ckf Posted June 18, 2004 Report Share Posted June 18, 2004 I have a small production company. I have researched the under 5000 market for "Steadicam" products. Sorry if it offends you all to even ask, but what product is the best overall investment...I gather that NOTHING compares to the original Steadicam, but I own the ENTIRE company. (Always need to invest in all kinds of equipment, need to keep costs down) I just need to add "steadi" shots to many productions. If it were you what product would you buy for under 5000? Glidecam? Hollywood lite? Magiqcam? Basson? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Alec Jarnagin SOC Posted June 18, 2004 Moderators Report Share Posted June 18, 2004 "If it were you what product would you buy for under 5000?" A real Steadicam Op & gear for two days! Sorry, I couldn't resist. Umm, I think if you check the archives, you'll find some info. Also I'm not sure what it costs, but the new Tiffen Steadicam Flyer looks way cool! I think it is only a bit more than that (?) Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckf Posted June 18, 2004 Author Report Share Posted June 18, 2004 Thanks. I'll look up the "Flyer" from Tiffen. I have searched the site and there isn't much other than a "slam" session on Basson. That's fine. I'm just gathering info and perspective. What is the cost of the setup that you use? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Charles Papert Posted June 18, 2004 Premium Members Report Share Posted June 18, 2004 Yes, the Flyer is a bit more than that, but assuming your camera is within its weight range (4-15 lbs), it's the way to go. The arm performs as well as ones out there at any price, certainly far beyond the competition, and the LCD monitor is impressive in sunlight. Please insert the usual "I don't work for them" disclaimer here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckf Posted June 18, 2004 Author Report Share Posted June 18, 2004 I just checked out your reel Alec. Nice work. Thanks Charles. I appreciate the info. Thanks for the "I don't work for them" info too. I use several DSR Series cameras. They fit the weight parameters. Have you ever flown this thing? If so what would you say about it's weaknesses if any? Thanks again for the info. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckf Posted June 18, 2004 Author Report Share Posted June 18, 2004 It looks like the winner is: NONE. :D I'll be looking into the "Flyer" to see what it's got. Thanks again guys. CKF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Brad Grimmett Posted June 18, 2004 Premium Members Report Share Posted June 18, 2004 CKF, Check out Tiffen You can find info about the Flyer and other rigs there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Charles Papert Posted June 19, 2004 Premium Members Report Share Posted June 19, 2004 ckf: Before someone else gets around to it, I'll pass on the ground rule that real names are preferred around these parts--mostly because "ckf" is hard to pronounce without spitting unintentionally...! I flew the Flyer (hmm) at Cinegear last weekend and they had to sedate me to get me to take it off, I loved it so. Never felt that way about the "little" rigs before. The only issues I saw were in the vest, and I have been assured that they will be addressed by the production model. (If you are still in a reel-watching mood, you can peek at mine here. Alec, your reel is looking great! Nice work indeed!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Alec Jarnagin SOC Posted June 20, 2004 Moderators Report Share Posted June 20, 2004 CKF, Thanks for the kind words (and you too Charles, especially cool coming from you because you got me into this mess!). CKF, I hope you understood my sense of humor and realized I was just being a little sarcastic with "the hire an op." I refuse to use those damn little smily face things in my posts, relying on my writing skills to keep me out of trouble, but considering all the languages and cultural backgrounds here, perhaps I'm just fooling myself. I have not flown the Flyer, but I have flown the Mini with Garrett Brown's version of the arm (which is similar/identical to the flyer arm). What an amazing set up! I'm half tempted to buy a Flyer for those occasions I see DV. The existing Mini is a neat little rig too, but the production version of the arm leaves much to be desired (as does the LCD monitor). If you can swing it, The Flyer will be great. I did rent a stock mini (no, I take that back because it had a Cinemonitor II on it) once for a shoot, exploring "The Hi-Line" here in New York. This is the abandoned elevated train that runs from 34th Street downtown, that many wish to turn into a park, as it is becoming overwhelmed by nature. They had already shot a bunch of footage up there with their staff cameraman and a hand held Glidecam. The results were awful, so they found me. Wanting to walk the entire length of the tracks (approx 1.5 miles) on one of the hottest days of the year, shooting with the little Panasonic 24P, the Mini was the way to go. At one point, I had to take off the rig, pass it through a hole in a chain link fence, crawl through myself and then re-don the rig. It was actually a very fun experience. While I can't post a picture in this thread, I posted some at www.steadicenter.com (under Operators) some time back. The thing to remember with any of the rigs, is that in the end, it all boils down to the operator. Practice, practice, practice. Best, Alec Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PatrickvanWeeren Posted June 20, 2004 Report Share Posted June 20, 2004 Dear fellow-ops, If I recall: The flyer costs approx. $6500 no tax etc. and without batteries. Be carefull: buying a rig doesn't give you the capacity to fly it. Be carefull: I'm not on the payroll: but did demo it at Cinegear. Although the flyer is lightweight; that doesn't mean that it's easier to fly. It's easier to practice with th Flyer. Personally I think that the workshops are a great thing and will be a better investment than buying a rig at first. Regards, Patrick van Weeren Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckf Posted June 21, 2004 Author Report Share Posted June 21, 2004 Hey Guys!! I think the best choice I made was to join this forum! You all have such helpful advise. I am seriously considering the "Flyer." I may go with the Glidecam V-16...knowing that it is inferior, but less expensive. I'm looking at a upgrade with my NLE and it's gonna hurt the budget. But I have noted the great advise that you all give. 1- Get some training. 2- Practice makes perfect. 3- Buying a rig doesn't mean I can use it. (with skill) 4- The "Flyer" is a breakthrough product (for the price.) 5- Use my name, not abbreviations (hehe, sorry) You guys are awesome. As for the other reel, I'll check it out today...I promise. Thanks again, I really appreciate your perspective and input. I'm sure that I'll continue to ask questions if you all don't mind. ps...I didn't use the name that I go by because it's so rare that I'm the only one in the world. I have my Grandfather's name....Kingi. I was raised in the USA and also New Zealand. I'm a dual citizen and a New Zealand Native. (Maori) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckf Posted June 21, 2004 Author Report Share Posted June 21, 2004 What about this sled on ebay? http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...3822838140&rd=1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members David Allen Grove Posted June 21, 2004 Premium Members Report Share Posted June 21, 2004 Why is it every time I see a post from CKF I get in the mood for chicken fingers, cole slaw and mashed potatos w/gravey? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Charles Papert Posted June 21, 2004 Premium Members Report Share Posted June 21, 2004 Ki ora! Had an INCREDIBLE vacation in NZ and Oz a few months back--South Island is my new favorite place on earth. That rig on eBay (although owned by Ozzie Silvaro, a lovely chap) is lacking a vest and arm, so you would be having to hunt those down as well. It's a bit hard to recommend a system of that vintage these days. The monitor is very small by today's standards (and monochrome), but quite bright; but let me ask you this, how are your soldering skills? Because you'll be sure to need to work them on a semi-regular basis with an older rig like that, plenty of tinkering required. If you were planning on working your way up to a full-size rig, that would be an inexpensive way to get started (you would spend more money on a decent vest and arm, and keep those down the road when you upgrade the sled). But realistically--it's probably not the way you'd want to go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckf Posted June 21, 2004 Author Report Share Posted June 21, 2004 Thanks yet again. And Kia ora back to you. My name comes from Mete Kingi Reihana. My grandfather. My mother Maku Mete Kingi Reihana includes both her mother and father's name. (Kinda cool)....I love New Zealand. I can't wait to go back home again...it has been to long. About the steadi stuff...I am thinking it's going to either be the "Flyer" or the V-16 Glidecam. Is the Glidecam just a TOTAL piece of hud or what? (That is a question) Have you ever flown one? (Or know someone who has?) I hear nothing but good stuff about the "Flyer"...any knowledge about Glidecam? Thanks again for your input. By the was I lived on the North Island the whole time I lived there. I lived in Hamilton and Kawa Kawa (near Whangerie). Thanks again. You guys are awesome!! Kingi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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