GH2 best Steadicam Merlin settings with GH2???

N

Nicholas Natteau

Veteran
Not sure if I'm posting this in the right forum. I posted this question in the GH2 hardware section but never got any replies. So I figured I might get more feedback if I asked in the main GH2 forum.

I'm having trouble balancing my GH2 on my Steadicam Merlin. I have one finish weight in front, and 2 finish and 1 mid below. My arc is set to 11" and I selected the "H" hole chosen on the plate. But the camera is still swinging too fast.

Whoever has used their GH2 with a Steadicam Merlin, please share what you think are the best balancing settings when balancing the GH2 with the 14-140mm lens and the pancake 20mm f/1.7 lens.

Thanks very much in advance.

Also asking because I consulted Tiffen's recommended settings for balancing GH2 on their Steadicam Merlin, and I'm still not getting good results.
 
Thank you both. Yes, the drop time is too fast. Tried unscrewing the handle, didn't fix it. Wondering if I'm using the wrong letter hole on the base blate. I chose "H" after trying M and still didn't get good results. I'm sure it's something I'm doing wrong.

Can either of you tell me what settings work for you???
 
I don't have a Merlin specifically, but if your drop time is too fast then your sled is bottom heavy. Either take weight off of the bottom, add weight to the camera, or decrease the distance between the bottom weights and the gimbal.
 
I have a blackbird although the balancing principles are the same. What stefan said... to get 2 second drop time.
Either decrease the gimbal to bottom length or change the weights as he said. Think of it as a seesaw.

Other than that, try with the heavier camera/lens first. I find that heavier is easier to get stable in
terms of pan roll in the x axis.
 
Stefancolson and Chauncythedog, thank you both very much. That's most helpful. I'll follow your advice and first try with my 14-140 stock lens. But will try shortening the arc length and shifting weights as you recommended. Thanks again.
 
With the Pano/Leica 25mm and the zacuto snap EVF attached with an hdmi cable my settings were: 10" arch, Front - 1 med, 1 finish • Bottom - 1 start, 2 mid, 1 finish, M thread hole, and one notch under 1 on the left plate measurement. I'm sure I could find another setting that is lighter, but I felt like I had to add the EVF because this cam is too light. With the setting above I get no wobbling side to side anymore. I'd recommend adding to your camera's weight if you are getting the wobbles and can't lesson the arc or screw the gimble anymore.
 
I was never able to get a decent balance with the 20mm lens...it's just too light. Like what others have said, the heavier your lens/camera, the easier it will be to achieve good balance.
 
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