Steadicam Pilot Vest - Does it come with Velcro or Buckles?

B

Budgieboots

Well-known member
Hello,

I am planning on purchasing a Steadicam Pilot to use with my Sony NEX FS100.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ..._AA_Pilot_AA_Camera_Stabilization_System.html

However the thing that has been tripping me up is that I am not sure if the pilot vest comes with velcro or buckles for the straps.

Reason I ask is, I see this:
A Merlin Vest Buckle Upgrade
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/857202-REG/Steadicam_801_7816_Merlin_Vest_Buckle.html
But it says that it's compatible with the Pilot.

Then when I go to Vistek:
http://vistek.ca/store/ProVideoCame...teadicam-buckle-belt-kit-for-merlin-vest.aspx
It's saying that it's a "Buckle and belt upgrade kit for upgrading early version Merlin vest (sold and shipped prior to Feb 2010)

So does the Pilot now come with buckles? Are the Merlin and Pilot vests the same thing?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I am confused on this.
 
it has both....buckles for shoulders and back... velcro for the joint on the front of your stomach.

Are you in the EU or US? I am selling my Pilot....
 
Mine is from before 2009 and i think it's all velcro, are there any benefits on the upgrade aside from slightly less effort to get the thing on and off?

I've not flown the FS yet, but i need to start testing that side too. Do you use any wireless follow focus - any recommendations?

cheers
Paul
 
Forget follow focus with the FS100... I did a job on a short a week or so ago, and they insisted on attaching manual follow focus ( -.- ) and mattebox. They had the Chrozsiel and that thing is heavy! Then came the Master Prime and the rail system. I actually think we went over the wight limit, since I lost a lot of feel and ability to stabilize.

In short... if flying the FS100, strip as much off as possible and never ever let people think they can pull focus manual while you fly. I tried to tell them... but man, some people are so insistant.

On the sunny side. I had a fun job where I used the 16mm and the 18-200mm, and a ref mic. That went pretty well.

The Pilot is great, but it's not that great. I would definitely try to save up to the Zephyr instead.
 
Budgieboots said:
Hello,

I am planning on purchasing a Steadicam Pilot to use with my Sony NEX FS100.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ..._AA_Pilot_AA_Camera_Stabilization_System.html

However the thing that has been tripping me up is that I am not sure if the pilot vest comes with velcro or buckles for the straps.

Reason I ask is, I see this:
A Merlin Vest Buckle Upgrade
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/857202-REG/Steadicam_801_7816_Merlin_Vest_Buckle.html
But it says that it's compatible with the Pilot.

Then when I go to Vistek:
http://vistek.ca/store/ProVideoCame...teadicam-buckle-belt-kit-for-merlin-vest.aspx
It's saying that it's a "Buckle and belt upgrade kit for upgrading early version Merlin vest (sold and shipped prior to Feb 2010)

So does the Pilot now come with buckles? Are the Merlin and Pilot vests the same thing?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I am confused on this.
Click to expand...

Bought one last year for my FS100 and it has buckles that are ATTACHED to the vest via VELCRO. So BOTH. Personally, I'd get the Scout vest instead as it is 100% non-velcro as the velcro does come loose, as it did with mine and needed it repaired.

OR go with the Glidecam smoothshooter or X-10 system.
 
legrevedotcom said:
Forget follow focus with the FS100... I did a job on a short a week or so ago, and they insisted on attaching manual follow focus ( -.- ) and mattebox. They had the Chrozsiel and that thing is heavy! Then came the Master Prime and the rail system. I actually think we went over the wight limit, since I lost a lot of feel and ability to stabilize.

In short... if flying the FS100, strip as much off as possible and never ever let people think they can pull focus manual while you fly. I tried to tell them... but man, some people are so insistant.

On the sunny side. I had a fun job where I used the 16mm and the 18-200mm, and a ref mic. That went pretty well.

The Pilot is great, but it's not that great. I would definitely try to save up to the Zephyr instead.
Click to expand...

Hey thanks everyone for all the replies so far -- it got me seriously reconsidering the pilot. Everywhere I've read I've seen things how the Pilot will basically take the Sony Fs100 -- but start adding things and you run into problems.

I actually do have enough to get a Zephyr, so I think I will go down that route instead since that seems to be more like a piece of gear that will last me for longer and give me more options down the line as I start investing in add-ons.

Quick question though: these V-Mount and AB battery mounts, is there like a Sony Adapter where you can just use your Sony Camcorder batteries instead? or alternatively, can I power the monitor on the bottom from my Sony FS100 battery?
 
Budgieboots said:
Hey thanks everyone for all the replies so far -- it got me seriously reconsidering the pilot. Everywhere I've read I've seen things how the Pilot will basically take the Sony Fs100 -- but start adding things and you run into problems.

I actually do have enough to get a Zephyr, so I think I will go down that route instead since that seems to be more like a piece of gear that will last me for longer and give me more options down the line as I start investing in add-ons.

Quick question though: these V-Mount and AB battery mounts, is there like a Sony Adapter where you can just use your Sony Camcorder batteries instead? or alternatively, can I power the monitor on the bottom from my Sony FS100 battery?
Click to expand...

yes there is... The Pilot I have the previous owner had it customized so that it has a Ikan NP-F mount instead of the V-lock. I've been using that all along. It's more than enough to drive what ever monitor you put down there.
I don't know if it's as easy on the Zephyr, but you should find out atleast.
 
I'd say also that the upgrade is a MUST. I have two steadicams and the one without is a PITA to get on and off... So I'm going to buy this buckel set now that I found it. I personally would either get the merlin and or go up the the Zepyr. The pilot is overpriced and not very great and I didn't like the Scout... For the real deal on expandability and options, the zepyr is the one I'm also saving for. As the cameras have gotten smaller and lighter, the accessories have been piled on. With everythign I can fly now, even a DSLR would send me over my merlins capability.
 
I would actually check out the Chinese Laing stabilizer... The Pilot was fun to own, but honestly the capacity left me wanting a lot more, you couldn't fly much more than barebones FS100 and that is simply not good enough.
 
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