Steadicam Merlin w' XH A1S at DVinfo.net

Joe Cronin · December 20th, 2010, 04:56 PM

I finally was able to purchase a Merlin for my XH A1S...it's really difficult for me to get it to settle down. I have had it for a week and I have checked the Merlin Cookbook for settings. I am using the stock battery and it just won't calm down..I think it's a bad match..the camera is just too heavy for the Merlin.
Please help with any "secrets of the masters".

Merry Christmas

Joe

Galen Rath · December 20th, 2010, 07:52 PM

It's not too heavy. I added a sizable light on top that really moves the C.G. and still am able to balance it well. Have your read the manual, viewed the training DVD? You have to get a proper drop time for sure to keep it from swaying. You will find the guide ring adjustment to be important to fine tuning to get the final solution. It is best to have a stand to put it on while trying to balance it to limit the number of battles you are fighting. There is an arm you can buy which is not too expensive and will mount on any light stand, definitely a must buy.

Richard Gooderick · December 21st, 2010, 05:57 AM

I use my Merlin with an XH A1. I really haven't spent that much time with it but I have got it to work fine.

The main secret, as far as I can tell, is to set it up roughly, using the cookbook settings, and then to fine tune it with the rotating adjuster on the swivel. The way I conceptualise it is that the centre of gravity of the camera has to be lifted up until it is just about to become top heavy on the swivel. And then it floats properly.

At the same time you need to adjust the pitch and roll screws to keep the camera centred on the swivel point ie not tipping forward, backward or right, left.

So, it's a combination of using both of these sets of controls to raise the camera up, whilst keeping it centred and level on the swivel, until it gets high enough above the swivel that the pendulum effect disappears and the camera begins to float. First a bit of one and then a bit of the other. And so on until it is right.

Does that make sense? Possibly not! If it is confusing, I apologise, but it's the best explanation I can come up with.

BTW I have always used the smallest battery.

Joe Cronin · December 21st, 2010, 11:15 AM

Thanks to all for your responces...I guess it's just a matter of putting in the time before the light bulb goes on. It's reassuring to hear that it can be done..I was beginning to think I bought myself the wrong Christmas gift!

Happy New Year

Joe

Robert Wide · December 21st, 2010, 02:00 PM

Hi Joe,

I used the tutorial of Shiv Kumar (Canon XHA1 and Steadicam Merlin ? Tutorial By Shiv Kumar On ExposureRoom) to use the Merlin with my XH A1 and that worked pretty fast and fine. Working with the Merlin will take a lot of practice and exercise (because of the weight) but it works fine and you can make nice shots with this combination.

Regards,

Robert

December 20th, 2010, 04:56 PM	#1
Joe Cronin New Boot Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: San Rafael, California Posts: 13	Steadicam Merlin w' XH A1S I finally was able to purchase a Merlin for my XH A1S...it's really difficult for me to get it to settle down. I have had it for a week and I have checked the Merlin Cookbook for settings. I am using the stock battery and it just won't calm down..I think it's a bad match..the camera is just too heavy for the Merlin. Please help with any "secrets of the masters". Merry Christmas Joe

December 21st, 2010, 05:57 AM	#3
Richard Gooderick Major Player Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: London, UK Posts: 795	I use my Merlin with an XH A1. I really haven't spent that much time with it but I have got it to work fine. The main secret, as far as I can tell, is to set it up roughly, using the cookbook settings, and then to fine tune it with the rotating adjuster on the swivel. The way I conceptualise it is that the centre of gravity of the camera has to be lifted up until it is just about to become top heavy on the swivel. And then it floats properly. At the same time you need to adjust the pitch and roll screws to keep the camera centred on the swivel point ie not tipping forward, backward or right, left. So, it's a combination of using both of these sets of controls to raise the camera up, whilst keeping it centred and level on the swivel, until it gets high enough above the swivel that the pendulum effect disappears and the camera begins to float. First a bit of one and then a bit of the other. And so on until it is right. Does that make sense? Possibly not! If it is confusing, I apologise, but it's the best explanation I can come up with. BTW I have always used the smallest battery. __________________ http://www.gooderick.com

December 21st, 2010, 02:00 PM	#5
Robert Wide Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 49	Tutorial by Shiv Kumar Hi Joe, I used the tutorial of Shiv Kumar (Canon XHA1 and Steadicam Merlin ? Tutorial By Shiv Kumar On ExposureRoom) to use the Merlin with my XH A1 and that worked pretty fast and fine. Working with the Merlin will take a lot of practice and exercise (because of the weight) but it works fine and you can make nice shots with this combination. Regards, Robert __________________ XH A1 / FCS2

December 20th, 2010, 07:52 PM	#2
Galen Rath Major Player Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 323	It's not too heavy. I added a sizable light on top that really moves the C.G. and still am able to balance it well. Have your read the manual, viewed the training DVD? You have to get a proper drop time for sure to keep it from swaying. You will find the guide ring adjustment to be important to fine tuning to get the final solution. It is best to have a stand to put it on while trying to balance it to limit the number of battles you are fighting. There is an arm you can buy which is not too expensive and will mount on any light stand, definitely a must buy.

December 21st, 2010, 11:15 AM	#4
Joe Cronin New Boot Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: San Rafael, California Posts: 13	Thanks to all for your responces...I guess it's just a matter of putting in the time before the light bulb goes on. It's reassuring to hear that it can be done..I was beginning to think I bought myself the wrong Christmas gift! Happy New Year Joe