Steadicam Flyer + DSLR options at DVinfo.net

Sean Seah · December 15th, 2009, 09:36 AM

Flyer owners, how are you weighting down the stage with a light DSLR? I know we can add a cage like the way Stillmotion does it but its a lot more cost and bulk for me. If I'm not wrong the Flyer cant add weights to the stage like the Pilot right?

Is anybody mounting a 5D2/7D directly on the stage?

Mark Schlicher · December 15th, 2009, 09:56 PM

You don't need a full cage, just a plate will do. You can buy a 6.5 lb or 15 lb weight plate for $200 from Janice Arthur (search the Steadicam Forum). (You can buy multiple plates and make a cage if you want). I just bit the bullet and ordered one today.

I suppose you could also find a block or plate of steel at a metal supply house and have a machinist drill a few holes. to make your own weight plate.

When you consider the time and hassle involved in rigging one yourself, buying a weight plate is not terribly expensive, and you have professionally tapped holes, etc.

You are correct that the Flyer doesn't have the ability to use the screw-on merlin/pilot weights.

Marc de Jesus · March 4th, 2010, 10:57 PM

Hi,

I have a Flyer LE from when I was using it with my HD200.. but now am on Day 3 of trying to mount my 5D on this thing.

I have a 5lb weight that was used to counterbalance a teleprompter that i'm using for the other end of the plate. Right now, the total weight is around 10.5 lbs.

How would you recommend to distribute the weight on the top sled? Because, i'm trying so many different configurations, and still can't nail down the wobble. Don't really want to buy a cage either.

Thanks for any help

Danny O'Neill · March 5th, 2010, 07:34 AM

Just a pilot here but we had a load of plates that came with our Glidecam. Never used them until now. They do a cracking job at about 400g each.

Sean Seah · March 7th, 2010, 11:24 PM

Dan, the pilot is capable of mounting additional weights on the stage. Its very handy for mounting a DSLR.

Hmm sounds like a great idea to customise some weights. Anyway I'm still riding out in hope of a new Flyer LE at NAB. Keepin' ma fingers crossed!

Joe Lawry · March 8th, 2010, 02:17 AM

Flying a 7D tomorrow on the pilot. Rigged the sled up today..

Even with a bunch of pilot weights on the top stage.. i could only just get a 2 second drop time, and even then the gimbal is to far down the center post for my liking..

Managed to get nice DB however.

Tokina 11-16mm stopped down to about F8. No budget for a wireless follow focus on the job let alone room.

Although with a Zacuto mini baseplate and rails i could probably do it, would also help with the weight of the whole thing.

Danny O'Neill · March 8th, 2010, 03:51 PM

True, the pilot weights are amazing. Problem being to get the same weight would mean having some crazy long top weights and these things cost £20 per little weight!

Joe Lawry · March 8th, 2010, 03:54 PM

Yes, its a shame the price's went up.. I bought a bunch of extra ones for my rig when they were at the old price - $5.95USD or so each...

December 15th, 2009, 09:36 AM	#1
Sean Seah Trustee Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,498	Steadicam Flyer + DSLR options Flyer owners, how are you weighting down the stage with a light DSLR? I know we can add a cage like the way Stillmotion does it but its a lot more cost and bulk for me. If I'm not wrong the Flyer cant add weights to the stage like the Pilot right? Is anybody mounting a 5D2/7D directly on the stage?

March 5th, 2010, 07:34 AM	#4
Danny O'Neill Major Player Join Date: May 2008 Location: Northampton, UK Posts: 915	Just a pilot here but we had a load of plates that came with our Glidecam. Never used them until now. They do a cracking job at about 400g each. __________________ mintyslippers.com

March 8th, 2010, 02:17 AM	#6
Joe Lawry Major Player Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Auckland, New Zealand Posts: 418	Flying a 7D tomorrow on the pilot. Rigged the sled up today.. Even with a bunch of pilot weights on the top stage.. i could only just get a 2 second drop time, and even then the gimbal is to far down the center post for my liking.. Managed to get nice DB however. Tokina 11-16mm stopped down to about F8. No budget for a wireless follow focus on the job let alone room. Although with a Zacuto mini baseplate and rails i could probably do it, would also help with the weight of the whole thing. Attached Thumbnails

March 8th, 2010, 03:51 PM	#7
Danny O'Neill Major Player Join Date: May 2008 Location: Northampton, UK Posts: 915	True, the pilot weights are amazing. Problem being to get the same weight would mean having some crazy long top weights and these things cost £20 per little weight! __________________ mintyslippers.com

December 15th, 2009, 09:56 PM	#2
Mark Schlicher Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 189	You don't need a full cage, just a plate will do. You can buy a 6.5 lb or 15 lb weight plate for $200 from Janice Arthur (search the Steadicam Forum). (You can buy multiple plates and make a cage if you want). I just bit the bullet and ordered one today. I suppose you could also find a block or plate of steel at a metal supply house and have a machinist drill a few holes. to make your own weight plate. When you consider the time and hassle involved in rigging one yourself, buying a weight plate is not terribly expensive, and you have professionally tapped holes, etc. You are correct that the Flyer doesn't have the ability to use the screw-on merlin/pilot weights.

March 4th, 2010, 10:57 PM	#3
Marc de Jesus Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Fullerton, California Posts: 91	Hi, I have a Flyer LE from when I was using it with my HD200.. but now am on Day 3 of trying to mount my 5D on this thing. I have a 5lb weight that was used to counterbalance a teleprompter that i'm using for the other end of the plate. Right now, the total weight is around 10.5 lbs. How would you recommend to distribute the weight on the top sled? Because, i'm trying so many different configurations, and still can't nail down the wobble. Don't really want to buy a cage either. Thanks for any help

March 7th, 2010, 11:24 PM	#5
Sean Seah Trustee Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,498	Dan, the pilot is capable of mounting additional weights on the stage. Its very handy for mounting a DSLR. Hmm sounds like a great idea to customise some weights. Anyway I'm still riding out in hope of a new Flyer LE at NAB. Keepin' ma fingers crossed!

March 8th, 2010, 03:54 PM	#8
Joe Lawry Major Player Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Auckland, New Zealand Posts: 418	Yes, its a shame the price's went up.. I bought a bunch of extra ones for my rig when they were at the old price - $5.95USD or so each...