Tagged with steadicam - Personal View Talks

FS - Laing P-4S Carbon Stabilizer

filthy — Tue, 06 Feb 2018 16:54:54 +0000

For Sale - Lightly used Laing P-4S Carbon Stabilizer. In very good condition. Solid build quality. Produces buttery smooth results. Great alternative to 3 axis gimbals when light travel or simplicity is a must. Noticeably smoother than many gimbals when running or walking. No batteries needed and balances super fast. Can be used with full vest and arm setup as well. Accommodates payloads between 1-10kg and only weighs 1.25 kg.

Asking $150 OBO plus shipping to CON US or HI.

Steadicam Merlin 2

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:26:59 +0000

Price : $850
Weight: 1.4lbs (0.64kg) (without balance weights)
Camera Weight Capacity *: 0.5 to 5.0lb (0.23 – 2.27kg) 7.5lbs max. (3.4kg) with OPTIONAL Merlin Arm & Vest Accessory
Maximum Height Folded: 5.3 in. (13.5cm)
Minimum Height Open: 8 in. (20.3cm)
Maximum Height Open: 15.3 in. (38.7cm)
Case Size (W x H x D): 13.4 x 9.9 x 4.9 in. (34.0 x 25.2L x 12.5cm)

Look at more info at: http://www.tiffen.com/steadicam_merlin2.html

Available at:

http://www.amazon.com/Steadicam-Professional-Video-Stabilizers-Merlin/dp/B007A0EFUE/

Vests and arms for steadicams topic

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 01:05:13 +0000

This is topic about various chinese (ONLY chinese!) produced vests and arms for them.

I'll try to focus on double arm designs (aka double spring arms) as they are preferable.

First, vest and arm from Wondlan Leopard 2 set:

Not cheap, but as far as I asked operators this is among best chinese vests.

It is offered as option to Wondlan Carbon stabilizer in our deals.

http://www.wondlan.com/product/260-leopard--carbon-fiber-standard-edition--5fdc/

Laing H5 steadicam topic

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 01:43:50 +0000

Work with any camera+ lens combination up to 2.8kg
Weight is only 0.67kg, so you can use it with bare hands for prolonged time
Very compact
Exceptional manufacturing quality Laing is known for
No charging required :-)

Remember that you can still win one

Steadicam balancing and operation tips

jimtreats — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 17:08:29 +0000

Hi folks.

Last night I got my first steadicam in the mail.

The budget flycam nano, I didn't expect too much, and I think I'm relatively happy for a cheap first steadicam. It did arrive with a few niggles, the bottom weight holding platform was a little bent, meaning the pole coming out of it wasn't perpendicular to the platform. I wasn't sure whether this would cause a problem, but i've bent it into shape of sort now. After this I experienced the problem where with the cam sort of balanced it would hang vertically with the camera pointing away from me, spin the camera any other way and it would always fall to the right a little. In the end i took apart the gymbal bracket and reattached it with even torque on both screws and i seemed to have improved this symptom mostly.

As a whole, the flycam nano does seem ok.. balancing is a bit of a chore but I think i can get close fairly quickly. I'm finding the handle a bit frustrating, the grip rubber can shift in certain orientations which always makes me a bit nervous. I also find i have to hold the handle very low down so my hand doesn't contact with the v bracket that holds the gymbal and stops it from flying properly. I brought the arm brace with it too, which helps with the handle holding a little, but in general i do wish the handle was an inch or two longer.

Now i'm left with a reasonably balanced flycam nano, with my GH2 and 20mm f1.7 lens. I've managed to balance this with only 2 weights on either end of the platform. Which leads me to the first question. To get this to balance i've had to extend the weight platform to about halfway down the pole extension. So I wonder, is there a rule for how much weight to put below, or does more weight with less extension have the same properties as less weight with more extension?

I've been working with a 2-3 seconds drop time from horizontal, i've seen various recommendations on this, i've noticed the slower this drop time the less pendulum-esque the steadicam behaves when you're flying it.

I've seen mention of static and dynamic balanced. I'm not clear on how to verify whether or not I have achieved dynamic balance, i'll assume static is sufficient for the steadicam to remain vertical when placed there, in all camera y-axis rotations.

Whenever I see video of folks showing a balanced steadicam they always shift it forwards, back, left and right with it remaining pretty vertical and stable. I can do this, however when i do do this I find that the camera tends to spin on its y-axis a little. Related to this if i'm walking with the steadicam and i change direction the same rotation can occurs and has to be combatted with the other hand damping the vertical post or even turning it back the desired direction. Is this the behaviour of a balanced steadicam, or a symptom of one that's not quite balanced, or perhaps has an over lubricated gymbal? I'm wondering if the compact nature of the GH2 and 20mm lens is meaning that it doesn't have a very large or dense z-axis which is meaning that its moment of inertia in that axis is so small that its easy to rotate as i've just described.. So i'm wondering if i balance it with a heavier and longer 14-140mm lens I may find it is less likely to turn.

I guess that's about it. Any help or advice would be really appreciated! I accept that it's going to take a lot more practice, but i just want to get a feel of whether i'm in the right area.

Cheers

LAING steadicams, arms and vests

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 07:22:12 +0000

I am moving all to separate topic to have focused discussion.

LAING options

Quite good opinions about them. Good quality.

First, more light set, for cameras up to 7.5kg.

One for 7-15kg range comes in case:

Five axis gimbal-The terminator of Steadicam

Avril_Lovin — Tue, 14 Jun 2016 02:09:40 +0000

In the early 1970s, a commercial director and also producer named Garrett Brown began to explore a new system to avoid the jitter while shooting videos. He intended to create a high portable device not only separating the camera from photographers but improving the balance of the camera to reduce vibrations and shaking as well.

This goal was achieved in 1973, by inventing the simple but innovative machine – Brown stabilizer (later renamed: Steadicam).

At that time, Steadicam attracted a large number of users for its low cost and simple structure.

Buy as the rapid developing of science and technology, emerged the shortcoming of Steadicam.

Although Steadicam has made great differences, there are many restrictions to the detriment of current photography needs. Such as Steadicam is too big to be used for narrow scene, and too heavy for long shot. And the fatal weakness is the difficulties for beginners to start in a short time trial, users must take a long time of training to familiar with Steadicam and use it well. With wrong posture, it is counter-productive to keep stable. Still, usually we need to spend a long time on Steadicam for adjustment and balancing.

Now, the cutting-edge Nebula 4200 5-axis stabilizer has arrived to end the 50-year history of Steadicam. You have to admit that the lightweight and compact stabilizer more suits our needs for its user-friendly and excellent stability.

However, designs of 3-axis stabilizer cannot address the very crucial part: the bounces caused by photographers’ step while making videos. To solve this problem, Nebula 4200 5-axis greatly integrated the traditional advantages of Steadicam and the latest technologies of gyroscope stabilizer.

Turned the standard notion of 50-year Steadicam’s structure, 5-axis spring arm is Nebula’s original design, inspired by the damping system of F1 racing cars. Nebula 4200 is known as the only mould-casting gyroscope stabilizer in the world. All parts of this innovative product are made of metal.

The effect of double spring arm in contraposition is both rebound and absorbing. But the mass of stabilizer and camera appropriately maintains inertial. Except the intentional tremor, the two spring arms of 4200 can absorb any vibrations and bounces under payload acting on the vertical axis. With this kind of buffer, Nebula 4200 reduces vibration, retards speed, makes shooting more smooth even facing hard bumps.

They are just like the vehicle suspension system, on the one hand isolates road noise, bumps, and vibrations, on the other hand provides enough sustenance for stabilizing car body while making a turn. Besides vertical axis, with different spring tension, the two spring arms are also able to filter part of the vibrations on horizontal axis. That’s why we call as 5-axis.

Double spring arm in contraposition turns the standard notion of spring arms in line, in order to spread bounces caused by photographers’ step while moving over two handles. Thus perfectly reduces the jitter and jerking and improves users’ manipulation of stabilizers.

New design principles of 5-Axis spring arm

Avril_Lovin — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 01:53:32 +0000

Turned the standard notion of 50-year Steadicam’s structure, 5-axis spring arm is Nebula’s original design, inspired by the damping system of F1 racing cars.

The effect of double spring arm in contraposition is both rebound and absorbing. But the mass of stabilizer and camera appropriately maintains inertial. Except the intentional tremor, the two spring arms can absorb any vibrations and bounces under payload acting on the vertical axis. With this kind of buffer, reduces vibration, retards speed, makes shooting more smooth even facing hard bumps.

Two dovetails are added on spring arm, to show the flexibility of combinations. The standard 1/4 screw hole also makes it easy to carry most of the photography accessories. Every detail we designed is for filmmakers in search of 2 “P”s: professional and possibilities. Double spring arm in contraposition turns the standard notion of spring arms in line, in order to spread bounces caused by photographers’ step while moving over two handles. Thus perfectly reduces the jitter and jerking and improves users’ manipulation of stabilizers.

Fotga DP3000 stabilizer

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 05:45:15 +0000

iFootage WildCat, small stabilizer

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 23:40:43 +0000

Check additional details and price.

Original WildCat

This is copy of Skier design. Not cheap.

Very good feedback.

Zen Magnets Internal Steadicam

Manu4Vendetta — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 10:20:25 +0000

Awesome, stable and very smooth. The great mystery is that dont work the page where to buy.

Although he shared as make it.

Laing introduces first proper stabilizer - Laing UP

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 12:00:39 +0000

Laing UP - proper stabilizer for filmmakers girlfriend

Made only from premium materials and only proper colors - pink and gold.

350 amazing strategically located hand crafted diamond cut gems.

Makes her stylish and modern on set.

Can handle any portable or big camera.

Available and assembled by hand per personal request (PM me ).

Comes with personal certificate with your name and firm owner signature.

Note! Girls are not included!

Using Steadicam Merlin with GH3. Anyone have any recipes for balancing?

tylerknight — Sat, 02 Nov 2013 10:34:13 +0000

Hello fellow ghers!

I just acquired a Steadicam Merlin (first edition) for a very good price and I'm having some trouble balancing it.

On the website they have "recipes" for the gh1 and gh2 which are similar enough to each other, but the GH3 is a totally different body shape and weight and is proving to be quite difficult to find the sweet spot.

Supamods

UnTalGalvis — Mon, 24 Mar 2014 07:37:45 +0000

Hello, guys.

While going around the internet I stumbled upon this Chinese company called Supamods. https://www.supamods.com And, among all their products, this Steadicam set-up really caught my eye: https://www.supamods.com/product/x4-flight-system/

I've been thinking about pulling the trigger on it, but I can't seem to find any reviews of any of their products. The only products that get mention on YouTube, are a Mattebox and a replacement mount for the GoPro Hero.

Has anyone had any experience with these guys? How are their products? I know you get what you pay for (I mean, that Steadicam kit with vest, arm, gymbal and carrying case, is dirt cheap), but I wouldn't want to purchase a 750 dollar trash bag.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

FS: Steadicam Merlin 2

MaulKentor — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 00:23:47 +0000

I bought a Steadicam Merlin 2 for my BMPCC which proved to be too light for it. It was only used to try and balance but other than that it is in perfect condition. I can ship to USA & Canada. Asking price: $370 USD

STEADICAM SOLUTION FOR GH2

GOODEMPIRE — Fri, 06 May 2011 00:35:00 +0000

I wonder if anyone tried using steadicams with micro43? It should or should not make sense given our lightweight bodies. I bought a Glidecam pro 200 after Manfrotto's 585 modo didn't work completely (you can have your camera balanced when you are standing still only). So what are the options? I heard somebody was using Glidecam HD1000 with better results. It does have better controls for setting up the weights. It is important because one can't spend 2 hours balancing the system before going out to shoot. So if anybody is able to share his experience on this matter — please do that. Btw theoretically speaking which camera is easier to stabilize: heavier or lighter? My GH2 with 20mm pancake weighs almost nothing, but I can't say it helped.

Merlyn like stabilizer

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Sun, 21 Jul 2013 06:51:01 +0000

Price: $183+shipping

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sevenoak-SK-W01-High-Precision-Video-Stabilizer-fr-Cameras-Camcorders-DSLR-Canon-/151072359168

Wheelchair + wieldy 7kg steadicam = ?

makinnoize — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 02:48:28 +0000

Hey all, I have both these items, waiting for to be frankenstein'd into one awesome handy rig. Has anyone heard of such a beast (aside from it's use in Kubrick's 'the Shining')? Any real-world hands-on experiences with a wheelchair steadicam before I get the welder out?

FS: Original Steadicam Merlin with all original accessories and weights

tylerknight — Wed, 15 Jan 2014 17:44:43 +0000

I am getting rid of my trusted Steadicam Merlin as I am not using as much as I used to.

I have only used it for about 12 real estate videos over the course of 2013 and other than that it has been packed away in it's protective case.

It's in beautiful condition with only minimal signs of use.

$300 shipped to lower 48 states and canada

Steadicam and alternatives

jfilmmaker — Fri, 11 Oct 2013 16:39:53 +0000

Hey guys, I'm trying to incorporate shots that are on moving vehicles, such as train, bus, or car, and I don't want any vibrations to show in the footage (single camera operator). For a gh3, what's a reasonable setup that will work? What's appropriate, movi-type or steady cam type of setup?

Thanks!

Laing M-30 Stabilizer

allenswrench — Sun, 08 Sep 2013 16:12:07 +0000

Hello,

I know there is a topic on certain Laing stabilizers, but has anyone used this model? The price is just what I need for an upcoming job, any opinions would be much appreciated.

Another Skyler like variation of steadicam with unusual legs

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Sun, 21 Jul 2013 07:23:15 +0000

They made top base absolutely unadjustable and simple.

And changes bottom weights so they can be adjusted to any position.

I am not sure that it'll be working good. And legs seem to have only one big weight.

Price: from $122

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2047675.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.X1s+Quick+Release+Plate+Handheld+Stabilizer+&_nkw=1s+Quick+Release+Plate+Handheld+Stabilizer+&_sacat=0&_from=R40

Steadicam for GH's, NEX and others cameras from Sky Visuals

Manu4Vendetta — Fri, 31 May 2013 12:28:02 +0000

The boy dont say the price, but look like a prototype.

Small cheap steadicam

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Tue, 07 May 2013 21:55:51 +0000

Price: $54 shipped

http://dx.com/p/cs-100-handy-stabilizer-for-digital-cameras-cell-phones-black-204352

(SOLD) For Sale: Laing Handheld Stabilizer P-03(xc) $200 plus shipping

LaserGuidedTaco — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 21:20:02 +0000

Barely used in like new condition I bought it March 28, 2013. Selling it because I upgraded to a blackbird stabilizer. PM me if interested.

Payment accepted: Regular PayPal (fee included in price)

Shipping method: USPS

Shipping charge: Varies

Handling time: 2-3 days

Additional comments: Will ship only to the address on the PayPal transaction details page Buyer must have a PayPal confirmed address

New Orleans Street Dancer: GH2&FlowMotion V2.2 on Glidecam X-10

ABlindGuy — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:52:34 +0000

I got this footage yesterday, have been a really big fan of this website as it convinced me to get a GH2 in the first place. Wanted to show you guys how I've been using it for the last five months.

No color grading. Downsized in Avid to fit on Vimeo.

Hope you guys enjoy.

Balancing stabilizer

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 21:43:24 +0000

Stabilizer balancing and shooting advice

peternap — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 10:15:59 +0000

I just got the Wondlan Magic Steadycam. My steadycam experience to date is with a Smoothee for my GoPro's which isn't even in the same ball park.

Setup and balancing on the Wondlan was easy and fast but I have a problem and I can't find online instructions to correct it. It rotates when I move. The Smoothee does too but very light pressure with my thumb cures that.

I can't figure out how to stop the rotation without causing it to pendulum on the Wondlan. Sorry for the stupid question.

I'm using this with the two lighter weights for the GH2"s and XA10 and the heavier two weights with the AC 160, and setting the handle for a slow drop.

BTS shot from Wolverine showing steadicam dolly movement

ahbleza — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 11:16:10 +0000

This is an instructive image from a movie shoot showing how a steadicam has been mounted onto a dolly. Also interesting is the use of flags to block daylight.

http://i.imgur.com/ng1HbAB.jpg

Matte boxes for use on a steadicam

kronstadt — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 18:13:05 +0000

What kind of matte box solution have you got for situations when your GH2 is on a steadicam stabilizer?

When using a camera stabiliser (steadicam, glidecam etc) it's very unlikely that you are going to put the whole rig on with rod holder, rods, FF, MB etc --that's just too heavy, unless, of course, you have a steadicam vest - and most people here don't. Plus, there is the practical irrelevance of using a FF while the camera is on a stedicam (unless of course, you have a separate focus puller person who is using a remotely operated FF - most people here don't).

So the solution is often to take your naked GH2 and place it on the steadicam just as it is. The problem then are the flares. So I thought of getting one of those rubber lens shades that can be easily stuck to the lens, but the problem with those is that they are not always catered for wide angle lenses.

My question: have you ever seen a rubber lens shade that could be attached directly to the lens, but at the same time have collapsible increments like this?