XF300 and Merlin Steadicam

[John Gibbins]

Does anyone have or know of a place to find a recipe for this combo?
The merlin site recipe book does not have this combo listed yet.

[Andy Wilkinson]

Duplicate post, somehow - ignore this one!

[Andy Wilkinson]

I'm not sure how heavy the XF300 is, but if it's anything close to my EX3 I really can't image you'd want to put something of that weight (and size) on a little Merlin.

[Jim Martin]

In a word.....no. The min. Steadicam you could use w/XF 300s would be the Pilot.....and you really should be looking at the Zeypher. Remember, you buy support eqipment (Steadicam, tripod pkgs, etc) based on the max. potential weight you could put on it. If you take the 300/305 and add a follow focus, matte box, on board monitor, and a lens attachment, you will be in the 15-17 Lbs department.

Jim Martin
FilmTools.com

[John Gibbins]

I have used it successfully with the XHA1s and was hoping that someone had some luck with the XF300.
That combination worked quite well for me.
It is marginally heavier, maybe just a litttle too much.
Now to break the news to the wife.
Perhaps I can get some advice in that issue. ;)

[Nigel Barker]

I have an XF305 & it is a bit deceptive as it is a lot bulkier than an XH-A1 but not a whole lot heavier (2.7kg vs 2.25kg) The EX3 is apparently quite a bit heavier at 3.6kg. I found flying an XH-A1 on a Merlin very hard work on my arm & I really wouldn't want to fly the XF305 on a Merlin.

[Nigel Barker]

Originally Posted by Jim Martin

In a word.....no. The min. Steadicam you could use w/XF 300s would be the Pilot.....and you really should be looking at the Zeypher. Remember, you buy support eqipment (Steadicam, tripod pkgs, etc) based on the max. potential weight you could put on it. If you take the 300/305 and add a follow focus, matte box, on board monitor, and a lens attachment, you will be in the 15-17 Lbs department.

A follow focus wouldn't be much use on a Steadicam unless it was a wireless one & there is no need for an on board monitor as you already have one at the bottom of the rig helping to counterbalance the camera you are flying. The maximum load for a Pilot is 10lbs/4.5kg so the XF300/305 at under 3kg is well within that limit.