AF100, Merlin Steadicam, 20mm Pancake, deep focus

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dtzfilms

Well-known member
I've finally got my AF100.
For use on a few moving shots, I'm thinking going
with a Merlin because the AF is so light, and thinking
of using the pancake 20mm 1.7 also for its light weight
and autofocus.

I know pro steadicam folks would get the entire matt-box, follow focus rig
remote focus this and that, but I'm only using this for my shorts and
features.

I'm planning to shoot with deep focus so I can stay with my subjects
a lot easier. I can't shoot everything, but I'll shoot around my limitations.

Need some advice, is the pancake so loud it'll destroy a walk and talk?
Is what I'm planning feasible or should I really be flying this light camera
on a full vest and arm?

I've seen wedding folk use the merlin and 5D MKII just fine
so I thought, hey, I'm only doing short moving shots, strip both handles off and the
AF is even lighter, maybe not as light as a 5d. Anyway, suggestions, advice please?
 
I'm thinking this should work, based on weight specs. Have you ever used a hand-held stabilizer before? I've had a Steadicam JR for years and balance is critical. In recent years I've had to take the screen off to make it work with smaller cameras all though this is not an issue with the merlin. No matter how good you get you'll never be as smooth as a body rig, a wider lens will help hide micro-jitters and imperfections. I would try going down to the 14mm pancake. It will gain you more depth of field as well, making focus easier. If you stop down a bit, and try to keep a consistent distance to your subject, you should be able to lock focus and go with it.

I can't comment on the focus noise of the lens but I wouldn't plan on using on camera sound regardless. use a lav and body recorder on the subject, or a recorder on boom man, this is one situation where you'll have to go back to double system sound, unless you can figure a way to mount a wireless receiver and stay balanced.
 
thanks, I thought about the 14mm pancake but opted for the 20mm because of its a f1.7 that I can also use for weddings.
Yes, I had a glidecam with a DVX100, arm killed me, got the X10 vest for my HPX, then sold the X10 two weeks ago to get the AF100. I've seen some really smooth wedding shots shot with the merlin and 5D, I wouldn't want anything smoother, but I guess that comes with practice.

No on-camera with the AF anyway, but yes, the body recorder I was unaware of, I always thought sound went into the wireless receiver mounted on the cam - making it heavier - but according you apparently not! Other options, I'll google body recorder and see what gives. Thanks.
 
I don't think autofocus is a good idea it will dictate what you can and cannot use in a shot. I think the 14mm will allow plenty of latitude on manual.
 
I just googled the zoom h1, very affordable, but how does it work with an AF100? I'm completely clueless here. Am I connecting this to a cardioid mic recording from a boom to this thing or, what?
 
I guess it's the 14mm for the merlin then, but I don't have enough funds for both the 20 and the 14.
I planned to buy the 7-14mm/f4 - not as light for use on the merlin, not as fast, but wide enough.
and the 20mm/f1.7 - normal and fast enough for wedding receptions.
the Voightlander 25mm, my work horse.
end of story, no more purchases.
Have to shoot with what I have.
 
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