Video - Blackbird on the Steadicam Merlin Arm & Vest

DerranNL

DerranNL

Member
It's taken me a while to finish this video (footage has been sitting on the shelf for a few weeks due to other work), but it's online now for anyone who's interested! :)

Blackbird on the Steadicam Merlin Arm & Vest - Demonstration
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkZJS_IcozE

It's filmed using the NEX-FS100 with a Tokina ultra wide lens via Novoflex adapter and a NEX-5N. The Blackbird stabilizer is connected to the Merlin arm & vest through an optional Z-post from CMR to allow more clearance between the stabilizer and the arm. You could also use the standard Merlin arm post.
 
Thanks! The Blackbird is my most favorite stabilizing device and it's great to have the possibility to use it on the Steadicam arm & vest system. I was able to walk around like this non-stop for over 1,5 hours. (I didn't say I wasn't exhausted... ;))
 
That's interesting. The rap on the Merlin vest, is that it's garbage, but the arm is very nice. So pairing the arm with the blackbird is an interesting idea, since the BB has a good reputation. Here's a breakdown on the vest and arm question with some (supposedly) better options when it comes to the vest - from cheesycam:

New Steadycam Vest and Arm for Video camera Stabilizers.
 
The good thing is I can show you my progress. :) I started using the Steadicam mid 2007 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHEWjBl4_6M) and then tried out the arm and vest at IBC (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=at4bILyPO6U). I bought it a few months later and made a short video demonstrating the arm and vest (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UjWsy7oGqs). A few months later I sold it because my new camera was to heavy for the Merlin. Summer 2011 I bought the FS100 and shortly after bought the Merlin again. Since then I've also been using the Glidecam and Blackbird last summer and bought the arm & vest. So I've been using it a total of around 2 years now and the arm and vest for about a year.

What I did in the beginning (and I found this to be really helpfull) was having the Steadicam all prepared for flying as much as I could. I had the Merlin stand and could pick it up at a regular base and start flying with it and recorded every step of the way and evaluated the footage shortly after it to "compare notes". This helped me a lot.

OldCorpse, the new Merlin vest comes standard with buckles, but I actually preferred the velcro. (Yes, I'm on my own now! :)) Made it easier to quickly adjust things on the fly. I don't know what cheesycam did to brake the vest, but it's plastic so I guess it can happen. Personally I have no problem with the Merlin vest, but he does show some interesting alternatives.
 
Very interesting to watch your progress. I guess the lesson is that there is no quick way to pick it up. You just need to keep at it with regular practice.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top