Using the Steadicam Merlin with the HVX200 is a challenge. The camera's stock weight is outside the recommended weight for the Merlin. In fact, it won't even balance on the Merlin at all in its stock configuration.
So far, I have read about two ways to make these devices work with each other:
1. SMALLER BATTERY. By using the medium (2800) battery instead of the stock (5400) battery, the HVX200 total weight just edges into usefuleness. It is still over the recommended weight, but this technique appears to have been given a wink and a nudge by Merlin designer Garrett Brown.
2. ADD NEW WEIGHTS. By adding weights to the bottom of the Merlin (whether washers or by ordering one or two Merlin weights from Tiffen), weight under the Merlin can balance the stock weight of the HVX. This technique is not recommended by the manufacturer -- there is apparently a greater risk of damage to the fragile gimbal by adding any extra weights.
I plan to stick with #1 as long as possible.
Here's the thing: I just weighed the stock battery and the medium battery on a postal scale. The difference is only 2.5 ounces. Thus, the goal appears to be "Stock Minus 2.5 Ounces." That has to be achievable in a number of other ways.
Also, the Century .6 wide angle converter only weighs 9 ounces -- so if 9 more ounces can be removed from the camera, that will allow use of the converter. For me, this is a huge benefit. Wide-angle + Steadicam = awesome.
Oh, and the lens hood weighs 4.1 ounces. Since that has to come off for the wide-angle adapter, that leaves a difference of only 4.9 more ounces to remove (starting from Stock Minus 2.5).
I've been looking at my HVX like a butcher, wondering what parts can come off and how much they weigh. (Yes, I know removal of some may void the warranty.)
For reference, here's a list of parts and what they weigh on my cheapie postal scale, in ounces. I have left blank the parts I have not weighed yet (the ones that don't come off easily by hand). Anyone already know how easily these parts come off? Any others to put on the chopping block?
(If possible, I'll keep this list updated here in this first entry for easy reference.)
So far, I have read about two ways to make these devices work with each other:
1. SMALLER BATTERY. By using the medium (2800) battery instead of the stock (5400) battery, the HVX200 total weight just edges into usefuleness. It is still over the recommended weight, but this technique appears to have been given a wink and a nudge by Merlin designer Garrett Brown.
2. ADD NEW WEIGHTS. By adding weights to the bottom of the Merlin (whether washers or by ordering one or two Merlin weights from Tiffen), weight under the Merlin can balance the stock weight of the HVX. This technique is not recommended by the manufacturer -- there is apparently a greater risk of damage to the fragile gimbal by adding any extra weights.
I plan to stick with #1 as long as possible.
Here's the thing: I just weighed the stock battery and the medium battery on a postal scale. The difference is only 2.5 ounces. Thus, the goal appears to be "Stock Minus 2.5 Ounces." That has to be achievable in a number of other ways.
Also, the Century .6 wide angle converter only weighs 9 ounces -- so if 9 more ounces can be removed from the camera, that will allow use of the converter. For me, this is a huge benefit. Wide-angle + Steadicam = awesome.
Oh, and the lens hood weighs 4.1 ounces. Since that has to come off for the wide-angle adapter, that leaves a difference of only 4.9 more ounces to remove (starting from Stock Minus 2.5).
I've been looking at my HVX like a butcher, wondering what parts can come off and how much they weigh. (Yes, I know removal of some may void the warranty.)
For reference, here's a list of parts and what they weigh on my cheapie postal scale, in ounces. I have left blank the parts I have not weighed yet (the ones that don't come off easily by hand). Anyone already know how easily these parts come off? Any others to put on the chopping block?
- Regular 5400 Battery 9.5 oz
- Medium 2800 Battery 7 oz
- Century .6 converter 9 oz
- Lens hood 4.1 oz
- P2 Card 1.8 oz
- Rubber Eyepiece Cover 1 oz
- Strap
- Viewfinder
- Handle + Mic
- Cold Shoe Mount
- Small 1800 Battery
