Merlin and XHa1 at DVinfo.net

John Ray · September 28th, 2009, 10:49 AM

I've had my Merlin and Arm/Vest for a week now..I was wondering if any XHA1 users would be willing to share successfull settings for balance. I use the 950G battery and no add-ons. I think I have a good setting but would like to see how it compares to what more experienced users have found to work. One thing that concerns me is that with 2 finishing and 4 mid weights on the lower spar...my drop time is good but the rig is very hard to keep balanced when moving. If I had a fifth weight the drop time is too fast. but the total effect is that rig is steadier when moving. Thanks

Raul Rooma · September 29th, 2009, 09:08 AM

Hi! I don't have Merlin anymore but still I have a sheet with my settings.This is XH A1 with standard battery and no other add-ons.

Stage 0/Arc full open and then -2 full turns witt knob/center I have mid+finish weight/and at the bottom 4mid+start + finish/

As I remember the upper adjustment (cimbal) for bottom heavyness or opposite was almost closed, and if needed 1-2 turns open

I wrote it down to reference, as often i needed readjust for fisheye. But this settings worked well for me.

Regards

Raul

John Ray · September 29th, 2009, 04:56 PM

Thanx Raul that got me a lot closer than I was a lot quicker and after some tweaking I think I've got it.

Tony Nguyen · September 29th, 2009, 07:22 PM

You can start here

Canon XHA1 and Steadicam Merlin ? Tutorial By Shiv Kumar On ExposureRoom

It's been posted here before =)

John Ray · September 29th, 2009, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony Nguyen

You can start here

Canon XHA1 and Steadicam Merlin ? Tutorial By Shiv Kumar On ExposureRoom

It's been posted here before =)

I looked at that one as well..for some reason it didn't quite work as well for me as it did for for Shiv..no doubt it was something I was doing..but I did learn quite a bit from watching it

Tony Nguyen · September 30th, 2009, 01:08 PM

Try this too YouTube - Merlin Steadicam Quick Start Guide

John Ray · October 10th, 2009, 05:08 AM

Update: After a few weeks of practicing I'm starting to get the hang of this. I'm getting some smooth shots and can walk briskly and maintain them....working my up to running..now. Thanks for the help

September 28th, 2009, 10:49 AM	#1
John Ray Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: columbus, oh Posts: 44	Merlin and XHa1 I've had my Merlin and Arm/Vest for a week now..I was wondering if any XHA1 users would be willing to share successfull settings for balance. I use the 950G battery and no add-ons. I think I have a good setting but would like to see how it compares to what more experienced users have found to work. One thing that concerns me is that with 2 finishing and 4 mid weights on the lower spar...my drop time is good but the rig is very hard to keep balanced when moving. If I had a fifth weight the drop time is too fast. but the total effect is that rig is steadier when moving. Thanks

September 29th, 2009, 09:08 AM	#2
Raul Rooma Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Estonia Posts: 113	a1 setings! Hi! I don't have Merlin anymore but still I have a sheet with my settings.This is XH A1 with standard battery and no other add-ons. Stage 0/Arc full open and then -2 full turns witt knob/center I have mid+finish weight/and at the bottom 4mid+start + finish/ As I remember the upper adjustment (cimbal) for bottom heavyness or opposite was almost closed, and if needed 1-2 turns open I wrote it down to reference, as often i needed readjust for fisheye. But this settings worked well for me. Regards Raul

September 29th, 2009, 04:56 PM	#3
John Ray Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: columbus, oh Posts: 44	Thanx Raul that got me a lot closer than I was a lot quicker and after some tweaking I think I've got it.

September 29th, 2009, 07:22 PM	#4
Tony Nguyen Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 107	You can start here Canon XHA1 and Steadicam Merlin ? Tutorial By Shiv Kumar On ExposureRoom It's been posted here before =)

September 30th, 2009, 01:08 PM	#6
Tony Nguyen Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 107	Try this too YouTube - Merlin Steadicam Quick Start Guide

October 10th, 2009, 05:08 AM	#7
John Ray Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: columbus, oh Posts: 44	Update: After a few weeks of practicing I'm starting to get the hang of this. I'm getting some smooth shots and can walk briskly and maintain them....working my up to running..now. Thanks for the help