Nathan Barker Posted June 18, 2007 Report Share Posted June 18, 2007 For several months now I've been considering purchasing a glidecam v20, but after doing extensive research ive been getting a bunch of mixed reviews. Everyone has been telling prospective Glidecam v20 buyers to purchase the steadicam Flyer, and so I looked into it. I then immediately dismissed it because of the my camera weight, which is the sony HDR FX 1 with redrock 35mm adapater. All that plus matte box and rails i'm easily exceeds 15 pounds. But after doing some more research on this forum I saw a link to a thread about someone maxing out the weight of a steadicam flyer at a weight greater than 15 pounds. So my question is would it be worth purchasing and would it operate normally if i had a camera that weighed 15+ pounds? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Charles Papert Posted June 18, 2007 Premium Members Report Share Posted June 18, 2007 The arm may be able to carry more than 15 lbs but the sled won't balance it. Are you factoring in some form of remote focus, by the way? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members chris fawcett Posted June 18, 2007 Premium Members Report Share Posted June 18, 2007 Hi Nathan, When I had a Flyer, I routinely flew cameras up to 19lbs. The rig performed perfectly. Good luck with your decision! Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandon Thompson Posted June 18, 2007 Report Share Posted June 18, 2007 Nathan, I own a flyer and have successfully flown both a dvx and hvx with the M2 lens adapter w/ various lenses, M2 rods, BFD, M-One motor, and with a matte box. You will need about 5lbs of batt on the bottom to balance correctly. I have used one propac or two trimpacs. The rig flies much better the heavier it is, in my opinion. If you would like I could send you a pic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Robert Starling SOC Posted June 18, 2007 Premium Members Report Share Posted June 18, 2007 So my question is would it be worth purchasing and would it operate normally if i had a camera that weighed 15+ pounds? Hi Nathan, I was in almost your exact position when I bought my first rig which was a Flyer. I ended up upgrading to a full-sized rig within two months. Luckily Tiffen treated me super good on the trade. If you have not already done so, you should take a workshop with someone like Peter Abraham even before you buy a rig. My other suggestion is to keep an eye out for a good quality used rig from a reputable source. Spread the word and let people know (including Frank and Peter at Tiffen) that you are looking for something used since they are always talking to people who are looking to upgrade. That is how I bought my third rig through a word-of-mouth sale that enabled me to move up one more notch. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nathan Barker Posted June 18, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 18, 2007 Charles, you are right, I did forget the remote follow focus. Although that should add no more than a pound, right? Chris, cool thanks for the encouragement! Brandon, thats pretty much what I wanted to hear. So you corrected the balancing issues that Charles mentioned with extra battery weight, awesome thanks for the advice! Robert, I think contacting Tiffen might be the only way to go. I think I might just also test out the flyer and see how it works out in person. With my budget I think used rigs are the only way to go! thanks for the response! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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