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Recommendation on rig configuration


Andrew Brinkhaus

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Hello everyone, this is my first post on these boards, and first off I would like to say what a great resource the site is for up and coming owners/operators like myself.

 

I am looking into buying my first rig soon, and have been looking at the new Flyer LE system, what else should be taken into consideration when putting together a beginners package? Here is the link to the setup I've been looking at, feel free to add to the list with any/all accessories which will be needed to even get started. (Batteries, etc.)

 

Look forward to hearing your thoughts.

 

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5538...zer_System.html

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Ok, that is what I was thinking. One other thing I noticed was on the BH page, the "specifications" tab lists the monitor as High Definition, while the "Items Included" tab simply says Color LCD Monitor.

 

Does anyone know from experience if this is an SD or HD model?

Edited by Andrew Brinkhaus
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Ok, that is what I was thinking. One other thing I noticed was on the BH page, the "specifications" tab lists the monitor as High Definition, while the "Items Included" tab simply says Color LCD Monitor.

 

Does anyone know from experience if this is an SD or HD model?

Hi Andrew,

I don't think it is HD-SDI LCD

A HD-SDI HD LCD monitor is very expensive (>$2500USD)

It's impossible to have a HD-SDI monitor + the Flyer = that price!

I think they try to say it is a high resolution HDTV monitor.

And I don't think that LCD has a SD-SDI input neither.

 

Cheers,

Ken Nguyen.

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So what is the verdict there? Would the monitor still work for all intensive purposes? I notice in the "Items Included" tab they list some adapters to and from BNC to RCA, I am guessing that is how the signal would be transmitted?

 

Any other accessories that are vital to get started with the Flyer LE? Can someone suggest a specific battery package to look into?

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It's a great rig, you're gonna love it.

 

I second Chris' V-mount suggestion. Or Anton Bauer. And don't forget to get the batteries and a charger too!

 

It's a standard definition monitor. Which should be fine for you. The only HD camera you're likely to put on that rig that doesn't have a standard definition output is the Red, in which case a downconverter can be rented. The adapters they include are for adapting the video cable from the camera. The input on the sled is BNC, so if you have an RCA cable from the camera, you need an adapter.

 

As far as what else to get: A second of every cable, adapter, and screw that comes with the rig, and that dang locating pin too. Even a second dovetail if you feel so inclined. These things are all small and either easy to lose, easy to damage, or both. Once you've got your seconds, start looking into thirds of the screws and connecters.

 

And if you don't have a large enough camera to practice with, you'll want to find a weight plate to mount a smaller camera onto. There's plenty of information on the forums about options for finding those.

 

That should get you started. Good luck, and congrats on your upcoming purchase!

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Thanks for the great advice, Brian!

 

What are the main differences between the V-Mount and Anton Bauer setups? I noticed it said the "Flyer LE model features an Anton Bauer Gold Mount for 3-Stud battery compatibility." The specs page lists this as an NP mount? This is obviously a different mount type than V-Mount, is there an adapter made for this?

 

A friend of mine in the UK is developing an indie-friendly remote follow focus called the Hocus Focus, so I think that should cover any FF needs, what about wireless video assist? Is this usually something that is rented by production, or owned by the steadi-op?

Edited by Andrew Brinkhaus
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hey Andrew, welcome to this wonderful board...

Questions, questions and .. questions all these questions are for sure already be asked and answered several times !

 

You can always try to let production arrange ´extras´ for you but it is common to have a total package yourself. Remote video is just as standard as remote follow focus is. Just go for the Vmount, you can always get other battery plates and replace them if you want later on..

 

For now, enjoy the ride on this board and use the ´search´ option..

 

Best, Erik

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Sorry for all the questions being spread out over different posts, new things have been hitting me as I have been searching around the boards.

 

I tried the search function for some of my questions, and didn't come up with anything, others led to pages which led to pages which eventually led to some discussion which helped. Thanks for the tips, Erik.

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So what is the verdict there? Would the monitor still work for all intensive purposes?

Just to be clear, the most important features of a steadicam monitor are the brightness and the reflective coating. If you can't see it in bright daylight, you can't get the shot. So the number of nits is more important than the number of pixels.

 

Just curious - why did you decide on the Flyer over the Pilot?

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Weight. A lot of friends own RED systems, and I would like to be able to fly those as well as larger shoulder cams like the F900, Varicam, etc. Even these are at the top of the Flyer LE's capacity, but it is really all I can afford.

Most RED One configurations are over 19 pounds. That's my main complaint about the Flyer.

 

Have you looked into buying a used rig? For the type of stuff you're looking at, a bigger used rig would be a lot more capable. You may even be able to get some cables and other accessories in the bargain.

Edited by Dave Gish
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I think just the F900 camera body alone is out of the Flyer's weight range! :lol:

 

I bought my Flyer LE from B&H, and I went for the SD monitor, V-mount sled, Powercube battery package, and hardcase. B&H can be confusing so look at all the packages. I got all of that with the purchase of one item. You can always convert V-mount to Anton Bauer with one small adaptor plate, so that is why it was my choice..

 

Down the road, you are going to want wireless follow focus controls and wireless video, I can almost guarantee that. For those, and for most cameras you are also going to want a smorgesboard of custom adaptor cables, the RED One being one of those reasons. You can either make your own power cable cable using pinouts, or buy one from Terry West. It is essential to run that camera off of the sled if you want to put it on a Flyer and have any options for accessories!

 

I've darn near outgrown this rig already :angry: Weight range is also my biggest contention. I've pondered taking the arm into the machine shop and milling out the spring guides in the arm to allow the spring to be adjusted slightly higher :huh:

 

Let me know if I've missed anything..

Edited by Mike Germond
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