Help/Info on Steadicam Mini?
 

I'm considering an eventual purchase of a Steadicam Flyer for my HVX200 and I have an opportunity to practice on a Steadicam Mini that a local rental house has.

I went there today and strapped it on, and immediately noticed a few things about it that make me wonder whether diligent practice with this model will eventually yield good results, and will the skills I develop translate to a Flyer very well (due to differences in arm design). For instance, the arm is single action with an odd curved, multi-hinged solid arm. I wasn't able to bring the camera to eye level, because the arm would "top out" (with a rather jarring stop, I might add.) The socket block is non-adjustable. I found that, with an HVX200, I had to raise the post pretty high, due perhaps to the Marshall 7" monitor that was apparently a retro-fit for this particular unit being heavier than the stock LCD (?)

It did appear that the Mini's sled is a close relative of the original Flyer sled. Is this the case?

Being keenly aware that I have no idea how any Steadicam rig "should" feel or look, I tried to find info on the Mini online, but there was almost none. I used the Flyer Operators Manual as my guide and it was helpful, but it left many questions unanswered.

I would greatly appreciate any general Mini wisdom or specific advice for setting up and operating, as well as links to reference material, that any experienced operators can offer.

My hope/plan is to get as much practice time as I can with the Mini, practicing the exercises in the Flyer manual, in preparation to taking a 2 day workshop at my earliest opportunity.

Thanks!