GH-1 / Steadicam Merlin 'recipe'

For Merlin GH1 users, how do you tighting the Merlin base plate with the GH1? No matter how much I tighten the screw, it's still a bit loose.
 
Ordered my GH1. While I wait, can I get the weight of the camera with the lens on from someone?

Anyone used the GH1 with the merlin vest? I'm worried it's gonna be too light and bounce too much.
 
Ken - If you haven't got info yet, my GH-1 weight 2 Lbs. 0.2 Ounces. That's with memory card in, stock lens, battery in, and sun shield on it. I'm still working out how to balance it better on my Merlin.
 
Astronorick - thanks, I'll pass on my settings once I have it set up. I have run 4-5 different cameras on my merlin, so I'm assuming this wont be that hard.
 
I actually stuck a little square of velcro to the mounting plate and the bottom of the kit lens. Helps A LOT to prevent the thing from moving around up there.
 
Exact Recipe for a Merlin Steadicam?

Exact Recipe for a Merlin Steadicam?

Hi everyone. Does anyone have the detailed weights and set up for a GH1 and the Merlin Steadicam?

The first post in this thread seems quite inaccurate to me.

If anyone could...ahem...post some detailed with photographs set up procedures for the Merlin Steadicam and the Panasonic GH1, it would be fantastically appreciated.

Thank you everyone for your replies.
 
elko99 said:
Hi everyone. Does anyone have the detailed weights and set up for a GH1 and the Merlin Steadicam?

The first post in this thread seems quite inaccurate to me.

If anyone could...ahem...post some detailed with photographs set up procedures for the Merlin Steadicam and the Panasonic GH1, it would be fantastically appreciated.

Thank you everyone for your replies.
Click to expand...

The posted weights seem correct for me.
My arc is about 75% open (the 27cm was throwing me off) - about 1 notch past center (towards positive)
A bit of adjustment needed with thumb screws to balance battery.

Make sure the plate is in place. This is the Achilles heal for the Gh1 and the Merlin - no hole for the alignment screw; If anyone finds a good way to lock the plate in place please post it here.
Hope this helps.
 
GH1 and the Merlin

GH1 and the Merlin

For those of you guys having trouble keeping the GH1 mounted on the baseplate, put a couple strips of gaffer tape between the camera and the plate when you attach it. It looks like the screw is bottoming out and not tightening fully. Adding some tape will prevent it from bottoming out and also create a slight elastic force keeping the camera pulling on the mounting screw.
 
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I don't think it's the scew bottoming out. If you look carefully the tripod mount on the GH1 seems to be very slightly proud so you end up with metal on metal. 2 strips of gaffer on the base of the camera seens to work. I'm investigating whether a small 'o' ring would do the same as well as keeping the screw in place on mounting plate. One less thing to lose in the bottom of the case or fall off whilst out in the field - not to be found naturally!
 
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