Tiffen announces new low cost Steadicams at NAB 07 - *** Now Shipping! ***

ade4all said:
sorry if this is a bit off topic but just looked at the updated tiffen website & they say in the new arm & vest section
"...Merlin was rated to carry camcorders weighing only as much as six pounds (2.7 kg)."
whilst the existing information has always stipulated (& still says) maximum of 5 pounds. Just wondered if 6 pounds is now understood to be ok with the original plastic gimbal - this could make a big difference to me as far as adding accessories to the dvx. Don't want to try it though only to break my gimbal cause of a typo
Click to expand...

I would not personally go over the 5 pounds. There must be a reason Tiffen set it at this limit 2-3 years ago.

Even if the current gimbal could lift 6 pounds, you can be assured you'd be weakening the plastic every time you used it. The biggest danger is to the plastic ring bearing in the gimbal and the small section connecting the handle to the gimbal. I wouldn't want to put these parts under undue stress.

It's also worth noting (for those who dont own one) that the gimbal isn't entirely plastic. There is one main pan bearing in there that is made of metal already, but connects to plastic rings for the other axis'.

- JE
 
thanks for the swift replies, had read 5.5lbs as maximum (hvx) & have found the merlin harder but still manageable to fly when getting close to that weight. Have been wanting to get the accessory plate so as to place more of the extra weight below.
looking forward to your merlin resource site james, sounds like it's going to be invaluable. on another side note (maybe i should take this to another thread?) - have been experimenting with adding extra bits on the dvx & think i have it flying quite well but wondered if other people have better configurations for similar set ups - the merlincookbook only mentions camera & battery configs, maybe a new thread with users putting different accessory set ups would be a useful addition to this already fantastic site?
 
MerlinResource.com will have the first dedicated forum for JR and Merlin users. Myself and Mikko will be there and maybe the great man himself Garrett Brown.

If the scripting goes well it will allow you to log in to the site access forums and post pictures and even videos of your Steadicam Rigs/Work.

Naturally we'll be writing up tips, tricks, pics, etc, etc.

You'll almost certainly be able to share your variations on balancing.
 
James,
Those pics were fantastic. I especially appreciate the detail of the socket block connection--never seen one before. Thanks so much for posting. Looking forward to your new site.
gco
 
To add to James' comments..

The absolout limit for the original (plastic) gimble is 5.5lbs of camera weight. Any more than that and you are risking gimble faliure - maybe not a clean break, but you may warp it in a way that won't show untill you review your shots in post and they wonder a little too much.

The Metal gimble is the only way to fly camera payloads of over 5.5lbs. ..up to 7lbs.


- Mikko
 
I'm pretty much sold on the Pilot. When will pricing be available on all the accessories? I'm going to want the low-mode, vehicle, and tilt options. Also, when will availability be announced so I know when to sell my Glidecam V16? Thanks!
 
Most of the accessories are the same accesories as are used for the Flyer. The lowmode kit and vehical mount kit are allready available from Steadicam (and their vendors)

The Pilot should be available towards the later half of this summer. Not sure when the Tilt option will be available - possibly the same time.

- Mikko
 
I called Tiffen today and asked when the Pilot was going to be available. She put me on hold for a while then came back and said they were trying for May!!!.
Whos to say whether she asked another clerk or somebody in production. Sooner would be good. We'll see.
 
Mikko,

I found the pricing on the Low Mode kit for the Flyer. Is the video cage an addon for the Low Mode kit or is the same as Low Mode kit but with the cage? I can't tell because $550 seems like a lot for just a cage.

Also I couldn't find a vehicle mount kit for the Flyer in the price list.
 
There are multiple parts:

The "F-bracket", which is a piece that goes between the arm and the Gimble that allows the sled to hang lower off the arm.
The F-bracket looks like this:
192877.jpg



The "low-mode Clamp", which is a peice that clamps around the handle of your camera and has mounting holes in to. This allows you to mount the camera to the stage by it's handle - allowing it to "hang" below a upside-down sled in Low-Mode

The "Low mode kit" includes both the F-backet and the Low-Mode Clamp.
It looks like this:
23529.jpg

(The clamp is clampped around the F-bracket for packing, poor photo - sorry.)


In adition there is a "low mode cage" which is a cage for your camera allowing it to hang from the stage, just like the clamp. The case is for cameras without a handle to clamp to.
Here's one in use with a larger camera:
low_mode.jpg



Call Tiffen to ask about the vehical mount.


- Mikko
 
I spoke with someone in customer service at Tiffen yesterday. Unlike what I was told earlier, he confirmed availability of the vest/arm is targetted for late summer as Mikko stated earlier. He also said that could change at any time. Sooner would certainly be better.
 
Was wondering what rig I should go with the DVX-100 since I want to be able to fly the camera with a 35mm adapter. Namely the Breavis, Lethus or M2 Im not sure yet. What are you suggestions on a good rig and adapter to use with the DVX? Thanks
 
What follow focus system will you be using?

(This is a lead in question I often use in regards to 35mm adapters on Steadicam. Running a Search for "Steadicam Adapter" or various 35mm adapter brand names will find that controlling that 35mm lens on a Steadicam is supprizingly difficult, and expensive.)



With that said, the Steadicam Flyer would be about right to give you the weight capcity to carry a DVX+adapter+lens+focus reciver & motors.


- Mikko
 
Pilot in Low Mode

Pilot in Low Mode

Forgive my ignorance - I'm just getting into all this. Are there any issues with using the Pilot in Low Mode (inverted), like for Skateboard videos?
 
The Steadicam Pilot will work just fine in low mode. The same low-mode kit that is available for the Flyer will work with the Pilot.

- Mikko
 
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