XHA1 + Steadicam Merlin?

P

pernell91

Active member
i am thinking of getting a steadicam merlin to go with the xha1.

but i have been reading that even a larger battery makes it impossible to counterbalance.

has anyone been able to achieve proper balance with a merlin and the xha1 when the xha1 has a uv filter on the front? also with a larger battery?

if it can handle these two accessories that will probably be enough
 
I have no problem with a bare A1 on the Merlin, using the stock battery and UV filter. The new Merlin with the metal gimbal is rated to fly even more weight, with some additional counter weights, so I wouldn't worry about being able to balance an A1.
-Kevin
 
No problem at all. Always use the smaller battery when using the merlin. Less weight is always better.

And when you do get one:

Check out my cookbook settings (its the one that compares it to HVX under similar cameras), located here http://www.merlincookbook.com/user.php

Some pics for you - A1 on merlin. Please note the g-platz position in the pics, very important to the set up.

http://www.scarlet-films.com/merlina1/
 
Last edited:
thanks for the info. the cookbook is good

does that stand as confirmation though that i can't use the larger battery on the merlin?
 
okay thanks

now here's a question that may be ridiculous to those who have the science of steadicams down but,

it sounds like the problem with the larger battery is that it makes the a1 fatally back-heavy. could this be solved (and allow the camera to be balanced properly) by just adding a small amount of weight to the front of the camera?

or am i barking up the wrong tree
 
pernell91 said:
okay thanks

now here's a question that may be ridiculous to those who have the science of steadicams down but,

it sounds like the problem with the larger battery is that it makes the a1 fatally back-heavy. could this be solved (and allow the camera to be balanced properly) by just adding a small amount of weight to the front of the camera?

or am i barking up the wrong tree
Click to expand...

I got the perfect setup with XH-A1, with extended battery and a Sony movie light with also an extended battery. Arc open all the way, front 1mid 1finish, bottom 7mids and 1 starter, Z -2, and I am using the "i" hole for the plate. Without the video light , my setup is "z" -4, front 1 mid, 1 finish, bottom 5mids, 1finish and 1 starter. I am using the setup with the light fulltime now for the extra mass, more mass more stability. I am using arm and vest with the setup, and it works perfectly, and I can walk around all day even with the heavy setup.
 
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