Merlin settings

M

mico

Veteran
Just used the merlin with the HVX200 on a shoot.
No problems balancing. I tried the cookbook settings which i did not have much luck with.

This setup is with one 4gig card in bottom slot. Lens hood on. No filters. 2800mah Panasonic battery CGP-D28 ($78 buy .com) . Lcd screen open. No extra washer weight was needed. Nothing else on camera.
For those that care: Plate hole H, 1 finish weight on front, all the other weights on bottom spar, arc size from mount plate to bottom spar set screw 14 inches, Z axis -3 turns from top, G-plat- yes, stage mark on lcd side +3.

When not working I go to the gym, I do weights , hit the bag , do some ground grappling so the weight didn't kill me. 5, close to 20 sec. shots 3 takes each with some rehearsals thrown in on flat ground. No problem. Did some tests going up and down 3 flights of stairs and started to sweat it because of having to continuously hold and re trim tilt for going up and for going down and tight turns which i couldn't get the hang of trying to keep the cam level while moving quickly.
2 handed hold helps weight issue with 2nd hand taking just a bit of weight so light touch forefinger and thumb can hold slight swing or pan.
Overall i reallly like the merlin. After a couple of hours, trimming and setting up become real easy. You come to know what you need to do quickly. Very well thought out and compact.
 
Mikko,

I will submit them. I have some questions I would like to ask you. I'm not sure if you have a merlin at hand but if the dove plate is on the camera and the cookbook settings say to place the stage mark at +1 , which I assume means the front of the plate at that mark on the left side if holding in right hand. If you do this the Gplatz screw is nowhere near the front of camera to be useable if HVX200 hole H is used, which is the right hole. And you definitely need the G platz. +1 seems to put the camera too far back. Maybe you can explain as I do not understand that setting in the cookbook. Maybe I'm just missing something.

The other question I have is the arc size which in the cookbook says 13.5 max. I can get a wider arc (14 inch and more) even with the updated measurement of perpendicular measuring from plate to lower spar set screw. Why is 13.5 max in the specs when I can get more?
Like I said my way has worked but I am curious as to why i couldn't get the cookbook settings to work when i assume Garret or someone has tried it. Those where not user submitted settings but cookbook ones. No has yet submitted settings for the HVX200.

Thanks
 
*picks up his Merlin* - always on hand. :)

Interesting observation about the G-platz and +1. I recall something similar with a Sony cam a while back.
The settings in the cookbook are generally speaking the lightest that achive Dynamic Balance. - There's a really neat program we use to determin calculate that too.

The Maximum arc may differ slightly in your Merlin, however the listed setting is garunteed to be compatible with all Merlins.

I belive that Garrett wrote the settings for the HVX himself though I'm not sure. I know he was the first to fly it.

The basic rule of thumb is: Whatever works. No two Steadicams are exactly alike and balance is a very poersonal thing. Please do post your settings to the website though as it sounds like they significantly improve on the other settings posted.

I'd love to see a picture of your set up - especially where the G-platz hits the Camera (or doesn't at +1). I've never flown the HVX on Merlin.

- Mikko
 
Aah yes, Thanks for that pic.

Are you also in Dynamic Balance (does the rig pan flat) with your settings?

- Mikko
 
At +3 yes, my settings previously posted, standing I get perfect smooth level pans. The shots from such a small rig are great.
 
The camera mounts to Merlin by way of a "Dovetail plate" quick release system. Merlin comes with a Tripod piece too. You can easily move the camera back and forth between the Merlin and the tripod adapter.

So yes, Merlin comes with it's own Quick Release system built in. Nothing more needed. :)

- Mikko
 
The dovetail plate tripod piece works but I do not think it was really meant for the weight of HVX. I have tried it on my O'conner tripod and its such a narrow support that the camera has a tendency to introduce small vibration movements during moving shots because the front end of the camera really has no support. Something like what the G-platz does is needed when you use the dovetail tripod plate for heavy cameras. if you use a lighter camera I do not think it will be a problem. When I go to tripod I just take the dovetail off and put the tripods support plate on.
 
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