PROAIM 7000 STABILIZER STEADYCAM + ARM VEST FLYCAM 6000

[Martin Elena]

Hi everybody, this is my first post.
First of all thank's a lot for very usefull information.
I'm looking for a stabilizer for my sony hvr-v1e. I don't have experience with steadycams and I don't want to become a  pro stedicam operator. So I find some "low cost" options, and the "indian steady" looks good.
I saw in HBS Modifying commercial Systems, some issues with this rig, and also the review. Very interesting.

My question is: 6000 or 7000. My budget is above 2000usd.
The chinese Menbo is not a good seller I read in HBS.
Then Glidecam Smoothshooter is more expensive and the arm is single not double

Difficult choice, don't know many people with the 7000, it works well?

thx

[Charles King]

The smooth shooter can be upgraded to the dual arm, which is called the X-10.

[Phil Kindred]

For what you want and the money, the X-10 is your best buy.

[Martin Elena]

Thank's. I also like the x-10, but it's too expensive right now.
I'm from Spain, and with the rate between euro and dollar the x-10 coasts me about 3700usd here in Spain. It's an american product and it would mean that the coast should be lower. But sellers here, still with prices like 1euro=1usd...
I will look for used or ebay good sellers

[Charles King]

May I ask what budget do you have?

[Martin Elena]

About 2000usd (1500euro).

Cinecity made to me a new offer:
1.Indicator Arm (I think my sony hvr-v1e is too light for the 7000)
2.Flycam6000
3.DV Operator Vest (better than 6000kit vest)
4.Tripod Stand
5.Docking Bracket
6.Battery & LCD Mount (not included before)

1700usd

[Charles King]

If you still want to get the Indian system than I will advise you ask those members who have the Indian system, what they think. I'll pass them your way. I say buy the smoother shooter and upgrade the arm to the X-10. It should be around the same price. I think. Ask David at Glidecam if you can do that and tell him your budget. Tell him,  charles King says hello.

[Alejandro Alexandr]

Yeah good point.

I have the indian socket block. It has no give. I think Chris here also has same. And you will need to make modifications.

I got the flycam 5000 and I'd wish I have gotten the 6000 instead because of the adjustable gimbal.
Most of the machining is not precision. At least on my parts.

The lcd seems to be a very good offer to be included.

My set up is flycam 5000 ($235), chinese menbose? first version($600). needed to order a different handle($55) for the sled to work with the chinese arm.
I got a broken portable dvd player from ebay for ~$20 shipped. tripod head ($30)  , $126 (socket block) .

$1036 + glue guns sticks, screws, labor, etc etc.

I think I can have a working rig at around this price now. Just need more adjusting.

Just an idea on how it might compare to your offer you got.

MAKE THAT NEED a lot more adjusting... :\

[Martin Elena]

Finaly I purchased the indian steady, the chepest    flycam 6000 with the indicator arm.
I try to get this kit with the dv operator vest (included with the proaim 7000 kit) but this didn't work with the indicator arm.
Anyway now I'm learning. Next month I'll provide a review with photos videos and problems I found (not much at now)
Firs of all I must add weight to the camera, my sony hvr.v1e is about 1,5kg, for the flycam 6000 is perfect, but the arm needs minimum 6kg. Any suggestion? where do I place It? between camera and flycam? Under flycam camera support? Lead, iron or steel?

I'will search here.
Thanks!

[Charles King]

Finaly I purchased the indian steady, the chepest    flycam 6000 with the indicator arm.
I try to get this kit with the dv operator vest (included with the proaim 7000 kit) but this didn't work with the indicator arm.
Anyway now I'm learning. Next month I'll provide a review with photos videos and problems I found (not much at now)
Firs of all I must add weight to the camera, my sony hvr.v1e is about 1,5kg, for the flycam 6000 is perfect, but the arm needs minimum 6kg. Any suggestion? where do I place It? between camera and flycam? Under flycam camera support? Lead, iron or steel?

I'will search here.
Thanks!

Hi Martin. Adding weight to sled would entail adding weight plates under the camera itself if possible. A weight cage will is also another suggestion. see this link for ideas: http://hbsboard.com/index.php/topic,3879.msg33785.html#msg33785 . Steel is preferable. I appreciate the review you will do when you get the rig. thank you.

[Martin Elena]

Hello everyone,
As I discussed in a previous post, I finally bought the Flycam 6000 with the Indicator Magic Arm.
The Flycam 6000 is designed for lightweight cameras like my Sony HVR-V1E (1.5 kg), but the Indicator Magic Arm is designed for cameras between 6 and 18 kg.
So when I tested it, the Magic Arm only worked one of its two parts.
I had to add weight to the camera, Charles King gave me this post with information about this topic:
http://hbsboard.com/index.php/topic, 3879.msg33785.html # msg33785
I went to my blacksmith, had a piece of iron 20x20x3 cm (9,5 Kg) served me for my steady and put it between the post and the base of the camera. Between the base and the piece of iron I put some washers for the screws revolve either horizontal movement.
Another problem to solve was that supplied with weights, had more weight now up than down, so I put the weights down below, to increase the weight.
Deputy poor quality photos made with the phone. Sorry.
Apologies also for the translation of google
I hope to hang some video when finished raining.

[Charles King]

That is a really wide plate. Is there a way of shopping of some of that weight?

[Martin Elena]

Yes, probably making it less wide and longer would be more comfortable, but we take a cut piece and goes well. Maybe if I make another less heavy the hare, I'll try

[Charles King]

You should try making a small cage which will result in the weight being higher up.