Steadicam Merlin metal gimble? at DVinfo.net

Denise Wall · July 5th, 2009, 08:54 PM

When I bought this steadicam it was described as having a metal gimble. This may sound like a stupid question but how can I tell if it's plastic or metal? Is there a difference in the way they look?

I've tried flicking it with my fingernail to see but I honestly can't tell.

Jack Walker · July 5th, 2009, 09:06 PM

The plastic gimble is dark gray, the same color as the handle. Also, it is dull or satin, not shiny.

The metal gimble is black, noticeably darker than the handle. Also, it is shiny.

Finally, is your Merlin a Garrett Brown signature model? Is there a white hand-written signature on the side. I think only these had the plastic gimble.

I don't know if any of the signature models came with a metal gimble or not, but I don't think any of the non-signature model Merlins came with a plastic gimbal.

Charles Papert · July 6th, 2009, 05:41 AM

If the Merlin was bought second-hand, it could possibly be a signature series with metal gimbal if the owner upgraded (the gimbals are sold separately). That's what I have.

Denise Wall · July 6th, 2009, 06:05 AM

Okay. Thanks guys. It's black, shinny, no signature, and was bought new from B&H last fall.

Sounds like it should be metal.

Marcus Martell · July 6th, 2009, 05:35 PM

My merlin has just arrived at home, i feel a little dumb but i'm experiencing issues on setting it with the Z1!Did u set up at the first try?

thx

July 5th, 2009, 08:54 PM	#1
Denise Wall Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Advance, NC Posts: 153	Steadicam Merlin metal gimble? When I bought this steadicam it was described as having a metal gimble. This may sound like a stupid question but how can I tell if it's plastic or metal? Is there a difference in the way they look? I've tried flicking it with my fingernail to see but I honestly can't tell.

July 6th, 2009, 05:41 AM	#3
Charles Papert Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 6,810	If the Merlin was bought second-hand, it could possibly be a signature series with metal gimbal if the owner upgraded (the gimbals are sold separately). That's what I have. __________________ Charles Papert www.charlespapert.com

July 5th, 2009, 09:06 PM	#2
Jack Walker Trustee Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Burbank Posts: 1,811	The plastic gimble is dark gray, the same color as the handle. Also, it is dull or satin, not shiny. The metal gimble is black, noticeably darker than the handle. Also, it is shiny. Finally, is your Merlin a Garrett Brown signature model? Is there a white hand-written signature on the side. I think only these had the plastic gimble. I don't know if any of the signature models came with a metal gimble or not, but I don't think any of the non-signature model Merlins came with a plastic gimbal.

July 6th, 2009, 06:05 AM	#4
Denise Wall Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Advance, NC Posts: 153	Okay. Thanks guys. It's black, shinny, no signature, and was bought new from B&H last fall. Sounds like it should be metal.

July 6th, 2009, 05:35 PM	#5
Marcus Martell Trustee Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: spain Posts: 1,202	My merlin has just arrived at home, i feel a little dumb but i'm experiencing issues on setting it with the Z1!Did u set up at the first try? thx