where the TD can not perform the flip.

This is the fastest way to make the switch to low mode as you don't have to remount the camera.

Just dock, add the F Bracket, invert the image - tweak the rig and your off.

 

I'm sure you'll hear it from the moderators but you'll need to change your log-in to your full name.

Good luck

 

Paul Magee

[Alec Jarnagin SOC]

Fabrice,

 

"I'm sure you'll hear it from the moderators but you'll need to change your log-in to your full name."

 

Consider it said... and welcome of course.

[Clark Cooper]

Depending on how you post your footage all you really need is the F Bracket. You don't need to use

the handle bracket or the low mode cage just keep the camera mounted as is...

This is the fastest way to make the switch to low mode as you don't have to remount the camera.

Just dock, add the F Bracket, invert the image - tweak the rig and your off.

 

 

Paul,

 

This is exactly what I've done on the last few jobs. Works great. I use a Flyer and I'm typically flying an HVX200, Z1U, HD100 or XLH1. I do not have an F Bracket and from the pictures alone, I cannot tell how this will be of any benefit. Obviously the cage (or any method of distancing the camera from hitting my leg, while allowing me to get the camera even lower to the ground) would be of benefit, but what does the F Bracket do, that simply flipping the rig (and flipping footage in post) doesn't already do?

[Jerry Holway]

but what does the F Bracket do, that simply flipping the rig (and flipping footage in post) doesn't already do?

 

The original J-bracket and the F-brackets and D-brackets return the arm to the its normal position in a gap between the battery and camera.

 

This is especially important if the gimbal is high near the camera (its typical position), as flipping to low mode without a bracket will leave the arm next to the camera, and you will not be able to switch, panning and tilting hit the arm sooner, etc.

 

The other thing the brackets do is get the lens lower, and you can use this fact creatively: either to get the lens lower (the typical use) or to get the lens higher in low mode (don't use the bracket!)

 

Jerry

[Alec Jarnagin SOC]

"The other thing the brackets do is get the lens lower, and you can use this fact creatively: either to get the lens lower (the typical use) or to get the lens higher in low mode (don't use the bracket!)"

 

I'd add that this good advice is by no means restricted to low mode. Using a J-bracket in high mode can sometimes get the lens just where you need it faster than switching to low mode and fighting to raise the camera. Very good for people sitting on sofas, etc. Think of it as another tool to alter your lens height just as you would any other arm post.