Steadicam Merlin and HVX help..Please

B

Betacam2

Active member
Hello All,

I’ve done the search function and found some useful information, however, some of my issues with the Merlin and HVX are still unresolved, sorry if this is a repost.
I finally broke down a got a merlin Thursday and have been working on it the past few days. I’m pretty certain I have it in balance using the cookbook settings. I’m using a stock HVX withe stock battery, 1 4gb p2 in top slot and no accessories.

Here are my questions:
1) Is the dovetail plate supposed to lock down on the platform? When I have the lever in the locking position the camera/dovetail plate slides back & forth when I tilt up or down. My solution so far has been to put a piece of felt between the stage and the locking mechanism to keep it locked. Is this how everyone’s merlin behaves?
2) I’m noticing a significant “bump” in the footage every few seconds on some of my tests. I’m using the G screw and I’m not bumping the camera or merlin at all; it happens when I’m operating with one or two hands. I’ve tested slowly walking and walking fast and still get the same results. The arc knobs all seem tight enough, the locking pin is in, and without the camera I don’t notice any wobble or shake in the Merlin. Any ideas?
By no means am I a Steadicam expert, but I have used the JR and Provid before and don’t recall having these issues

I really appreciate any help or assistance anyone can offer.

Thanks,
Mike
 
The dovetail should lock to the stage with the lever all the way in the "lock" position. The middle position should allow for sliding only.
Check that the screw on the dovetail locking lever is nice and tight - it could be slightly loose and not clamping properly.

I'm not sure about the vibration. Go really slowly - try and isolate everything - and see if you can figure out what you may or may not be dooing when the bump occours. Do the bumps match your stride? Is OIS turned on and perhaps restting to a slowr move?
I presume the bumps don't occur if you aren't moving? how about if you are walking in place?

- Mikko
 
Thanks mikko for your reply.

I checked the dovetail plate lock screw when I first noticed it was not locking on the stage, but I'll take a look again to see, now that I know it IS supposed to lock completely.

Although the vibration does look like it is from OIS, I do have that off as per the directions. When the vibration shows up it is a very quick/jerky up to down motion, it seems to me like it would happen if something were loose, like if I were not using the G-screw. Right now, to test the unit, I'm just walking a straight line at a constant speed. I'll do a few more tests tonight and talk my way through it so I know what I'm doing. Maybe I'll also turn off the autofocus.

No, I haven't seen the bumps when I'm standing still with the unit, only when I'm walking.

I'll post some sample videos as well so you/anyone can see what's happening.

I really appreciate your reply and suggestions, THANKS!
 
I'm still having no luck locking the dovetail plate to the stage. It just doesn't seem to want to make a tight connection. Is there supoposed to be a rubberized piece or anything attached to the lock or right side of the stage?

I've unscrewed the locking mech. and blown air on it to get out any dust or anything, then re-attached it , and still no tight connection. And, yes I'm using the third locking position, not the center or unlock position. Even without a camera on the plate it still can be slid on the stage.

Maybe I'll just contact Tiffen tomorrow and see if I can get a replacement lock or dovetail plate, unless anyone has any other suggestions.. I want to fly!!!

thanks
 
Hmm, that is strange.

Do call Tiffen, they will have you up and flying quickly. Have your Merlin in hand when you call, they can talk you though checks right there and either fix it or get a replacement part out to you.

Also, be sure to mention the vibration issue to Tiffen, it may be related to your locking problem.


- Mikko
 
wgzn said:
isnt the hvx a little heavy for the merlin?
Click to expand...
no, the HVX works great on the merlin, but it is very close to the merlin's max weight limit.
As a result, you can't use a large battery on your hvx, or any lens adapters, matteboxes, or accessories that add weight.
 
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