Does anyone know if the Metal Gimbal Assembly (spare part #801-7100) for the Merlin is a screw on replacement for the plastic one? (http://www.steadicam.com/images/content/merlinpl_62708.pdf)

We'd like to try to fly a Sony-EX3 on it instead of the Sony-V1 and it seems the metal gimbal can handle up to 7.5 lbs?

Yes, the metal gimbal is a direct replacement for the plastic one. Simply unscrew the old gimbal/handle and replace with the new one. You can even use the all-metal gimbal on a JR.

Do you have to buy the metal gimbal or do the latest Steadicam Merlins
have it? And does this mean that the hand held Merlin will support 7.5 lbs?

The newer Merlins come with the Metal Gimbal which is available separately as an upgade for owners of the older units. One also comes with the Arm & Vest kit.

But you know, rather than me blathering on about this and that let's just go to the source for the official information by clicking here (http://www.steadicam.com/handheldmerlin.html).

Like I always say, when in doubt, check the manufacturer's specifications!

Do you have to buy the metal gimbal or do the latest Steadicam Merlins
have it? And does this mean that the hand held Merlin will support 7.5 lbs?

It's a little confusing, but if the gimbal is the same for the vest/arm, it obviously supports up to 7.5 lbs. I read on some forum that you need two more mid-range weights to do it though.

Maybe there is someone here that has done it already?

We like the Merlin and after our Steadicam man finally climbed it's learning curve, he does some pretty decent work. As long as it's mostly trucks, lifts and slow dollies and the wind doesn't blow...final output looks like it's been done by it's big brothers. For "run and gun" stuff in tight situations, NOTHING does it better, not even for 50k! It's small, light, tough, fast and pretty cheap.

Now the question is, can it fly a EX3 or equivalent? Anybody answer that question?

One more comment. Weight of the EX3 with the standard 14x Fujinon lense is 7.6 lbs, but with the Fujinon XS17x5.5BRM-M 1/2" 17x Lens, it drops to 7.4 lbs.

I just now talked with a representative from Tiffen and he said the the Steadicam Merlin
would fly 7.5 lbs. But I would need 2 extra mid weights and that it might be more
difficult to get balanced. Also warned that the extra weight would be tiring. My XH A1
and Firestore FS-C weigh 6.6 lbs, then the extra 12.8 oz Merlin. Think I am going to give
it a try. If I can't get it setup I will take a beating and get rid of it.

Charles Dodd

Now the question is, can it fly a EX3 or equivalent? Anybody answer that question?

I did fly EX1 (not sure what's the EX3 weight difference) on hand held Merlin, but you will need accessories plate , I couldn't get it in balance without it, and additional weights,
it's doable, but I would recommend sled based stabilizer for the EX1/3, now I'm using pilot, but I'm still looking for a hand held solution, I need steadicam shots where I can't wear a ful rig , so I'm choosing between Merlin and maybe Sanda100, (http://www.sanda100.com/) not sure when it'll be available

I did fly EX1 (not sure what's the EX3 weight difference) on hand held Merlin, but you will need accessories plate , I couldn't get it in balance without it, and additional weights,
it's doable, but I would recommend sled based stabilizer for the EX1/3, now I'm using pilot, but I'm still looking for a hand held solution, I need steadicam shots where I can't wear a ful rig , so I'm choosing between Merlin and maybe Sanda100, (http://www.sanda100.com/) not sure when it'll be available

We're seriously thinking of the arm/vest for the Merlin, but the EX3 is the absolute weight limit for it. It'd be nice to hear from someone actually flying an EX3 on one.

The Merlin is a great little platform, but if it can't handle the EX3, we'll be looking for something better. We hate to give up the lightness and flexibility of the Merlin, but ...

Anybody here using an arm/vest with a Merlin and heavy cam like the EX3?

I just now talked with a representative from Tiffen and he said the the Steadicam Merlin
would fly 7.5 lbs. But I would need 2 extra mid weights and that it might be more
difficult to get balanced. Also warned that the extra weight would be tiring. My XH A1
and Firestore FS-C weigh 6.6 lbs, then the extra 12.8 oz Merlin. Think I am going to give
it a try. If I can't get it setup I will take a beating and get rid of it.

Charles Dodd

Charles, did you ever get your setup to fly on the Merlin?