Unfortunately Tiffen had a holdup at the factory and they don't have any demo units for me to review (they are all going out the door right now) so I wasn't able to review the Zephyr and Scout as hoped. By the time I would be able to with my schedule, there will probably be a bunch of user reviews out there so it may not be worth it for me to do. Maybe. We'll see.

Charles, I can't think of any circumstances where your review would not be highly valued. Please go for it whenever you can.

Haha, thanks. I guess the point is a good one--anyone who has already ordered doesn't really need the review, but for those waiting to see (and hear), it would be worthwhile to gather opinions.

We were planning an "exclusive" preview/review. You know how the web is--the first one out the gate gets the hits. Sadly so many of the "firsts" are poorly shot test videos or, god help me, unboxing videos. I was hoping to pre-empt all of the above.

Hey Charles,

I think the quality of the review matters more than being first. Most people value your opinion over anyone else. I would love see you review the Zephyr and Scout, especially the unboxing video ;)

Although i have decided to go for the Zephyr, i m still hoping to see your review Charles! Anyway, i was fortunate enuf to have a go at the Zephyr (production) in early Dec during the Eastern Classic. The flyer arm and zephyr arm is indeed different. Zephyr is sightly bigger. The prototype sled and production sled has some differences in the locking mechanisms as well and a different monitor.

I decided to go for it from the Scout after my test (there was no scout there, i just liked the way the Zephyr handled) so you know what i feel about it already. Am hoping to do one review myself once i get it in early Feb.

Tiffen is fulfilling all the pre orders currently. Have fun Chris !!

Thanks Sean, I 'm sure I will.
What we may end up with are 2 types of reviews.

Firstly the review Charles gives us based on vast experience and the highest level of skill aimed at current operators. Secondly from newbies like me who have no idea of what they are doing but can share their thoughts (and trepidation) on what it's like to use one of these things out of the box, but sparing us all the unboxing bit!! The latter would help those considering taking the big step to stabilizers. Poles apart perspectives, but both highly valuable in totally different ways.

By the way, sorry I started the new thread now, looks like we're continuing on here anyway!

Charles,

Your review on the pilot was one of the reasons why I purchased one! Very professional and showed what type of results were possible with the rig. Definitely saved me a bunch of cash over the flyer LE ;). Would LOVE to see/read a review from you! There's something to be said when the review comes from an authority in the steadicam community due to the sheer amount of experience and insight that can be used as a comparison.

Cheers,
Randy

I'm daydreaming about a Charles Papert Zephyr unboxing video....

Just back from Sydney after a Steadicam workshop and brought home my new zephyr. I guess this is where the hard work begins!

I've had many people contact me privately about why I haven't made any comments on my new zephyr yet.

The fact is, my last entry didn't tell the whole story, I should have said "I brought home most of my new zephyr" as to this day I still don't have the complete unit, (there was an issue) Apparently I will have an operational zephyr "next Thursday or Friday" but I will let you know if that is the case or not. I wasn't going to go into the detail with people here but the more I look back at the last 10 months I think some prospective buyers might have an interest in the process I've been through and hopefully airing it all will make it smoother for others.

There will be too much to go through here, so I am currently working on a blog:
"Buying a steadicam zephyr the hard way-a personal view of a long journey."

and will post a link to it in the next few days.

Another thing that might interest you. After informing Tiffen a couple of days ago that I would now have to share my experiences on "forums" I have just found that I have been locked out of the Tiffen steadicam forum website. Even after getting a new password issued (to give them the benefit of the doubt) I still can't get in.

Oh dear guys, not a good look. Instead of diffusing the situation it looks like they wish to inflame it, ok... your choice. Back to writing the blog...

I'm sniffing at doing a Zephyr/Scout review video next week, schedule permitting...we'll see.

Great Charles.. waiting to watch yr video! Chris, sorry at your experience. I'm lucky to receive a complete set and it looking and feels really sexy. One thing is the colour tone of the adjustment levers on the post are different and that irritates me a little. Other than that I have yet to have a chance to fly it as the 5D2 is way too light. When i get back home i want to fly the EX1 on it first.

I wished they designed the stage to be mountable with those weights like the Pilot. I'll be customized an adapter a little similar to the Cinevate cage that stillmotion uses. Overall i still fell it is a wonderful system so far.

Very keen to see some photos when you get a chance Sean!

Looks like Tiffen gets a lucky break again. After half writing a long blog entry and spending way too much time on it over the last few days, I decided instead to spend an hour and a half writing a condensed version here only to lose it all in a power blackout. I just couldn't be bothered now, I give up. Have a beer for me tonight Mr. Rush.

Latest news from Tiffen is they are going to replace my (and I presume all Zephyr owners) bridge plate with a newer version, which is apparently more adjustable. Seems odd, is there another issue they're not telling us about?

This on top of receiving my Zephyr with a faulty dovetail plate (that holds the camera on!), the fact that they "released" it in April at NAB despite having no production models at all available for sale, then after two other other "release" dates finally delivering it in January the following year. On top of that there is still no manual available for it to this day, but then again this is the same company that supplied 2 only training DVDs to me that were made in 1991 and 1996 respectively (I'm not kidding). Strangely Tiffen Australia couldn't have been more helpful with all this, but Tiffen HQ in the U.S. (Frank Rush) have given nothing but lip service at best and, at their childish worst, shut me out of their Steadicam Forum when I told them I would need to share my problems on the internet( I still am). I have since had many others contact me including this one from the UK:

"....problems occur with even the big 50.000 dollar rigs. I know at least 2 operators who had major problems with alignment of gimbal, alignment of post parts etc etc.

- Flyer nr1, scratches on the arm..
- Flyer nr2, arm looked like dropped from 15 meters high on the ground. Received compact vest while ordered normal vest. Dealer sent rig back, another drive to dealer 3 weeks later, rig was fine..
- Flyer nr3, the LE version. Gimbal not level. Sled was picked up, 1.5 week later new Sled arrived at home.
- Pilot nr1, again.. Gimbal not level. New upper part of Sled was sent to my home.

Also when ordering parts, they charge big time in the EU comparing with US prices. Also they manage to send used screws for 12 pounds each and not new ones :(

I have complained several times, 1 time even with big email to all top guys at Tiffen. In the UK and in the US. Lot's of excuses but never something like a little refund, some nice parts for free.. while i have bought more then 30000,- us dollars of equipment in the last five years.."

Look, obviously I think Tiffen make a great product, but I am getting seriously concerned about what seems to be a company with a split personality, not just between Tiffen U.S. versus the rest of the world, but what seems to be a disconnect between Tiffen design and areas like quality control (they tell me they are made in Mexico), marketing (as in production of current DVDs and manuals ) and plain good old fashioned service. I would suggest in a world market where serious competition is encroaching every day on your business you would take an urgent look at those issues.

I have also had people ask for images of the rig, while I'm at it anything in particular? Especially any details you might want featured?

Chris sounds like the odds are working against you. I know a fair number of people, myself included that have had nothing but positive experiences with TIFFEN products.

My Flyer works perfectly and no problems. I am waiting to get a Zephyr but have held back because of manufacturing delays and I know this is a radically new product with a lot of changes to important parts of the sled so I want the dust to settle before I get my new rig. You have chosen to be an early adopter and there is a price for doing that.

I am really grateful that TIFFEN is releasing a product with such a good cost/benefit ratio and will jump at the Zephyr when the time is right.

The training videos you mention particularly the one done in the late eighties is just fine. Obviously rough around the edges but you as a person who has been involved with Steadicam for now more than a few years should know the historic value of that piece and the info in it is top notch.

The market for Steadicam training videos is very small and if someone TIFFEN or a 3rd party were to do one, it would be put up as a torrent in no time and sales would be miniscule after that. Besides TIFFEN offers Steadicam workshops several times a year in various parts of the civilized world. Finally, a Steadicam Handbook was issued a couple of years ago that has changed the landscape of learning for new Steadicam Operators. Between that and the excellent workshops that are available, there is not a lack of training opportunities for those that are serious about the craft and the business.

You make an excellent point about the torrent, Andrew--I had started planning an instructional video years ago but the thought of DVD piracy always dissuaded me. I think it was a wise move to avoid it, it would have been a lot of work as I would have gone whole-hog into it to try to make it definitive (something like the video version of the handbook) and after all was said and done, have little to show for it.

I did have some great moments scripted, however. In a section about how it is often up to the operator to educate and guide the creatives through the misconceptions and usage of Steadicam, I had a little scene with a director enthusiastically pitching all sorts of ridiculous and over-the-top shots he wanted to do (operator jumping out of a moving car etc), interrupted by Garrett Brown himself materializing from behind a wall and dressing the guy down as an homage to the Marshall McLuhan scene from Annie Hall (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBtXfBdEXEs). Would have been great.

Chris,

I'd be interested to know what exactly was wrong with your Zephyr. You said the dovetail was defective?

Also, just FYI, The Steadicam Forum isn't owned or operated by Tiffen. It's owned and operated by Tim Tyler, who also runs Cinematography.com. You might want to contact him if you're having trouble logging in to the forum. I'm sure your opinions would be more than welcome over there.

Latest news from Tiffen is they are going to replace my (and I presume all Zephyr owners) bridge plate with a newer version, which is apparently more adjustable. Seems odd, is there another issue they're not telling us about?

I have also had people ask for images of the rig, while I'm at it anything in particular? Especially any details you might want featured?

Chris, thanks for keeping us posted on the progress of the Zephyr. Like others, I too am interested in this option if Tiffen can get the bugs ironed out. I'd be using the Zephry for a Sony PMW-500 camera which fits into this weight range.

To be sure, it is frustrating to be on the leading edge of product evolution. I greatly appreciate your comments and experiences as they are invaluable before making a leap to purchase.

I'd like to see photos of the whole setup installed on a real person. Different angles showing some of the innovation that Tiffen has added to the Zephyr. And most importantly, what are the strong features that you really like? What are the outstanding issues that still exist? Thanks in advance and hang in there while flying with your zephyr ;)

You make an excellent point about the torrent, Andrew--I had started planning an instructional video years ago but the thought of DVD piracy always dissuaded me. I think it was a wise move to avoid it, it would have been a lot of work as I would have gone whole-hog into it to try to make it definitive (something like the video version of the handbook) and after all was said and done, have little to show for it.

I did have some great moments scripted, however. In a section about how it is often up to the operator to educate and guide the creatives through the misconceptions and usage of Steadicam, I had a little scene with a director enthusiastically pitching all sorts of ridiculous and over-the-top shots he wanted to do (operator jumping out of a moving car etc), interrupted by Garrett Brown himself materializing from behind a wall and dressing the guy down as an homage to the Marshall McLuhan scene from Annie Hall (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBtXfBdEXEs). Would have been great.

Charles, I still think there would be a lot of demand (well, relative to the market) for such a video. Yes, you can't really prevent something from being pirated. But there's other models for revenue streams, especially if your expectation is mostly just to cover production costs and trouble.

For one, you could post it to a site and have it supported by ad revenue (cheesy but can work). You could ask for donations from all that watch it, and I think you might be surprised by the generosity you would see. Finally, and perhaps most reasonable; there is not a reason in the world that you wouldn't be able to get corporate sponsorship up front to fund such a project, assuming the production costs are modest. Tiffen, XCS, and all the other manufacturers seem like they should be willing to give a modest amount, especially if their products appear in the video (in a non-advertising way); additionally, some camera manufacturers might be willing to kick in an amount (Arri, Panavision, RED, Sony, etc and maybe even Canon, showing new horizons for light rigs, for example), and finally, I suspect that even some notable operators would be at the minimum willing to pitch in, if not donate some $$ in recognition of what steadicam has done for cinema/TV (and their careers) over the last 4 decades and will continue to do. Corporate sponsorship doesn't need to be just in the small world of steadicam, either, perhaps from a larger corporation that has been a notable user of steadicam in their work/adverts. All of these entities/people would probably be willing to give something, especially with credit at the end with links to their sites.

Your notable and I'm assuming trusted (obviously I don't know you personally, but people do seem to like you!) position in the industry makes you a perfect person to produce such a video and be trusted to both do it well and spend donated/sponsored funds in a responsible way. In short, I wouldn't discount the idea; I think everybody recognizes that it would not be a real money generator for you, but it would contribute greatly to the training available and probably join the ranks of history along with the EFP video. Lastly, many hands make light work: should you enter into something like this, I'm sure that there are many people, probably a great many of whom you already know personally that would willingly pitch in with the effort, from fund-raising to production, to editing and technical post issues, to creating the website and distribution.

Chris,

Closeups of the battery bracket would be great.

I am taking delivery of my Zephyr within a week or two at Showcase Atlanta. I plan to post a detailed rundown as soon as I receive it. Time permitting, I may have a go at a video review as well.

Looking forward to it Mark.

I am curious is there a battery mount on the back of the stock monitor and is TIFFEN recommending dual hotswap adapter to give the rig the weight it will need if running a typical short post.

In any event, I will be picking up an AB dual hotswap device so I can easily hang two batteries at the bottom. I suspect, if you are carrying a load in the 20 to 22 pound range you will need three typical sized batteries on the bottom or a longer post. Pretty sure there is only one battery mount on the rear portion of the lower spar.

Andrew, I am new to the power arrangements on these Steadicam units. Tiffen offers V-Mount or Anton Bauer (AB) options. Can you share your insights and reasons for choosing AB? As you point out, I have also come to the conclusion that a dual/hot swap arrangement is a minimum. Thanks!

Sure Barry. I just said Anton Bauer. It's what I use. Most operators have a preference. Sometimes it is personal preference and other times they chose a type of battery that is common on sets in the area they work.

The reason I know the sled will need that many batteries is, the sled is close to the same length as the Flyer when the post is compressed into it's shortest state: a short post. The vast majority of operators prefer a short post (big or small rigs) due to the responsiveness. Longer posts are used to make the rig reach up high or low (if in low mode) but most want it as compact as possible for the majority of work they will be doing.

The Flyer uses two Anton Bauer Trimpacs which weigh 2.9 lbs each (the ones I have) and this will allow the sled to have the proper "drop time" to operate with a full load. The Zephyr can handle more camera weight so you will have to add more battery weight at the bottom to compensate.

A few of us Flyer owners have gone over this. The ones I have talked to concur with my observation.

No one from TIFFEN to date has chimed in on this matter.

To me the easy solution is to buy an Anton Bauer or a v-lock hotswap device. I know the Anton Bauer one is available through B&H. A v-lock one I saw listed off the Zacuto site. B&H probably carries it. The v-lock one is cheaper BTW. Another solution would be to buy a really big Hytron like a 140. Nice and heavy.

Thanks Andrew, your explanation is clear and very helpful. I frequently visit the B&H site as well as that is were I discovered the hot-swap options. I was also looking for batteries with a larger capacity than the stock camera ones. I didn't realize that battery weight was so significant in balancing the Steadicam. And more importantly, I didn't know that the Island now has a "republic" missed that on the BBC World News. Cheers aah;-)

Here's what I know about Zephyr, Flyer and batteries...

First, a little story:

I recently flew a Panasonic HPX500 on my (original) Flyer. It's right at the Flyer's nominal 15lb weight limit. I balanced it with one A/B Hytron 120 (NiMH), which is 5lb 9oz. The sled is V-lock so I used an adapter plate. Later in the day I had to swap to V-lock Endura 10 stackables. These Lion batteries are substantially lighter: I had to use three batteries (one on the "dummy" position and two stacked on the live connector.) Awkward, but workable.

I take delivery of my new Zephyr rig next week (in transit to my dealer). The Zephyr is listed on Tiffen's website as follows:

"Optional 2nd battery mount for parallel 12V capability or 24V capability". This language appears in two places on the web page.

After my experience with the Enduras on the Flyer, I immediately emailed Tiffen this week, inquiring about a price for a Zephyr "dual battery bracket." Quoting from the response I got:

"There is no plan in the foreseeable future to offer a dual battery mount
for the Zephyr."

I replied, candidly expressing my disappointment. It substantially hobbles a feature of the Zephyr (second battery mount, presumably with hot-swap, and 12/24V capability) that has been publicly promised for many months, still is listed on the website today, and is important to me.

By the way, I asked "Should I be asking about a "second battery mount" instead of a "dual battery mount"?" Just in case my original question was inaccurately phrased. That was Tuesday. It is now Friday and have not received a clarifying reply.

I guess I'll have to look into third party options. Just looked at the A/B hotswap plate. Biggest Hytron it accepts is Hytron 50's, two of which are still lighter than one 120 or 140. Plus it's $300. The Switronix V-mount plate doesn't look like it will accept v-mount to AB adapter plates. Hosed either way.

Not happy with this development...significantly limits the flexibility of the rig.

Back from a desert job for a few days and was surprised to see no images of the Zephyr up yet.
I thought somebody would have posted them while I was away. Anyway I've quickly snapped a few
(hand held in low light at 1/4 of a sec!) but hopefully it will give you the idea. I'm off to bed now but will shoot some better ones tomorrow and answer some of the other queries above. If you want me to take a pic of anything in particular please let me know in the meantime.

As they say in Germany Gutenacht!

Thanks for the pics. Did they provide any specs on the monitor? Looks strikingly similar to this one: 7 Inch Headrest Monitors with Dual Video Input - Product Picture From Shenzhen Luview Co., Ltd. (http://luview.en.alibaba.com/productshowimg/220768749-200521206/7_Inch_Headrest_Monitors_with_Dual_Video_Input.html)

Could you snap a pic of the back of the monitor?

Wow Mark, u found the OEM of the monitor! Its exactly the same! Below are the specs of the monitor i found. not sure if it is the same thou but it works ok to me.

7" TFT LCD stand-alone review monitor-Shenzhen Luview Co., Ltd-Rear vision systems,Wireless product,Cameras,Video parking sensors,Recording systems,Monitors,Accessories (http://www.luview.com.cn/show.asp?id=212&lg=)

Generally Tiffen will add a proprietary anti-reflective coating to the OEM monitors they use for the lower-end rigs. But they don't (or shouldn't!) claim to be manufacturing the monitors.

While many of us are all awake at the same time (!) here are a few more pics. There is no doubt that this is the same monitor Mark mentions. Will make further comments about other posts above soon.

Tom W: the dovetail plate itself was not faulty, but one of the smallest (and ironically most critical)parts of the rig, the pictured adjusting screw, wasn't able to be tightened enough to hold a camera plate on. I presume the Dealer here had to get right in and under the plate to re-set it but I wasn't going to touch anything that would void the warranty. Charles P: yes please make a DVD and take pre-payment up front. I'd pay $100 U.S. no problems. Barry J: Sorry as I work at the office/edit suite in the rural area of town its not often I have anyone out here to take shots while I've got it all on! Maybe the kids can have a try. Mark S: I hope that image gives you what you need on the battery bracket. You are absolutely correct on the dual battery mount always being offered on the website etc., the original press release even says "Optional 2nd battery mount for parallel 12V capability or 24V capability" You will note one of the images I've posted also has that printed on the actual machine. If people have bought this as a requirement I'd be asking for my money back.

Also the monitor specs are disappointing, I know they are nothing more than a framing guide, nevertheless it would be nice to be able to play back at least a good standard res image when out if the field to get a better feel for what you've got. But the resolution is a rubbish 480 X 234. in PAL countries it is even more noticeable as we are used to 576 lines of vertical res, am I right in saying this is half SD resolution? This raises the question if Tiffen call this an SD monitor when it is nothing like it, what do they call an HD monitor? This becomes even more important when the list price between the Zephyr SD and HD kits vary by $3500 and the monitor seems to be the only point of difference.

Chris, thank you for the photos. I'm really jazzed about the changes. The lower spar looks great amongst other things.

One thing I am curious about is the very bottom of the rig, the underside of the lower spar and particularly right under the post. Wondering if it is suitable to get some additional machining done to mount a battery plate directly under the post. If you wouldn't mind taking a picture of that, it would be most helpful.

A shot of the top stage showing the slots and attachment mechanisms for the wedge plate would be helpful as well.

Barring any announcements on Steadicam suitable monitors at NAB, I would be adding this monitor that has a battery plate on the back: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=702619&is=REG
and the A/B hotswap device, if I were to get this rig. TIFFEN's decision to not have a second battery mount on the rig aside, I simply see these, particularly the hotswap as essential...Anton Bauer QR-HOTSWAPGM Hot-Swap Battery Plate QR-HOTSWAP-GM


One thing to keep in mind about this monitor, that I mention above, is it does not do image flip so it becomes an ordeal if you have to go into low mode.

Andrew, hope these are helpful. As you can see it does indeed have a mounting point below (sorry have no idea what the thread is!) While the outer wings are made of moulded plastic as part of the whole lower post cover, it does seem very solid, probably high impact material.

A few people have also asked about the Zephyr hard case, not having had one before I'm not sure if this is new or has been around for a while.

Overall it is quite good even for desert conditions where dust and dirt road vibrations are your worst enemy. However, even this has issues. The way it is packed, due to the way they have arranged the foam cut-outs, is that the arm is on the top, making it top-heavy especially as you wheel it around corners. To exacerbate this the handle meets the case very low and the aluminum rods have a real torsion issue, twisting quite badly when it has the zephyr in it. It feels very flimsy as if either the rods or the light plastic handle will break eventually, and I have tipped it over on several occasions going around corners. Not a good look at an Airport. A couple of images show the handle distorting with no weight load on it with just a slight twist of my thumb.

Better than I thought! Is that a threaded metal tripod mount style hole on the bottom of the lower spar?! Chris, you probably have both a 1/4" 20 and a 3/8" 16 threaded bolts with your wedge plate or a tripod on hand. Give if a go see if they fit and if it's robust enough to support a few pounds.

Photos are nicely done. Many thanks Chris!

EDIT:

Just saw the 3-pin lemo on the lower spar. The unit should then be wired for 24 volt operation. You may have to do have the wiring done up a bit to utilitize it and get a switch installed. There are people around who specialize in doing this kind of stuff.

I know the unit was originally pitched as being 24 volt ready but obviously with only one 12-14 volt mounting point it isn't quite 24 volt ready but it shouldn't be hard to get it there. Way easier than retrofitting a standard Flyer to be 24 volt capable.

We may even find out if all the stuff is there inside for this to be so.

Andrew, just given it a go on my way out the door. The larger of the two screws you get on any number of
camera plates fits perfectly. I suspect a few pounds is no problem as I would be very surprised if the female thread goes anywhere but into the end of the post.

Thanks Chris. That's a 3/8" 16 thread mounting screw (bolt).

Generally Tiffen will add a proprietary anti-reflective coating to the OEM monitors they use for the lower-end rigs. But they don't (or shouldn't!) claim to be manufacturing the monitors.

I have been asking for specs on the monitor (knowing that they add their own special sauce as far as coatings and perhaps other enhancements by the OEM to Tiffen specs), but they have been unable to provide them. So I got curious and did a little Googling to see what I could see.

Still waiting for Tiffen's specs.

Chris, re: the case:

It's a Thermodyne case, same as they use for the Flyer and Archer. My case shows the same handle behavior but I haven't had any practical problems. Biggest challenge is when inexperienced production assistants try to use it to lift the case by that handle!!

Chris,

Thank you for your pictures. They're very helpful. I just wonder if it possible to swap the SD monitor on the Zephyr? Would you mind telling me the screw diameter on the monitor mount?

Thanks.

Best,
-terje

No problems Terje, its half an hour after midnight here now, so I'll have a look in the morning and maybe post another image (they're not great photos but I never said I was a stills guy!)

When you get a chance, could you post a pic of the arm as well, just to complete the set? Also, does the arm post spin, ala pilot arm with nylon flange inserts around the arm post, or is it fixed?

Look I must apologize again for the lack of sharpness, but I'm hand holding on very low shutter speed (1/3"), I just don't have time to be setting up tripods at the moment! Anyway hopefully these will be good enough.

Forgot to mention the purpose of taking a shot of the v-lock plate! In case you might need a longer-shafted screw wheel to put on your new monitor, the thread is identical to the female in a v-lock plate.

Hey Chris,

Not sure if you have had a lot of time to fine tune your arm but I noticed something that would cause most people a bit of problem keeping the sled from wanting to fly away from you.

Note the threads on the two eye bolts in the last photo. You want the top one to be snug up against the travel of the threads much like it is but the one on the bottom is extended really far out. Not sure of your build but you might want to try dialing that one in somewhat. Most people have it dialed in so you can see about 3 to 4 rounds of threads. I think you have about 10 showing there. Everyone is different but that does appear extreme.

If that was me the rig would just fly away from me the instant I let go of the sled. Ideally you want to have the rig so when your posture is good and erect that the sled should hover in front of you and you adjust it with tiny micro-movements of your body. If you have to arc yourself way back you want to dial in the threads again. If you slams against your chest dial it out.

Terje, that would be a 1/4" 20 threaded bolt/screw. That is pretty much the standard on monitors whether the threaded holes are on the bottom, sides or the top.

Thanks Andrew, but I'm still way off getting time to play with it properly. I'm sure I would have been more enthused if I was able to bring the whole rig back with me from the workshop. Waiting weeks for a simple repair on a straight from the factory stabilizer was not a good experience, also meaning a lot of the freshness of the learning experience was lost.

On top that I've been very busy with other things and as a result the rig has mainly been sitting on a c-stand in the office. I had one fly with my Z1, but after a quick attempt at balancing the PMW 350 a few days later (with many random macro adjustments!) I convinced myself I didn't have time right then, which I didn't as it turns out. What you are looking at then is one of several blindly adjusted screws from an abandoned balancing attempt!

I'll set aside a day soon to actually put the instruction dvd up on the mac screen and all will be well, but thanks for the observation!

Chris,

Thank you! Excellent job! Your photo answered my long wondered question. It seems doable to attach a Marshall V-LCD651ST monitor on the Zephyr using composite in. That's really great.

Thanks Andrew for comfirming that it's a standard 1/4" 20 threaded bolt/screw.

Best,
-terje

Fair enough Chris. I can understand your frustration. Hopefully you can get everything sorted...soon.

Terje, the Zephyr is to be wired for a High Def montior so you shouldn't have a problem going over to that Marshall.