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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

Anyone have any experience with the Chinese knock off Steadicams? Like this one?

Battery options... we've settled on using our existing RED bricks - is the cable on the RED DSMC belt clip long enough to reach the camera, if mounted on the lower platform?

Has anyone purchased the second edition of the book mentioned in this thread?

Update: Yes, the RED DSMC belt clip is long enough to use (thanks Steven)
 
Are people mounting v-mount batts on the bottom of the sled and running a cable to the RED? That must be a pricey cable, ya? Also which V-mount battery holder are you using to attach to the Sled?
 
The battery belt clip is actually a good option, if you can get the mounting sorted out. The cable is 6' I think, and it's not overly expensive. The only issue that might be a problem is if you are using third-party bricks, they need to have the wiring to communicate like a RED brick, or else the camera won't even power up. At least that was the case with my older non-RED 95wH GMPs.
 
Paul Rondeau said:
The battery belt clip is actually a good option, if you can get the mounting sorted out. The cable is 6' I think, and it's not overly expensive. The only issue that might be a problem is if you are using third-party bricks, they need to have the wiring to communicate like a RED brick, or else the camera won't even power up. At least that was the case with my older non-RED 95wH GMPs.
Click to expand...

excellent, didn't realize this was a thing! Thanks.
 
ShaunMavronicolas said:
Battery options... we've settled on using our existing RED bricks - is the cable on the RED DSMC belt clip long enough to reach the camera, if mounted on the lower platform?

Has anyone purchased the second edition of the book mentioned in this thread?
Click to expand...

Yes. It is updated with new photographs, texts and stuff like 3D rigs as well.
Good read and a perfect primer for newbies with lots of tips and tricks from the "real world".

ShaunMavronicolas said:
Update: Yes, the RED DSMC belt clip is long enough to use (thanks Steven)
Click to expand...

The clip is easy to remove and percentage is shown on display with the right batteries.
The cable is quite long (about 1.8 meters) and should work on a sled.

Regards,

Marcus
 
About to pull the trigger on buying one of these rigs. Which one should I pick? Pros and Cons:

This one seems to have a seperate arm for the monitor rather than a position on the sled. The two positions on the sled appear to be for battery and weights.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-15kg-Load...482&pid=100011&prg=1005&rk=2&sd=121055378079&

This one has basic Came sled but adjustable baseplate
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-15kg-Load...482&pid=100011&prg=1005&rk=3&sd=121055378079&

This one is relatively inexpensive. What's the catch?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-15kg-Load...482&pid=100011&prg=1005&rk=4&sd=121055378079&

Thanks all
 
Layi B said:
About to pull the trigger on buying one of these rigs. Which one should I pick? Pros and Cons:

This one seems to have a seperate arm for the monitor rather than a position on the sled. The two positions on the sled appear to be for battery and weights.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-15kg-Load...482&pid=100011&prg=1005&rk=2&sd=121055378079&

This one has basic Came sled but adjustable baseplate
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-15kg-Load...482&pid=100011&prg=1005&rk=3&sd=121055378079&

This one is relatively inexpensive. What's the catch?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-15kg-Load...482&pid=100011&prg=1005&rk=4&sd=121055378079&

Thanks all
Click to expand...


The older models of Steadicam use to feature the monitor and battery on the same plane, the newer models featured the monitor and battery on separate planes so that it was more capable of dynamic balance which allows the ability to whip the camera. Even though some of the users here were able to dynamically balance the came version, the first one should be easier.

The second and third seem pretty much the same, maybe the vest is different? I have the Laing, the knobs on the vest are machined aluminum, not sure about the Came version. It seems like everyone is getting the adjustable base plate regardless of what's pictured. I'm not sure what the catch is, they seem pretty much the same.

Edit: After reading the steadicam handbook I realized that the second plane has nothing to do with easing dynamic balance, it simply places the monitor in a better location. It actually complicates dynamic balance slightly but not by much. Having the monitor and battery on the same plane should have no impact on whether or not you can dynamically balance the stabilizer.
 
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Laing

Laing

I have ordered the CAME on EBay and received the Laing
Good build quality and Nice aluminium case

I use a Marshall 7" on the sled

I plan to mount the GMP 160 on the back with the WC quickback and Switronix plate

Do you think I would be able to balance the rig without the weight of the battery on the sled?
 
olivier burri said:
I have ordered the CAME on EBay and received the Laing
Good build quality and Nice aluminium case

I use a Marshall 7" on the sled

I plan to mount the GMP 160 on the back with the WC quickback and Switronix plate

Do you think I would be able to balance the rig without the weight of the battery on the sled?
Click to expand...

You should still be able to balance it with the battery on the back of the camera. I did it this way, but you will have to add more weight to counter balance since the rig will be heavier top side. Also the camera height might sit low, but if you are a taller person this might not be an issue.
 
According to the seller, the $1750 version is the newest version. According to another red user, this version has adjustable chest plates.
 
John and David,
I noticed that you guys have the rigs attached to what I thought we c-stands. Then I saw the wheels. What kind of stands are these? They look like a convenient way to dock the rig while resting. I assume the "steadycam" and vest have some sort of quick release system so it's easy to take breaks.

Do tell.

Thanks.

John Galeano said:
side.jpg




side2.jpg


side_long.jpg
Click to expand...
 
Layi B said:
John and David,
I noticed that you guys have the rigs attached to what I thought we c-stands. Then I saw the wheels. What kind of stands are these? They look like a convenient way to dock the rig while resting. I assume the "steadycam" and vest have some sort of quick release system so it's easy to take breaks.

Do tell.

Thanks.
Click to expand...

Hey Layi,

Yes that is a rolling combo stand that I use for my Dana Dolly. I have two and they are great all around rolling stands for a very affordable price. Please note that the Steadicam I ordered does come with a resting bracket but it did not work with my steadicam. I needed to cut and sand it to make it work.. see attached pics. Also do not try to balance your rig on any stand without sandbags on the stand!!!

Rolling Combo Stand.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/67818-REG/Avenger_A5012_A5012_Lowboy_JR_Studio.html



www.johngdesigns.com/pics_random/20130129_093057 copy.jpg

www.johngdesigns.com/pics_random/20130129_092943.jpg

www.johngdesigns.com/pics_random/20130129_093244.jpg





 

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Thanks much John. Who did you order your steadycam from? Do you recommend we ask our ebay seller to be sure to include the resting bracket?

Thanks again
 
Layi B said:
Thanks much John. Who did you order your steadycam from? Do you recommend we ask our ebay seller to be sure to include the resting bracket?

Thanks again
Click to expand...

I ordered from ebay seller "Photolight" It should come with the bracket depending on which rig you order. He also has some other knock off stuff worth looking at.

This is the rig I ordered...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-15kg-Load...400?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19d8750e30

This is the rig I received. As someone said in an earlier post, the seller is now shipping the one linked below for the ordered one above. Please don't quote me on that and ask the seller questions.. He responds fairly quick.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-15kg-Load-Camera-Video-Steadycam-Stabilizer-Steadicam-Carbon-Fiber-Vest-/140910238138?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20cee799ba

Seller "Photolight" Store
http://www.ebay.com/sch/photolight/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=25&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2654
 
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