I will agree that for a rig that can spec up to that weight, not accommodating dual batteries is a bit strange, seeing as it was standard on the Flyer. Yes, you can add dead weight, but batteries are a smart solution as they serve double function. I'll enquire about this if and when I can get to Tiffen (right now work is overwhelming so not sure when that will be).

It's a pity Tiffen don't have an equivalent to Dan Keaton at nanoflash floating around these threads, which would eliminate all this guesswork.

Mind you I've never quite seen a customer service model as thorough as theirs, Dan's forever answering everything and anything down to the finest detail and he's in senior management with the company!

Just occurred to me, the Zephyr is setup to do both 12 and 24 volt. There has to be a second battery plate somewhere. It was also wired to do 24V if need be with an extra spot on the top stage ostensibly for a motor and wireless transmitter, as well as a spot to add another outlet. Things are pointing towards a second plate on the back of the monitor or some provision to change to a dual battery mount.

I have seen Tiffen Steadicam guys posting on The Steadicam Forum & I guess there is no dedicated nanoflash forum which would explain why Dan posts here.

Hi Nigel, how was your impression of the Scout since you have experience with the Pilot? I have one on order with no news of it arriving yet.

My only previous Steadicam experience has been with the Merlin so my opinion isn't that of an expert. During the course of the weekend workshop I used the Pilot, Scout & Zephyr & all felt great. As I recall the Scout & Zephyr use the same arm but have different sleds. I think that it was actually an extra Zephyr vest that we were using with the Scout. They all felt great. If I had the money I would buy the Zephyr as that just felt the most stable & easiest to fly but that may just have been because it had the heaviest camera load. The Scout was straightforward to do both static & dynamic balance & worked great. It is the same top notch quality & engineering as the others & I am sure that you will be very happy with it.

Thks Nigel, I hope i would be able to try the Scout next weekend at the Eastern Classic. Looking forward to it!

I've been in touch with my pals at Tiffen and will likely be going in next week to explore the new rigs. Look for an article here at DVinfo.net shortly thereafter.

That would be great Charles, when you do, would you mind putting a note on this thread? I keep forgetting that DVinfo is more than just this forum!. Most of us should then be notified of the article.

Just started a new thread on this, but thought I better put it here as well to conclude this one...for those who haven't heard zephyr has finally shipped. More details when it arrives ( on new thread)

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.

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

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?

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

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.

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

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. Would have been great.

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

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.

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

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 ;)

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

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.

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

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.

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

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.

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

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!

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

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.

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-Power Options
 

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;-)

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

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.

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

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!

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

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.

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

Re: Steadicam Zephyr-upgrade changes
 

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