markblasco
Well-known member
I purchased a steadycam DV a couple of years ago, and it was sold to me as being in much better condition than it actually was in when it arrived. I did a little work to get it going, and had a little success, but it just wasn't working out for me (mainly because my camera was too light), so it's been sitting in a closet for a few years.
The good:
The gimbal is fantastic. It's amazingly smooth, and when I had the thing working and dialed in, I couldn't believe how it just worked perfectly. I wouldn't be surprised if this is the same gimbal used in the merlin or the other steady cam products.
The not-so-good:
The monitor was removed. It's still included, but I don't know if it works (I was told it did) since the wiring was cut to remove it. It comes with the batteries and charger, but I haven't tested them.
The screw that holds the mounting plates in place is broken. I put a couple of small screws in to hold it in place on top of the stabilizer, but this requires a screwdriver to remove the mounting plate.
The whole thing is plastic, and has a little wiggle to it. This doesn't seem to be an issue when it's weighted and balanced.
There is no camera attachment at the top. I used a quick release plate, but that has been removed to go on something else. Any quick release plate should work, or even just a screw of the right diameter to go through the mounting plate would probably be OK.
So, if you've got a little DIY in you this could certainly be used with a little bit of work. I did have it going for a little while, but my little canon camcorder wasn't heavy enough to work correctly (I had to add a bunch of weight to the top), so it never got used. I purchased a little glidecam, and I can say for a fact that the gimble in the steadycam is noticeably better than in the glidecam. I just want to make sure that everyone is clear on the condition: As is you will need to do a little work for it to fly, but it will fly. The only thing you will definitely need to add is a quick release or some other camera attachment to the top.
My guess is that people who want this will probably want it for the gimble assembly to upgrade a home made stabilizer, which would be a great way to go.
$50 plus actual shipping costs. It comes with everything in it's own bag with is a small duffel bag. Paypal CONUS.
I prefer email since I don't check the forums often. info@markblasco.com.
The good:
The gimbal is fantastic. It's amazingly smooth, and when I had the thing working and dialed in, I couldn't believe how it just worked perfectly. I wouldn't be surprised if this is the same gimbal used in the merlin or the other steady cam products.
The not-so-good:
The monitor was removed. It's still included, but I don't know if it works (I was told it did) since the wiring was cut to remove it. It comes with the batteries and charger, but I haven't tested them.
The screw that holds the mounting plates in place is broken. I put a couple of small screws in to hold it in place on top of the stabilizer, but this requires a screwdriver to remove the mounting plate.
The whole thing is plastic, and has a little wiggle to it. This doesn't seem to be an issue when it's weighted and balanced.
There is no camera attachment at the top. I used a quick release plate, but that has been removed to go on something else. Any quick release plate should work, or even just a screw of the right diameter to go through the mounting plate would probably be OK.
So, if you've got a little DIY in you this could certainly be used with a little bit of work. I did have it going for a little while, but my little canon camcorder wasn't heavy enough to work correctly (I had to add a bunch of weight to the top), so it never got used. I purchased a little glidecam, and I can say for a fact that the gimble in the steadycam is noticeably better than in the glidecam. I just want to make sure that everyone is clear on the condition: As is you will need to do a little work for it to fly, but it will fly. The only thing you will definitely need to add is a quick release or some other camera attachment to the top.
My guess is that people who want this will probably want it for the gimble assembly to upgrade a home made stabilizer, which would be a great way to go.
$50 plus actual shipping costs. It comes with everything in it's own bag with is a small duffel bag. Paypal CONUS.
I prefer email since I don't check the forums often. info@markblasco.com.
