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October 27th, 2007, 02:46 AM | #1 |
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Merlin Steadicam Arm Vest Payloads
Hello! I wanted to start a new thread for other operators to show the different setup configurations and accessories used with their system.
I'll start by showing in these 3 photos what I explored with so far. Included hardware: Canon XH A1 HD Video Camera Canon Extended Battery Pack (fills entire battery cavity) Sony Rubber Eye Cup (p/n 217941401 or 2-179-414-01) $38.40 BeachTek DXA-2S Dual XLR Adapter 2 Sennheiser Wireless Mics. 1 Bracket1* www.Bracket1.com *A new Bracket 1 HD is now available http://www.bracket1.com/brackets.php and may be a better choice than what I had... MERLIN SET-UP: Dove Plate @ Position H Collar Fully Inserted Spar Fully Extended 2 Finish Weights 8 Middle Weights Also... I just ordered a 'J-Rod' with a 3-Shoe setup from Jeff which I'll have on Wednesday to also test with a RODE NTG-2 shotgun mic, one Zenn Wireless Mic and the much heavier Canon Wide-Angle glass. We'll see... Surprisingly to me, the Steadicam was more stable overall and more forgiving staying in the horizontal plane longer even when exposing it to sudden movements. The system achieved even smoother footage with the added extra weight. BTW, I calculated the total system at 11 lbs. and that's approx. 3.5 lbs. more than then maximum Merlin/Arm/Vest recommended payload. Incidentally, the reason why I'm using two wireless mics, I will be following two commentators at a Porsche vintage racing event, also conducting interviews, describing some of the fantastic historical machinery, etc. Should be lots of fun! http://www.rennsport2007.com/index.htm Again, I'm very interested to see photos, details, setup specs. of what others are doing when hanging accessories to their vest/arm equipped Steadicam Merlins. Incidentally, I'm NOT recommending anyone to exceed the manufacturer’s specs. but if it works, that's OK by me. For now, check this out... Last edited by Armando Serrano; October 27th, 2007 at 12:56 PM. |
October 27th, 2007, 09:23 AM | #2 |
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I would think that the mic bracket would impede the ability to pan left as it would hit your left hand/arm, no?
Perhaps a more clean mounting system would incorporate a lower plate that allows the wireless packs to mount at the bottom, replacing a few of the finish weights. Probably the Beachtek would be best mounted there also, as it is desirable to keep the center of gravity of the camera closer to the gimbal.
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Charles Papert www.charlespapert.com |
October 27th, 2007, 10:52 AM | #3 | |
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Hello Charles, You're right and thanks for the tips!
I won't have time to do this correctly before leaving on my trip to Florida Nov 1st, but I'll be for sure trying to improve the current configuration. It was surprising to me to see the system work better than with the lighter load I previously had. Quote:
Thanks again! Last edited by Armando Serrano; October 27th, 2007 at 12:54 PM. |
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October 27th, 2007, 01:51 PM | #4 |
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I am missing something here. Why do you need the Beachtek?
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Douglas Villalba - director/cinematographer/editor Miami, Florida, USA - www.DVtvPRODUCTIONS.com |
October 27th, 2007, 03:00 PM | #5 | |
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Quote:
Doug, you may be right, I don't really know for sure at this point since I have yet to field-test either configuration with an actual recording... PS: Doug, I noticed you're in FL. I'll be flying out of California and arriving at Orlando to attend the Rennsport Reuniun III being held at Dayton Raceway, are you going? ; ) Last edited by Armando Serrano; October 27th, 2007 at 06:11 PM. |
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October 27th, 2007, 05:10 PM | #6 | |
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Quote:
As far as the Rennsport Reuniun III, I don't even know what it is about. Daytona is about 5 to 7 hours from me depending on traffic and how fast you can go ;-)
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Douglas Villalba - director/cinematographer/editor Miami, Florida, USA - www.DVtvPRODUCTIONS.com |
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October 27th, 2007, 06:06 PM | #7 |
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If those are the Sennheiser G2 wireless systems, you should have got the twist lock mini-to-XLR cable with each system, so there's no need for the Beachtek.
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October 27th, 2007, 08:35 PM | #8 | |
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Quote:
Adding weight will always make a rig more stable, that's the principle of inertia. You'd be amazed if you were to spin the post of a full-size rig, it feels like a fluid head in comparison to the super-touchiness of a Merlin. But the addition of a single pound onto the Merlin changes the feel substantially, it's true.
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October 27th, 2007, 09:46 PM | #9 | ||
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Quote:
By the way, following Doug's recommendation, I took off the BeachTek and tried to re-balance the Merlin for over 2 hours to get it to work as well as before but to no avail. Amazing what a little more weight and re-distribution will do to that Merlin. I'm almost tempted to add the BeachTek back on or figure out some similar payload distribution to get it back to work as before. Quote:
Racing car enthusiast waits for years to see this event. The Porsche Rennsport Reunion is held every three years or so. It is open to the public and brings together an unprecedented gathering of significant Porsche vintage and current racecars and famous Porsche race drivers from ALL over the world. If you like vintage automobile racing, and Porsches, this IS THE EVENT to see worldwide. I don't want to get off the subject here, but attached are some photos from the past 2004 event. See the Gulf Blue livery 917K with the #20 on the door? Did you ever see the 1971 movie "Le Mans" produced and directed by Steve McQueen? That's the car in that movie, now owned by Jerry Seinfeld who normally also drives it at the event (he did last year). Sorry, I just had to post some photos... Last edited by Armando Serrano; October 28th, 2007 at 01:40 PM. |
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