Hi,

I'm looking to hire someone for a few hours to provide a bit of hands-on equipment setup and training. Of course I am willing to pay a reasonable fee. Here are the details:

I recently purchased a Steadicam Merlin and need someone who has at least a couple years experience with this neat production tool to show me how to correctly balance and setup my Merlin for my two videocameras....the first is a 1.2 lbs Canon Optura 50, the second is a Panasonic AG-HVX200 weighing in around 7lbs with a microphone and long duration battery attached.

I think I have the setup in the ballpark but I have yet to get it actually correct. Knowing how a fully balanced video camera feels in my hand would be a major leg up.

I have read the manual and watched the DVD however I would like someone who can:

1) set up the Merlin for me for both cameras so that they are dynamically balanced and result in that steady, "floating" video we all buy this tool to achieve.

2) Provide some very basic operator guidance (hand position, walking with the Merlin etc)

I'll be taking notes and some digital pictures so that I can recreate the setup. After all, if I can't do it myself eventually then that's a real problem

I figure around 2 hours work. I am located in Palo Alto, CA.

Steve

There is a great little video tutorial that someone put together over at Exposureroom.com.

http://exposureroom.com/members/skumar.aspx/assets/19977365c63041abb36633f8cc8f4e87/

Now, the video doesn't showcase your camera (it uses a Canon A1) but you get the general idea of how to set it up and how to tweak the functions. It may or may not help you. Plus, the author of the video is super helpful. Leave him a comment and he might be able to help you out.

Good luck.