Steadicam Merlin w' XH A1S at DVinfo.net
DV Info Net

Go Back   DV Info Net > Canon EOS / MXF / AVCHD / HDV / DV Camera Systems > Canon HDV and DV Camera Systems > Canon XH Series HDV Camcorders

Canon XH Series HDV Camcorders
Canon XH G1S / G1 (with SDI), Canon XH A1S / A1 (without SDI).

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old December 20th, 2010, 04:56 PM   #1
New Boot
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: San Rafael, California
Posts: 13
Steadicam Merlin w' XH A1S

I finally was able to purchase a Merlin for my XH A1S...it's really difficult for me to get it to settle down. I have had it for a week and I have checked the Merlin Cookbook for settings. I am using the stock battery and it just won't calm down..I think it's a bad match..the camera is just too heavy for the Merlin.
Please help with any "secrets of the masters".

Merry Christmas

Joe
Joe Cronin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old December 20th, 2010, 07:52 PM   #2
Major Player
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Illinois
Posts: 323
It's not too heavy. I added a sizable light on top that really moves the C.G. and still am able to balance it well. Have your read the manual, viewed the training DVD? You have to get a proper drop time for sure to keep it from swaying. You will find the guide ring adjustment to be important to fine tuning to get the final solution. It is best to have a stand to put it on while trying to balance it to limit the number of battles you are fighting. There is an arm you can buy which is not too expensive and will mount on any light stand, definitely a must buy.
Galen Rath is offline   Reply With Quote
Old December 21st, 2010, 05:57 AM   #3
Major Player
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: London, UK
Posts: 795
I use my Merlin with an XH A1. I really haven't spent that much time with it but I have got it to work fine.

The main secret, as far as I can tell, is to set it up roughly, using the cookbook settings, and then to fine tune it with the rotating adjuster on the swivel. The way I conceptualise it is that the centre of gravity of the camera has to be lifted up until it is just about to become top heavy on the swivel. And then it floats properly.

At the same time you need to adjust the pitch and roll screws to keep the camera centred on the swivel point ie not tipping forward, backward or right, left.

So, it's a combination of using both of these sets of controls to raise the camera up, whilst keeping it centred and level on the swivel, until it gets high enough above the swivel that the pendulum effect disappears and the camera begins to float. First a bit of one and then a bit of the other. And so on until it is right.

Does that make sense? Possibly not! If it is confusing, I apologise, but it's the best explanation I can come up with.

BTW I have always used the smallest battery.
__________________
http://www.gooderick.com
Richard Gooderick is offline   Reply With Quote
Old December 21st, 2010, 11:15 AM   #4
New Boot
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: San Rafael, California
Posts: 13
Thanks to all for your responces...I guess it's just a matter of putting in the time before the light bulb goes on. It's reassuring to hear that it can be done..I was beginning to think I bought myself the wrong Christmas gift!

Happy New Year

Joe
Joe Cronin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old December 21st, 2010, 02:00 PM   #5
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 49
Tutorial by Shiv Kumar

Hi Joe,

I used the tutorial of Shiv Kumar (Canon XHA1 and Steadicam Merlin ? Tutorial By Shiv Kumar On ExposureRoom) to use the Merlin with my XH A1 and that worked pretty fast and fine. Working with the Merlin will take a lot of practice and exercise (because of the weight) but it works fine and you can make nice shots with this combination.

Regards,

Robert
__________________
XH A1 / FCS2
Robert Wide is offline   Reply
Reply

DV Info Net refers all where-to-buy and where-to-rent questions exclusively to these trusted full line dealers and rental houses...

B&H Photo Video
(866) 521-7381
New York, NY USA

Scan Computers Int. Ltd.
+44 0871-472-4747
Bolton, Lancashire UK


DV Info Net also encourages you to support local businesses and buy from an authorized dealer in your neighborhood.
  You are here: DV Info Net > Canon EOS / MXF / AVCHD / HDV / DV Camera Systems > Canon HDV and DV Camera Systems > Canon XH Series HDV Camcorders

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

 



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 03:53 PM.


DV Info Net -- Real Names, Real People, Real Info!
1998-2024 The Digital Video Information Network