Blackbird stabilizer and the af100

T

taras4444

Well-known member
Hi all, after much deliberation and spending a lot of money I have just received my blackbird stabilizer full packet rig, case etc included, after waiting a looong time and spending more money on sneeky custom fees. However, now after reading the manual and watching the dvd I am having some big problems balancing my af100. Before I'm accused of being lazy and looking for a quick shortcut, this has been a six hour messing around day and my back is killing and I have only achieved moderate to rubbish success.

This is what I'm balancing, the af100, battery, voigtlander 25mm lens and a small hd dp 6 on top with a shoe mount. I weighed it and in total it comes to 6 and 1/4 pound, no more than 6.5 pounds. Yet after putting on all the counter weights etc It still was way to top heavy! I swear its suppose to be able to balance up to 8 pound cameras!? SO I ditched the small hd monitor and got an ok drop time balance with 2 and a half weights on each end and use a 15 inch horizontal bar. But I'm still struggling and have given up for today in anger more than anything.

I'm aware its going to take me probably months to get good with this but can any users give me any advice on their set up, counter weights, measure ments for the front and sides that may be of assistance? For both without using a monitor and while using one?

PLUS two other gripes, the clamp thing to hold the camera and mount head to the actual rig seems not very tight at all! I tighten it as much as ican with my hand (I'm of a decent build to) and then when i lean the blackbird forward or back the camera and plate slides! I know it cant fall out due to the safety pin but its still frustrating, im going to need a wrench! Plus the smooth axis knob seems ridiculously tight? Any tips? If anyone can give me any advice that will bring me even a little closer to balancing the rig better I may just kiss you. Thanks Taras
 
I've had much better luck with mine. It sounds like there is something wrong with clamp screw. Mine holds very securely and doesn't need more force that would seem proper.

As for balance, I run with a monitor and it hits about 8 pounds with a Zeiss 35 1.4 lens. It works much better if you keep the center of gravity lower. I mount the monitor to the side of the camera on a Noga arm. Keep the weight as close to the pivot point and you'll have more success.

Good luck!
 
Hey thanks for the post! Yes i will have to try and check it again. And can I ask do you use the 15inch horizontal bar and what hole do you normally mount the camera to with the plate? Like the centre? Finally, if your using an 8 pound rig then mine should work! Which is good to know! Do you use all ther weights? Thanks!
 
I've used both the 11 and 15. I prefer the 15. Better resistance to rotation. I use a custom base plate on my camera so the mounting holes are different than stock. Best to follow the directions on the DVD to figure out the best place to attach the mounting plate. As long as it's close to the CG of the camera you should be fine.
 
Hi just thought i should post an update on here as its only fair to say the good as well as the bad. The day after i posted this thread Rich at Blackbird emailed me off of his own accord! I didn't even have to get in touch it was very impressive! He apologized and sent me a new camera clamp, (which works beautifully and has solved the camera sliding problem) as well as a new handle and gimbal touch friction which works perfect as well. I also got a couple of heavy weights. As a result i have been performing pretty good beginner steadicam shots with it, (for a first rought try). Check out the link below, theres still a fair bit of roll but the issues are all user related through lack of practise, i was still very impressed for a first test, some shots i would have never been able to achieve before. I havent tried it with the small hd monitor yet but will soon and update!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLnoS7x06ZM
 
Sorry to dig up an old thread but was looking into getting a basic stabilizer for my AF and came across this thread about the Blackbird.

Taras, great stuff for a first run out with it. I'm totally sold on the unit now. How are you finding it 6 months later?
 
Hey CraftyClown, yeah unfortanetly I haven't been able to use it as much as I would have liked (literally just finished my university course last week), but everytime I have used it I get more comfortable and pleased with it. I would 100% recommend it as, unlike the glidecam I previously owned, I can tell it's definitely works and has a lot of potential. I'm excited to see what my stuff will look like in another 6 months! Their customer service is also excellent as I discussed in the post above, which is really refreshing. I guess the only complaint is it can be a bit heavy after a while, but even that isn't as bad (or awkward) as the glidecam i previously owned. There's no real need for a vest but if i had the money id probably get one just to make life easier.

Let us know how you find it when/if you do purchase! And bgundu the footage looks great!
 
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