Steadicam Flyer demo clip

[Phil Kindred]

While I have not personally tried the Flyer, I believe the post size is not too much of an issue.  You could, I suppose, put a bigger wrap grip on it.  It is basically the Mini sled..  As for the batteries, it is set up for Anton Baur's I think and some others.  Check the tiffen site.  Drill batteries would take a rework of the sled and not really worth your time.

[Charles King]

Don't worry Tom. This site is not just for building a rig. Commercial rigs are welcome. It's a not a must that you build. If you feel the need to go with a commercial rig than by all means do so. In fact, I encourage it. Building is not for everyone and it does take time. If you read my introduction or my piece on homebuilt in the HBS news forum than you will understand. So if you feel better buying a rig than go for it.

Tom, The XL-2 is not a problem at all. If you saw my review, I used a sony PD 170 3CCD dv camera, way smaller than the XL-2. If fact using a heavier camera will do the flyer justice. I've flown a 235 16mm film camera on this this thing and it flew beautifully.

The post is small as Phil mentioned. Not my preference either but the arm makes up for it and trust me, you won't regret. It's really a nice piece of equipment.

For the batteries, I would agree with Phil. Don't bother. It ain't worth it.

[MikkoWilson]

As a regular Flyer operator I'll chime in here too.

Go with one of the battery options offered by Tiffen, they are worth it. I'd rcomend V-lock, it seems to be the most comon and it's also the cheapest.

The post size on the Flyer is definatly not a problem. I've *never* seen *any* flex in it, and as my pic below, I've flown some prety heavy set up on it.

The XL2 with a couple of accessories is perfect for the Flyer.

And here's 2 pics to show that even a little more weight works just dandy on the Flyer:


 - Mikko

[Charles King]

I love the two monitor setup Mikko.

[MikkoWilson]

two?
There's 3 monitors on there CK!  (Steadicam, Program, Prompter)

- Mikko

[Charles King]

I was actually referring to the ones at the base.

[MikkoWilson]

Fair enough. 

- Mikko

[Florian Bühler]

Mikko, your Sled looks really great! (Stupid question: It it self-made? If yes: Very well done!!!)
How much is the weight of it? I guess 17 kg.

And Charles:
Your video is cool.
The rig makes an impressive impression. And the footage is very smooth!
Great, great, great!

I hope my next rig works as good as yours. (Or better )

Bye Florian

[Charles King]

Mikko, your Sled looks really great! (Stupid question: It it self-made? If yes: Very well done!!!)
How much is the weight of it? I guess 17 kg.

And Charles:
Your video is cool.
The rig makes an impressive impression. And the footage is very smooth!
Great, great, great!

I hope my next rig works as good as yours. (Or better )

Bye Florian

Thanks for your comment. One correction about the rig you were referring to. The rig in the pic you asked Mikko about is a Steadicam flyer and supports weight up to 6.8kg.

[Tom Bufkin]

Hi Charles, Phil, Mikko, and everyone,  thanks guys for the re-assurance about the post size and your batteries suggestions for the Flyer.  After not too much further thought I ordered the Flyer and the IDX battery starter kit and I am anxiously waiting for hands on!

One more question.  How is the low mode adapter and quick release (as described by B&H) http://hbsboard.com/index.php/topic,1953.msg18324.html#msg18324 and described by Tiffen as Low Mode Kit (F-bracket and handle clamp) mfg. #078-7393-01 supposed to be used? 

I see a cage depicted in some of the posts.  It looks like you can use the cage in the up or down position.  Is up just for added weight for a smaller camera and of course down for low mode.  (DUH!!!!)  So do I need the cage and this adapter/quick release or what?  If I need the cage, is the one posted in the group offer a good choice?  Sorry for being so dumb.  BTW a lot of what I will shoot will be low.

thanks again for all your help

Tom Bufkin

[Phil Kindred]

Since you have decided on the Flyer--and congrats, I wish I could afford one--then go with the Tiffen gear.  The cage is for using lighter cameras that are under the Flyer weight. The Tiffen gear will clamp to your camera handle and should work real well.   Boy, I envy you and want to see some pics when you receive it.

[Tom Bufkin]

Thank you Phil for the reply,

I probably should get a cage since I have and intend to keep and use the Canon Optura 50 (small) camera.

What comes to mind now that you've said the Tiffen clamps to the handle of the XL-2, no offense to Tiffen but I feel the pain the XL-2 handle will experience from being clamped upon by this process add to that the possible obvious physical scratching, denting (damage) etc. that might occur to the handle just because of the force necessary to safely hold a 7 to 9 pound load with that (attractive) clamp.  Not to mention (expensive).

I wonder if you or anyone reading this has had experience with this clamp used with the Canon XL-2 and if so how does it affect the integrity and appearance of the handle etc.

This may sound a bit picky of me and I do not claim to be the most careful guy with my equipment but it just makes me wonder.

Also, can the cage be used with the XL-2?  Is it large enough for the camera?  Is it feasible?  And if so, I think buying another mounting plate (Canon TA-100)  B&H # CATA100 about US 140.00 like one I currently use on the Bogen-Manfrotto tripod sounds better to me.  It would really be nice to be able to snap the XL-2 in and out of the cage and know it is not being clamped upon.  For that matter if the cage is not large enough for the XL-2 then here is an opportunity for me to shift over into diy mode and make one just for that purpose.

Once again Phil, thanks for your and everyone's input and I know a $400.00-Tiffen clamp probably is not that much compared to what I have spent so far but I just want to do it right--and without damaging my gear unnecessarily.  Who knows, I might want to sell this stuff someday.

Thanks again for your patience with what are probably dumb questions. 
From what I have been reading on HBS I am at the right place to learn from those that know.

Tom Bufkin

[MikkoWilson]

Tom,
 The Low Mode Clamp won't damage your camera. It has rubber on teh surfaces that grip the handle, not metal.

If you build/buy a cage, make sure that it's VERY ridged and strong.

Regardless of which solution you pick, you will need a "F" Bracket from Tiffen. It's a bracket that goes between the arm and the gimble. It flips the gimble handle upside down and loweres teh sled for proper clearance when in low mode.
It's availabel seperatly: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=192877&is=REG&addedTroughType=search
Or as part of the Low Mode Kit: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=192878&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

 - Mikko

[Tom Bufkin]

Thank you Mikko,

It is so nice to be able to learn from you and all the other guys at HBS.  I am expecting the rig today and being more of a visual (need to see the stuff) kind of guy I will be better able to understand many more things.

Thank you again for your input.

Tom Bufkin

[Charles King]

Tom, again, congrats on the purchase of your rig. Here are some of my personal tips when you finally get your flyer.:

1.  Make sure you check all the parts to see that you have everything in place. Screws, bolts and nuts are in place. Look at the manual. Just check to see that everything is tight and not loose. You'll be surprise.

2. Make sure you look at the tape that comes along with the flyer, if you did get one. It is slightly comparable to the EFP video but not totally. It will definately get you up and running in not time.

3. I suggest you put the rig on and get a feel of it with out adding any weight(camera). See how it behaves with the sled. Then you can mount your camera and give it another run around to get the feeling of it. One thing you'll notice is a feeling in your lower back muscle. The one that doesn't get used so often. You have nothing to worry about because the weight for this rig is not that bad but you will feel it a little.

Just get a feel of it and how your lower back response to the weight.

4. Take a couple of unplanned shots. Just anything. The idea is to see how effective this system is without actually operating the rig, if you know what I mean? This should give you a some sense of how effective the rig is without any training.

5. Always hold the rig close to you depending on the situation.

6. The idea of the arm is to isolate your movements and place it outside of the arm. Try to avoid erractic movements. In most situations this cannot be avoided. One thing is that the more weight you place on the rig the better it will behave. This will definatley help in isolating movements and stop them from getting through.

7. One important thing that never ends - Practice! Practice! Practice! That's the best advice anyone can give to a person. The pros still do practice.