Quick question about Pilot weights at DVinfo.net

Paul Kellett · January 18th, 2010, 04:41 AM

I want to buy some more weights for my Pilot.
I've looked at the parts list and there appear to be 3 types of weights, start, middle and end.
It obvious which is the end weight but what about the middle and start weights ?
I've got the original weights which came with my Pilot but now i'm not sure which weights i've got, i've got 4 end weights but what are the other weights ?
Are they start or middle weights ?
I only thought there where 2 types not 3.
Does anyone know the weight difference between start and middle weights ?

Paul.

Paul Kellett · January 18th, 2010, 07:55 AM

Found the answer to my own question after giving Tiffen a call.
Start weights are curved over and have male and female threads.
End weights are curved over but only have male threads.
Middle weights are square at both ends.

Paul.

Dave Gish · January 18th, 2010, 08:52 AM

Here are pictures and prices for all 3.
steadicam weight 801-7920

Each of middle weight is 4 oz, or 1/4 pound. Each starter weight is 2 oz, or 1/8 pound. The Pilot comes with 4 middle weights and 4 starter weights, for a total of 1.5 pounds.

You'll want to buy more of the larger middle weights. I bought 8 of these. Together with the weights that came with the Pilot, that totals 3.5 pounds.

Hope this helps.

Paul Kellett · January 18th, 2010, 09:54 AM

Thanks Dave.

I just looked at the link, the end weight wouldn't work on a Pilot though because the thread is wrong, ie female not male.
So for us Pilot users it's starter and middle weights only.

Thanks again.
Paul.

Kelly Langerak · February 8th, 2010, 12:50 PM

How many weights are you guys needing for your EX1 or EX1r roughly?

I will attach a wireless mic, camera led light and battery to it.

Dave Gish · February 8th, 2010, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kelly Langerak

How many weights are you guys needing for your EX1 or EX1r roughly?

I will attach a wireless mic, camera led light and battery to it.

It's best to weigh everything. The post office sells this scale for $40. Well worth it.
https://shop.usps.com/webapp/wcs/sto...WT.ac=10001609

I always run my Pilot with 8 pounds of weight on the top and 2 pounds on the bottom.

Top weight includes the camera, camera battery, camera accessories (wireless and on-camera lighting), quick release plate, cables, and any screw-on weights. Basically everything you add to the top.

Bottom weight includes the screw-on weights plus the Pilot battery.

So for a heavier camera I use fewer weights at the top, and for a lighter camera I use more weights at the top. The bottom weights are always the same.

Here's how it looks with my HVX.
http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/attachme...r-p9030095.jpg

I've flown the EX1 several times, and thats about the same weight as the HVX, so the weights are the same. However, with the EX1, I always had to move the quick release plate back one hole on the stage. This is the only way I could get dynamic balance. This is true for all the Sony cameras I've flown (EX1, EX3, V1U, Z1U). The QR plate hangs off the back a bit, but it's stable. Here's an example with the EX3 so you see what I mean:
http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/attachme...ped-ex3_2s.jpg

For the configuration you list, the big question is how you will power everything. If you have a Pilot-VLB, you can power the EX1 with the Pilot battery. Probably true for the LED light as well.

Hope this helps.

January 18th, 2010, 04:41 AM	#1
Paul Kellett Trustee Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Bristol UK Posts: 1,273	Quick question about Pilot weights I want to buy some more weights for my Pilot. I've looked at the parts list and there appear to be 3 types of weights, start, middle and end. It obvious which is the end weight but what about the middle and start weights ? I've got the original weights which came with my Pilot but now i'm not sure which weights i've got, i've got 4 end weights but what are the other weights ? Are they start or middle weights ? I only thought there where 2 types not 3. Does anyone know the weight difference between start and middle weights ? Paul. __________________ Round 2 GH5,FZ2000

January 18th, 2010, 07:55 AM	#2
Paul Kellett Trustee Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Bristol UK Posts: 1,273	Found the answer to my own question after giving Tiffen a call. Start weights are curved over and have male and female threads. End weights are curved over but only have male threads. Middle weights are square at both ends. Paul. __________________ Round 2 GH5,FZ2000

January 18th, 2010, 09:54 AM	#4
Paul Kellett Trustee Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Bristol UK Posts: 1,273	Thanks Dave. I just looked at the link, the end weight wouldn't work on a Pilot though because the thread is wrong, ie female not male. So for us Pilot users it's starter and middle weights only. Thanks again. Paul. __________________ Round 2 GH5,FZ2000

January 18th, 2010, 08:52 AM	#3
Dave Gish Major Player Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Riverdale, NJ Posts: 468	Here are pictures and prices for all 3. steadicam weight 801-7920 Each of middle weight is 4 oz, or 1/4 pound. Each starter weight is 2 oz, or 1/8 pound. The Pilot comes with 4 middle weights and 4 starter weights, for a total of 1.5 pounds. You'll want to buy more of the larger middle weights. I bought 8 of these. Together with the weights that came with the Pilot, that totals 3.5 pounds. Hope this helps.

February 8th, 2010, 12:50 PM	#5
Kelly Langerak Major Player Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Bay Area Posts: 522	How many weights are you guys needing for your EX1 or EX1r roughly? I will attach a wireless mic, camera led light and battery to it.