Balancing the anamorphic lens and merlin

Z

ZoeNecrosis

New member
Hello. I am wondering if anyone has had any luck finding the right combination of settings to put the dvx100b in dynamic balance with the anamorphic lens adaptor attached to it. I've been struggling and can't seem to find the right combination of dovetail plate hole, weights and whatnot to get it right. I know people have had luck with the widescreen adaptor, but I'm pretty set on using the anamorphic lens. Does anyone have some helpful specs or advice?
 
Well, just when I think I've got it all balanced, it begins wobbling on its own. I take that as a sign that it's too heavy up top and I need to place the center of gravity lower, below the gimble. But then I end up with it swinging like a penjulum, therefore being too bottom heavy. I can't seem to find the right combination to make it stop swaying one way or another. What's more, I can't figure out which stage hole I should be using. Normally the stage hole would be 'G' but the anamorphic adaptor is so heavy that I don't think that applies.
 
Zoe I have balanced the merlin with an ana lense, but sorry to say didnt write the settings down.

I do remember how I did it though.

First for the additional weight I added an extra counter weight at the bottom.

I balanced the camera on one finger to find its true center I then aligned the dovetail to that postion (Garret does this on the DVD).

Worked out fine.
 
With the camera normally in G, more weight on the front will require you to move the camera back. You can either slide the dovetail back on the stage if there is space. Or you can get a jump start by moving the camera back to hole L.

Ncje's comment about one extra wiehgt sounds about right. It might be a little much depeding on the lens (remember, one weight for about ever 1lb of weight up top).

You want your drop time at about 1.5sec with the Merlin.

- Mikko
 
Mikko and Ncje - thanks for the advice. Naturally I've tried all these techniques and still can't get it to hold still. If only I knew with confidence which hole to be using maybe I could eventually get there. I wonder: what weights are you two using on the front of the camera? The cookbook suggests only a finish weight, but Garret, using only the dvx by itself, suggested using a mid and finish weight due to its momentum.
 
More weight = more stabaility, but a heavier rig. It's personal preferenace which set up to use.
The cookbook as been updated since the video was made. Garrett found a 'better' configuration for the DVX - that uses less weights.

The hole that you choose on the dovetail plate doesn't really matter that much. It's possible to balance almost any camera in almost any hole. It's not a case of "the right hole" but only "the more convenient hole".
Use hole G or L for the DVX with a lens accessory. And you should be able to balance fine sliding the dovetail and using the stage trim.

Can you describe in more detail what you mean by "wobbling on it's own" Is this when you are moving or keeping still, does it tilt one way or wobble back and forth in some way?

- Mikko
 
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