Merlin Sleight of Hand...

ScottNelson

ScottNelson

Well-known member
Just replaced a worthless Glidecam4000 with a new Merlin from B&H (make sure you specify the new metal gimbal model) that arrived minus the tripod plate. A call to Tiffen revealed that, even though all manuals, DVD's and .pdf's list the plate as an included accessory, they (Tiffen) decided not to ship it any longer with the system.

Harry, the product manager from Tiffen, explained that even though they've had many complaints from recent buyers, they feel that since Garrett's signature is no longer on the unit and they've improved the gimbal, they're justified in charging an extra $20 plus shipping for the plate and that they will get around to changing the literature in the future.

OK, it's only 20 bucks - no big deal - but whatever happened to truth in advertising and delivering what's promised.

I think it's another example of arrogance in a large corporation buying a smaller company and ignoring the customer base and service commitment built up over the years by Garrett Brown.
 
Snp,
Is it really advertising if it's on a price sheet? I understand your frustration, but Steadicam and Tiffen offer something very unique in the camera world. There's glidecam and others. However, I think there is merit in the variety of models now offered from Tiffen. They have something for everyone! Yeah they may have forgot to take off the fact about that plate. However, do keep in mind that Tiffen is acquiring Vista and is very busy this time of year with various Expos and the such. I myself have not yet purchased a steadicam device so I may not know the half of it. But the film industry is run by big corporations. They enable faster manufacturing times, lower manufacturing costs, and thus lower prices. Would you be using the Merlin if it cost $30,000 ? Just food for thought. Sucks that B&H didn't know that it wasn't included!
 
jstunzi said:
Snp,
Is it really advertising if it's on a price sheet?
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In many places, a price sheet is considered an offer, which when accepted constitutes a contract. While Tiffen may have a good case for increasing their price by $20, it really is not a very good practice to keep using marketing materials which mis-state the specs of the products they are offering. Let's hope they "get around" to changing their materials sooner rather than later.

That said, I was unaware that the Merlin now had an improved gimbel. Does that mean the capacity of the Merlin is now adequate for the HVX with a few accessories, as opposed to being borderline OK, as it was with the old gimbel. If so, I may be interested in getting one, even if the price has increased by $20.00.
 
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Yes, I believe the weight limit for the metal gimbal is 7 lbs (although it still says 5 lbs. on the box) so it could support HVX and probably 1-2 accessories.

I just got mine yesterday (to use w/ a DVX) and I was searching for that tripod plate. I thought maybe it had been left out on accident. That is kind of cheap of them. I'd rather they just raised the price $20 rather than force everyone who gets the new kit to call them back just to order the tripod plate. B&H doesn't sell the tripod plate separately.

That said, when I buy the tripod plate, I'm also think of getting the Obie light. Anyone with the Merlin think this is a useful accessory?

OG
 
OGshooter said:
Yes, I believe the weight limit for the metal gimbal is 7 lbs (although it still says 5 lbs. on the box) so it could support HVX and probably 1-2 accessories.

I just got mine yesterday (to use w/ a DVX) and I was searching for that tripod plate. I thought maybe it had been left out on accident. That is kind of cheap of them. I'd rather they just raised the price $20 rather than force everyone who gets the new kit to call them back just to order the tripod plate. B&H doesn't sell the tripod plate separately.

That said, when I buy the tripod plate, I'm also think of getting the Obie light. Anyone with the Merlin think this is a useful accessory?

OG
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The new gimbal will definitely support more weight. I did find, however, that the Z axis needs to be set to zero plus, in addition to the tripod plate, I ordered one additional mid weight. I've tested it with both the HVX, minus the matte box and rails, and the Z1 with a Lectro UHF receiver on board.

One thing I did find is, mounting the Lectro with velcro on the bottom of the camera behind the plate, lowered the center of gravity substantially and made it easier to balance. Mounting it high on the handle did not work.

Haven't tried the Obie light.
 
Obie light is cool that is taps into the battery, but check out Zylight. I prefer my Zy to anything else I have because it's so customizable. Mounting isn't the problem with the Z50 or Z90. Its the battery issue. Doesn't the Obie also require the Junior's battery? The Merlin doesn't have battery options so how would you power ol' Obie here? Wait just looked at price. That Obie light is really cheap. Cool! So power how do you do it?
 
I appreciate hearing this, and, upon hearing the product manager's reply, I will not be buying from Tiffen or Merlin. They lied, plain and simple, and when called on it, still extorted you and shrugged.

I will not buy from them and I would encourage others not to as well. That product manager should be fired for giving his company such a bad reputation, and the company should be fined for not taking care of their customers.
 
mrWr0ng: While I understand your frustration and will admit that I've been using a Glidecam 4000 with the arm brace for the past few months for my stuff, I must say maybe we don't need to shun Tiffen. I totally see your frustration, but maybe it was simply something Tiffen overlooked by accident. Also, the tripod plate isn't as big a deal seeing as it is an "accessory." It enables you to move your camera quickly from the Merlin to your tripod. The tripod plate does not inhibit your use of the Merlin system, only how easily you can remove your camera from the system. Just for clarification
 
All this agita over 20 bucks? Are you kidding me? The Merlin is an engineering marvel, with killer design to boot. I rarely shoot at all without it. You need to chill out with the idealism, and just hand over the Jackson to Tiffen.
 
jstunzi said:
mrWr0ng: While I understand your frustration and will admit that I've been using a Glidecam 4000 with the arm brace for the past few months for my stuff, I must say maybe we don't need to shun Tiffen. I totally see your frustration, but maybe it was simply something Tiffen overlooked by accident. Also, the tripod plate isn't as big a deal seeing as it is an "accessory." It enables you to move your camera quickly from the Merlin to your tripod. The tripod plate does not inhibit your use of the Merlin system, only how easily you can remove your camera from the system. Just for clarification
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It says that it's included in the packaging, and the product manager admitted that they've gotten many complaints and yet they've done nothing about it.

Yes, Tiffen should be shunned because behaviour like this is unacceptable from a company when you're supposed to be dealing in good faith. Do yout hink Spec-comm would be running a business like this?
 
The new version of the Obie light is powered by a small battery, AA or AAA. So there isn't any cord to worry about. I guess it's worth a shot for $25. I think the idea is that it's a catch-light for the eyes. Probably not much use if you are very far away from the subject.
 
I'm pretty disappointed in Tiffen also. They should refund everybody the price of the tripod plate.
 
I love the concept of that Obie. Stick it on there and tell us what you think.

Here's the bottom line on Tiffen. You cannot shun a company because of something as small as a tripod plate. If you want a quick release, get one that matches your tripod. If you want quick release action with your Merlin, well buy it.

You're getting a new gimbal for the same freaking price. So, new gimball less $20 plate. I'll deal. I dunno how I'd feel about that plate on my tripod anyway. But, you cannot shun a company based on one line in a PDF file of a pricelist. They are probably admitting the problem because they acknowledge that they need to fix it. You cannot fire a guy for being honest either. You must understand that these things are probably shipped out in batches. They probably didn't realize it until someone in the first or second batch caught it. So now they have to add it to their workflow or remove it from the file. If you want the same Merlin with the old gimbal, you'll get the tripod plate. Give Tiffen some time and give them credit for the quality of what they make not something petty like a tripod plate.
 
jstunzi said:
You're getting a new gimbal for the same freaking price. So, new gimball less $20 plate. I'll deal.
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Really! If you have a Merlin already the new gimbal will lay you out 160 BUCKS! And yet still all these complaints. Unreal.
 
I received my Merlin two weeks ago from B&H. The plate, new gimbal, and the special card from Garrett thanking me for the purchase. If the plate had not been included I would have been peeved too.
Its not the $20 . Its false advertising.
:kali::violent5::violent5:
Mule Ferguson
 
New Gimbal?

New Gimbal?

I received my Merlin last week but have been out of town, so I haven't opened it yet. I bought it from B&H. If what you say is true, should I expect the new gimbal in the package? That would be very yippee.
 
The new gimbal is supposed to be very impressive. Crack it open Jon! Actually, take some pictures and then we'll get to see what comes in the "new" package. ~JS
 
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