Modified the Steadicam Pilot vest from velcro straps to buckles

Tom Wills · January 11th, 2010, 12:24 PM

Just contacted Tiffen myself. I needed a new set of straps anyways, so I figured I'd go for the buckles instead of the straight Velcro. The New York office hadn't heard of it, but they're putting me in touch with the factory - I'll let you guys know if I can get them.

Tom Wills · January 13th, 2010, 11:47 AM

Just a quick update - I just got off the phone with Tiffen, the straps are available even though there's been no real press release or updates about them. They're a little expensive, but I think it'll be worth it. To get them, get in touch with Steadicam in Glendale at 818-843-4600 x7913 (as copied from their website). Michael Craigs over there gave me all the information I needed.

Randy Panado · January 13th, 2010, 02:07 PM

Sorry I've been slacking on the pics, I've been really busy shooting. It's calmed down so I'll have them up before the weekend.

Cheers

Joe Lawry · January 13th, 2010, 04:21 PM

Cheers Randy, we all know how it gets! Thank you.

Scott Shama · January 13th, 2010, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Wills

They're a little expensive, but I think it'll be worth it. .

So how much are they?

Tom Wills · January 14th, 2010, 02:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott Shama

So how much are they?

I was quoted around $140 for the full set. Since my velcro straps need some TLC anyways, I figure it's a pretty wise investment. Plus, not having loads of sweater fuzz, cat fur, and carpet from the back of my car stuck to the vest should make a nicer impression on directors.

Dave Gish · January 14th, 2010, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Wills

Plus, not having loads of sweater fuzz, cat fur, and carpet from the back of my car stuck to the vest should make a nicer impression on directors.

I feel just the opposite. If you come in with stuff that looks all shiny and new, you see that worried look on the director and crew.

Tom Wills · January 14th, 2010, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Gish

I feel just the opposite. If you come in with stuff that looks all shiny and new, you see that worried look on the director and crew.

True, that's where the wireless rig gaff taped to the back of my monitor, the tons of home-soldered cables, the scratched up paint on the arm, and the 90's vintage camera case that I use to haul some of the parts around in.

How's work been going since the workshop, Dave?

Joe Lawry · January 17th, 2010, 03:07 PM

140USD is fine. I've paid a lot more for a lot less in this industry.

Time to give my supplier another email and remind them again of my interest.

Michael Craigs · January 18th, 2010, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Wills

Just a quick update - I just got off the phone with Tiffen, the straps are available even though there's been no real press release or updates about them. They're a little expensive, but I think it'll be worth it. To get them, get in touch with Steadicam in Glendale at 818-843-4600 x7913 (as copied from their website). Michael Craigs over there gave me all the information I needed.

Hi Tom and the rest of the crew on here,

I just wanted to make a correction to the above post. My extension is 7917.
If you want to avoid the automated menu, you can also reach me at my direct line: 818-567-7917

If you have any questions about the buckle upgrade kit, or anything else for that matter, please feel free to call or email me.

Happy flying!

-Michael Craigs
818-567-7917
Mcraigs@tiffen.com

Paul Kellett · January 18th, 2010, 09:52 AM

It's always good to hear stuff straight from the horses mouth on the forum.
We wouldn't mind seeing some pics of the buckle mod.
Is there any chance you could post some pics or a link ?

Thanks, Paul.

Greg Chisholm · January 26th, 2010, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Craigs

Hi Tom and the rest of the crew on here,

I just wanted to make a correction to the above post. My extension is 7917.
If you want to avoid the automated menu, you can also reach me at my direct line: 818-567-7917

If you have any questions about the buckle upgrade kit, or anything else for that matter, please feel free to call or email me.

Happy flying!

-Michael Craigs
818-567-7917
Mcraigs@tiffen.com

so when do we get pics of the new buckles... it's been quite awhile since they were requested?

either from someone that purchased them, or Michael Craigs?

Thanks

Joe Lawry · January 26th, 2010, 10:15 PM

Im still waiting to hear back from Steadicam about them & also a few other questions..

I sent Mike an email on the 20th and haven't heard anything back since. Away at a trade show maybe?

Christian Jolly · January 28th, 2010, 12:33 PM

I ordered one, got some pics...don't know how to attach them here, though...

Randy Panado · January 29th, 2010, 02:14 AM

Just snapped pics. Will have them up tomorrow. Just got back from the mainland shooting so haven't had time. Apologies again my fellow pilot owners!

January 18th, 2010, 09:52 AM	#86
Paul Kellett Trustee Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Bristol UK Posts: 1,273	It's always good to hear stuff straight from the horses mouth on the forum. We wouldn't mind seeing some pics of the buckle mod. Is there any chance you could post some pics or a link ? Thanks, Paul. __________________ Round 2 GH5,FZ2000

January 11th, 2010, 12:24 PM	#76
Tom Wills Major Player Join Date: May 2005 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 326	Just contacted Tiffen myself. I needed a new set of straps anyways, so I figured I'd go for the buckles instead of the straight Velcro. The New York office hadn't heard of it, but they're putting me in touch with the factory - I'll let you guys know if I can get them.

January 13th, 2010, 11:47 AM	#77
Tom Wills Major Player Join Date: May 2005 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 326	Just a quick update - I just got off the phone with Tiffen, the straps are available even though there's been no real press release or updates about them. They're a little expensive, but I think it'll be worth it. To get them, get in touch with Steadicam in Glendale at 818-843-4600 x7913 (as copied from their website). Michael Craigs over there gave me all the information I needed.

January 13th, 2010, 02:07 PM	#78
Randy Panado Major Player Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 643	Sorry I've been slacking on the pics, I've been really busy shooting. It's calmed down so I'll have them up before the weekend. Cheers

January 13th, 2010, 04:21 PM	#79
Joe Lawry Major Player Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Auckland, New Zealand Posts: 418	Cheers Randy, we all know how it gets! Thank you.

January 17th, 2010, 03:07 PM	#84
Joe Lawry Major Player Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Auckland, New Zealand Posts: 418	140USD is fine. I've paid a lot more for a lot less in this industry. Time to give my supplier another email and remind them again of my interest.

January 26th, 2010, 10:15 PM	#88
Joe Lawry Major Player Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Auckland, New Zealand Posts: 418	Im still waiting to hear back from Steadicam about them & also a few other questions.. I sent Mike an email on the 20th and haven't heard anything back since. Away at a trade show maybe?

January 28th, 2010, 12:33 PM	#89
Christian Jolly New Boot Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Dacula, GA Posts: 6	I ordered one, got some pics...don't know how to attach them here, though...

January 29th, 2010, 02:14 AM	#90
Randy Panado Major Player Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 643	Just snapped pics. Will have them up tomorrow. Just got back from the mainland shooting so haven't had time. Apologies again my fellow pilot owners!