Forgive This Poor Clip - Merlin For Mikko

Noel Evans

Noel Evans

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Well here it is my first drive of the Merlin. As you can see from the footage one drive isnt enough, thus I will practice hardcore over the next few weeks, so I can get my shot on March 5th. The track pretty much sums up how I felt about first use but some points to consider: it isnt recommended when your not used to handling a steadicam of any form to go up and down stairs (ask Mikko) and these happen to be very steep and narrow (this is Tokyo and everything is a little smaller)... I like to do things the hard way and start of by practicing with a wireless transmitter mounted also.

Forgive the lighting etc was just shot inside tonight with my standard light fixtures on after all it was just a practice run.

Notice how the camera framing angles off a little, that is NOT related to balance its my over control of the merlin itself, it really requires a very soft touch I dont have yet. And of course in the very last part of the clip is me crashing the lower weights into a chair. Thankfully the only accident I had.

I have to say though after watching this a couple of times, I really feel once March 5th arrives I will blow it away. This unit is really awesome so I cant wait to start getting the hang of it.

http://www.scarlet-films.com/MERLINFIRSTDRIVE.wmv
 
I feel like I can walk up your stairs blindfolded now! ;-)
Nice work, especially if it was only a 'try-out'.
 
I used WM9.

Camera has a sennheiser eg2 receiver mounted on the hot shoe. Using standard lense. Also mounted Sony UWP-c1 reciever (different time of course) but in the same clip.

I should also note there is a special guest appearance from Elmo.
 
DAY 2 PRACTICE

New clip of my second day with merlin: I called it drunk merlin as it would seem from the footage the operator (me) is drunk. But hey two days is about two hours use so I am still not expecting much. But watch this space as I post more footage, Im confident it will get better.

Also added some effects at the end.. as in one cause I was bored.

http://www.scarlet-films.com/DRUNKMERLIN.wmv
 
Well you are getting the hand of it... I sold me on the first clip.

Could you post some still of your set-up? I would really like to see how you are handling your camera.

Cheers,
 
Not bad at all! I'm impressed with what you achieved with so little experience.

Could you explain what you mean by needing a "light touch" with the Merlin?
 
Ok, I'm late to the party. Missed the thread and then been busy shooting...

Ncje,
First off, thanks for the first Merlin footage on DVXuser.. in fact the first user footage from the Merlin I've seen posted anywhere! Is this another DVXuser exclusive right here? :)

Your thread title is wrong, you are off to a good start. I'd challenge anyone with a fig-rig to go up stairs that smoothly! Your first clip looked better than your 2nd clip. But you where moving more cautiosly (with good reason).
It looks as if you are all balanced properly, maybe a little bottom heavy for the outside clips (causing the penduluming). Still some prety nice footage.

I'm excitedly awaiting following your progress.

Your footage is showing most all of the standard beginner problems, mostly a rolling horizon and a little too much control resulting in over-correcting.
You seem to allready, correctly, know that you just need to work on lightening up your contoling hand so that you are only touching the Merlin exactly as much as necesary and no more! Once you nail that, while retaining control you are set! :)

Keep us posted with your progress, I'll be happy to sugest some excersizes to try once you have it flying straight :)

- Mikko
 
powerdog said:
Not bad at all! I'm impressed with what you achieved with so little experience.

Could you explain what you mean by needing a "light touch" with the Merlin?
Click to expand...


Heh Some new footage soon. Powerdog you use your strong hand on the grip handle, you then have to correctly position your free hand so it overlaps the grip hand. With your thumb and forfinger you then need to control the merlins direction to some extent, basically I am putting too much pressure on and overcontrolling so it seems to turn sharply or I take the isolation away from the camera a little.
 
Third Practice Session

Powerdog next time, already finished this one.

I was bumbed because I thought I handled the merlin much better today and when I viewed my footage on a large screen I noticed a problem. I did not install a screw correctly today which left the camera mildly loose from the merlin, it could not move but in the footage you may notice a bumo like a heartbeat throughout.

Anyway heres practice session 3

http://www.scarlet-films.com/THIRDATTEMPTWRONG.wmv
 
Yeah, you get a tripod adapter with the merlin which just attaches to your standard tripod quick release plate so the cam can just pop on and off the tripod or the merlin. However I pack my camera inside a pelican 1600 after use and I need to remove the merlin dovetail plate. Also you move the merlin back and forth along the the top plate to account for additional weight on the cam etc. I just forgot to adjust the dovetail in the right position when I attached it to the merlin so the cam itself sat on the plastic screw which prevents the movement you see in the clip.
 
You don't need a QR plate, the Merlin has one built in and comes with the extra plate for the tripod too!


Ncje,
3rd clip. Looking good! Definatly need the camera attached properly though. ;) Are you using the Gezornenplatz screw?

Yoru rig seems a *little* bottom heavy, maybe a counter-clockwiase turn of Z will help.

Also, try to relax your carying arm a little (strange as it's holding the weight) but make it a little more flexible so that it "rides" the bumps of your steps. - Don't be too tense :)

And then of course work on lightening that control hand. Notice how when after a corner you loose it, the trick here is to stop correcting *before* you are at level so you don't push it over the other way!

Good stuff! Keep it coming!

- Mikko
 
ncje-

thank you for following through what you said you would do...post clips of MERLIN footage. I have been anxiously waiting. And, I have to say, you have me sold. That first clip is actually quite excellent for a first time. I am way impressed.

It really is on my wish list, now.

Rick
 
ncje --

I'd be amazed and delighted if my first shoot with the Merlin comes out anything like yours. When it comes to strength, agility, and coordination, are you way above average? (I'm not.)
 
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