Glidecam HD4000 on a merlin arm & vest at DVinfo.net

Paul Mailath · April 13th, 2009, 05:17 PM

Anybody tried or using this?

it seems a possible solution since Tiffen is being bloody minded about a pilot upgrade path.

Perhaps someone going to NAB can ask Tiffen why they would force existing Steadicam owners to buy Glidecam?

Frank Simpson · April 13th, 2009, 06:03 PM

Well, I certainly agree with you that it would be great if Tiffen would allow an upgrade path from a Merlin to Pilot configuration. I'd written asking about it, was told there would not be one, then there were rumblings that it might be offered, then again it was declared loud and clear that there would not be an upgrade.

So I made the decision to sell my Merlin Arm & Vest so I could turn around and buy many of the identical components with a Pilot. I am not sorry I did.

Personally I would not consider putting a Glidecam on a Merlin Arm & Vest. The sled is such a vital component of the system, and a Glidecam while a fine product, is NOT a Steadicam. The Pilot Sled's integrated monitor, telescoping post, and vernier balance trimming are features (among others) that I would not do without.

Yes, it was a pain to have to take a few months to sell my Merlin rig, take a hit on the price, and then have to order (and wait for) my Pilot, but at the end of the day, I think it was well worth it.

April 13th, 2009, 05:17 PM	#1
Paul Mailath Trustee Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Central Coast - NSW, Australia Posts: 1,606	Glidecam HD4000 on a merlin arm & vest Anybody tried or using this? it seems a possible solution since Tiffen is being bloody minded about a pilot upgrade path. Perhaps someone going to NAB can ask Tiffen why they would force existing Steadicam owners to buy Glidecam? __________________ Cheers - Paul M. www.perbenyik.com

April 13th, 2009, 06:03 PM	#2
Frank Simpson Major Player Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Bozeman, MT Posts: 217	Well, I certainly agree with you that it would be great if Tiffen would allow an upgrade path from a Merlin to Pilot configuration. I'd written asking about it, was told there would not be one, then there were rumblings that it might be offered, then again it was declared loud and clear that there would not be an upgrade. So I made the decision to sell my Merlin Arm & Vest so I could turn around and buy many of the identical components with a Pilot. I am not sorry I did. Personally I would not consider putting a Glidecam on a Merlin Arm & Vest. The sled is such a vital component of the system, and a Glidecam while a fine product, is NOT a Steadicam. The Pilot Sled's integrated monitor, telescoping post, and vernier balance trimming are features (among others) that I would not do without. Yes, it was a pain to have to take a few months to sell my Merlin rig, take a hit on the price, and then have to order (and wait for) my Pilot, but at the end of the day, I think it was well worth it.