Using XL H1(A/S) on a Steadicam Pilot at DVinfo.net

Carl Wilky · September 4th, 2008, 09:03 AM

Has anyone tried using an XL H1, XL H1A or an XL H1S or even an XL2 for that matter on a steadicam Pilot? I know the speks for the pilot states that it can handle the weight BUT does it do a good job with that size of a camera?

Can't really afford the flyer.

Thank you.

Jim Martin · September 5th, 2008, 12:08 PM

It's rated for 10lbs....If you keep the camera stripped (no on-board,matte box,follow focus), you'll be fine. The Flyer is rated to 18lbs but the price goes from around $3700 to about $7000.

Jim Martin
Birns & Sawyer Inc
"At the ArcLight"

Joachim Hoge · September 5th, 2008, 03:13 PM

I have used my XL-H1 on my pilot 4 times now. (Just got the pilot 2 weeks ago and been busy shooting other tuff)

I took of the veiwfinder and mic and added some weights to the bottom part and it´s very close to the limit of what the rig can handle, but due to this it´s very smooth to operate as opposed to a lighter set up.

The pilot handles the camera very well (I have used it with an EX-1 as well)
I can really recommend the Pilot for you, it´s an excellent piece of equipment for the price. Feels totaly professional.

I also didn´t find it too difficult to get the dynamic balance right either, and reading different forums I was really worried about that.

Go a head and get it.

PS I should add that I use the AA-batteries, not ID-X or other. This takes some weight away

Carl Wilky · September 5th, 2008, 09:33 PM

Thanks for the info Joachim, thats exactly the feedback i was looking for to help make a decision, now all i have to do is save up a bit more money and just buy myself the pilot.

Cheers

Joachim Hoge · September 6th, 2008, 12:41 AM

I'm happy to hear that. I have to admit I was worried the first time I tried to set up the arm and had to turn the load springs almost to the max to make it "fly" and not drop. But it turned out very well. I advice you to buy a stand as well, otherwise it is very difficult to. Set it up. I ordered a afeasizfand from b&h, but got a c-stand instead by mistake. Both works, but steadistand is lighter.

Harry Bromley-Davenport · September 7th, 2008, 07:29 AM

I bought the pilot and almost immediately traded it in for the Flyer, which is, as you know, more expensive but infinitely better.

IT TAKES TIME to learn to operate a Steadicam. My DP went to a Steadicam Bootcamp and told me that almost everyone had models from the Flyer upwards.

Best

Harry

September 4th, 2008, 09:03 AM	#1
Carl Wilky Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Montéal, Canada Posts: 115	Using XL H1(A/S) on a Steadicam Pilot Has anyone tried using an XL H1, XL H1A or an XL H1S or even an XL2 for that matter on a steadicam Pilot? I know the speks for the pilot states that it can handle the weight BUT does it do a good job with that size of a camera? Can't really afford the flyer. Thank you.

September 5th, 2008, 12:08 PM	#2
Jim Martin Major Player Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Burbank, CA 91502 Posts: 949	It's rated for 10lbs....If you keep the camera stripped (no on-board,matte box,follow focus), you'll be fine. The Flyer is rated to 18lbs but the price goes from around $3700 to about $7000. Jim Martin Birns & Sawyer Inc "At the ArcLight"

September 5th, 2008, 03:13 PM	#3
Joachim Hoge Major Player Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Oslo, Norway Posts: 402	I have used my XL-H1 on my pilot 4 times now. (Just got the pilot 2 weeks ago and been busy shooting other tuff) I took of the veiwfinder and mic and added some weights to the bottom part and it´s very close to the limit of what the rig can handle, but due to this it´s very smooth to operate as opposed to a lighter set up. The pilot handles the camera very well (I have used it with an EX-1 as well) I can really recommend the Pilot for you, it´s an excellent piece of equipment for the price. Feels totaly professional. I also didn´t find it too difficult to get the dynamic balance right either, and reading different forums I was really worried about that. Go a head and get it. PS I should add that I use the AA-batteries, not ID-X or other. This takes some weight away

September 5th, 2008, 09:33 PM	#4
Carl Wilky Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Montéal, Canada Posts: 115	Thanks for the info Joachim, thats exactly the feedback i was looking for to help make a decision, now all i have to do is save up a bit more money and just buy myself the pilot. Cheers

September 6th, 2008, 12:41 AM	#5
Joachim Hoge Major Player Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Oslo, Norway Posts: 402	I'm happy to hear that. I have to admit I was worried the first time I tried to set up the arm and had to turn the load springs almost to the max to make it "fly" and not drop. But it turned out very well. I advice you to buy a stand as well, otherwise it is very difficult to. Set it up. I ordered a afeasizfand from b&h, but got a c-stand instead by mistake. Both works, but steadistand is lighter.

September 7th, 2008, 07:29 AM	#6
Harry Bromley-Davenport Major Player Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: LA CA Posts: 317	I bought the pilot and almost immediately traded it in for the Flyer, which is, as you know, more expensive but infinitely better. IT TAKES TIME to learn to operate a Steadicam. My DP went to a Steadicam Bootcamp and told me that almost everyone had models from the Flyer upwards. Best Harry