Steadicam Merlin

Charles Papert · January 1st, 2006, 04:01 AM

I don't agree that that is an accurate test.

For one thing, holding a weight in the hand (grasped or sitting in the palm) uses different muscles than forces enacted by the gimballed handle of a stabilizer such as the Merlin.

For another, even if one was to replicate the specific load bearing of the Merlin with a dead weight, it's more than likely that one could last longer with the stabilizer vs. the dead weight, because the stabilizer requires one to focus on a myriad of other things than just the weight itself which will improve stamina to a certain degree.

Plus, the type of muscles used for both handheld and body-mounted stabilizers are generally not in top condition in most people but can be worked up over time, if one is motivated enough.

I believe that the HVX is a sophisticated (and heavy) enough machine that it deserves a more comprehensive stabilizer than the Merlin--the next model up, the Flyer, is a perfect combination.

Leigh Wanstead · January 1st, 2006, 12:39 PM

Hi Charles,

Thanks for the post.

What you said in your post is more accurate.

Happy new year. ;-)

Regards
Leigh

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charles Papert

I don't agree that that is an accurate test.

For one thing, holding a weight in the hand (grasped or sitting in the palm) uses different muscles than forces enacted by the gimballed handle of a stabilizer such as the Merlin.

For another, even if one was to replicate the specific load bearing of the Merlin with a dead weight, it's more than likely that one could last longer with the stabilizer vs. the dead weight, because the stabilizer requires one to focus on a myriad of other things than just the weight itself which will improve stamina to a certain degree.

Plus, the type of muscles used for both handheld and body-mounted stabilizers are generally not in top condition in most people but can be worked up over time, if one is motivated enough.

Ronald Lee · January 3rd, 2006, 02:57 PM

Arrghh,

Can't seem to find one in STOCK anywhere.

Anyone see it advertised online? No one knows when they'll get more for sure.

How much do you think an average RENTAL rate for this will be?

Mikko Wilson · January 3rd, 2006, 03:07 PM

It's a new product that only just came off the production line, so there will be a steady flow untill them come into stock. Just get your name on a list or two and I'm sure you'll get one prety quick.

- Mikko

Jeff Moravec · January 5th, 2006, 08:27 AM

I'd watched B & H for a couple of months as the Merlin remained backordered. But they told me they should have it by the end of the year and it showed up in stock right after Christmas, so I bought one. Now it is backordered again. I was supposed to be e-mailed when it came in stock, but that never happened.

Ronald Lee · January 9th, 2006, 03:34 PM

HI there

Have there been any reports of any problems with the Merlin?

My friend just got one on Friday and it broke already. The metal rods at the top of the merlin slide back and forth and the camera swings on it's mount when it moves.... :(

Mikko Wilson · January 9th, 2006, 04:06 PM

Is your friend "Saturnin Kondratiew" who just started the other thread on the topic?

- Mikko

Saturnin Kondratiew · January 9th, 2006, 04:54 PM

yah....i know Ron, hes a trouble maker..lol .....he broke my ankle yesterday because i didnt let him direct.... u will notice a cast in the video that i posted in the other thread, lol! THANX RON!!! THANX!!

Ronald Lee · January 9th, 2006, 05:19 PM

That was payback for ramming into me with your motorcycle as I was carrying the three layer wedding cake to my sister's wedding.

hee

Marco Leavitt · January 9th, 2006, 06:18 PM

Man, am I surprised that Merlin got broken. ;)

Joe Barker · January 9th, 2006, 07:00 PM

I made up a similar rig out of alumina,complete with a self-centring bearing and gimbal handle. These rig’s work ok, but make no mistake, even if you have strong wrists they are tiring to use. If you intend shooting for any length of time you’re better off with a rig that can attach to some kind of waist or shoulder support.

Mikko Wilson · January 9th, 2006, 11:25 PM

Self centering?
Want to share details?

- Mikko

Tom Bolia · March 31st, 2006, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graham Risdon

Hi Mikko
I got a JR a couple of months ago for use with a fully loaded PD150 (W/A, big battery etc) and whilst it needs practice, I've got some great bits which I've used in corporates. I'm sure its not up to "proper" Steadicam standards, but certainly impressed a client or two!
Anyhow, whilst its fine now, the JR seems flimsy (although Charles's posts about his JR suggest otherwise!) so I thought a Merlin might be a wise investment. So finally my question(!):-
With no built-in-monitor, it easy to balance using a camera's flip out screen?

I know someone who has the JR, and they tell me that the PD150 is too heavy for it. I read the specs on the Merlin, and I know it is supposed to take cameras up to 5 lbs; however, looking at the online "cookbook" for cameras and weights, I did not see the PD150/170 listed.

Is anyone using the Merline with their PD150/170, and are there any weight issues?

Mikko Wilson · March 31st, 2006, 07:16 AM

Yes the Steadicam Merlin will take the PD150/170 perfectly. - Infact I'd say that's about one of the best weight cameras for the Merlin.

Well noticed about the Cookbook settings missing. I think they'll probably have them up for the PD-150 sometime soon soon.
(or you can use their snazzy onlines calculator to get teh settings too!)

- Mikko

Mikko Wilson · April 1st, 2006, 08:50 AM

A follow up to my previous post...

Some PD-150/170 settings are now online in the user-supplied section of the Merlin cookbook: http://www.merlincookbook.com/user.php

- Mikko

January 1st, 2006, 04:01 AM	#46
Charles Papert Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 6,810	I don't agree that that is an accurate test. For one thing, holding a weight in the hand (grasped or sitting in the palm) uses different muscles than forces enacted by the gimballed handle of a stabilizer such as the Merlin. For another, even if one was to replicate the specific load bearing of the Merlin with a dead weight, it's more than likely that one could last longer with the stabilizer vs. the dead weight, because the stabilizer requires one to focus on a myriad of other things than just the weight itself which will improve stamina to a certain degree. Plus, the type of muscles used for both handheld and body-mounted stabilizers are generally not in top condition in most people but can be worked up over time, if one is motivated enough. I believe that the HVX is a sophisticated (and heavy) enough machine that it deserves a more comprehensive stabilizer than the Merlin--the next model up, the Flyer, is a perfect combination. __________________ Charles Papert www.charlespapert.com

January 3rd, 2006, 03:07 PM	#49
Mikko Wilson Major Player Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Juneau, Alaska, USA Posts: 624	It's a new product that only just came off the production line, so there will be a steady flow untill them come into stock. Just get your name on a list or two and I'm sure you'll get one prety quick. - Mikko __________________ Mikko Wilson - Steadicam Owner / Operator - Juneau, Alaska, USA +1 (907) 321-8387 - mikkowilson@hotmail.com - www.mikkowilson.com

January 5th, 2006, 08:27 AM	#50
Jeff Moravec Tourist Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota Posts: 3	Merlin in and out of stock I'd watched B & H for a couple of months as the Merlin remained backordered. But they told me they should have it by the end of the year and it showed up in stock right after Christmas, so I bought one. Now it is backordered again. I was supposed to be e-mailed when it came in stock, but that never happened.

January 9th, 2006, 04:06 PM	#52
Mikko Wilson Major Player Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Juneau, Alaska, USA Posts: 624	Is your friend "Saturnin Kondratiew" who just started the other thread on the topic? - Mikko __________________ Mikko Wilson - Steadicam Owner / Operator - Juneau, Alaska, USA +1 (907) 321-8387 - mikkowilson@hotmail.com - www.mikkowilson.com

January 9th, 2006, 04:54 PM	#53
Saturnin Kondratiew Major Player Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: vancouver Posts: 310	yah....i know Ron, hes a trouble maker..lol .....he broke my ankle yesterday because i didnt let him direct.... u will notice a cast in the video that i posted in the other thread, lol! THANX RON!!! THANX!! __________________ My documentaries - http://www.asphaltjunkiez.com

January 3rd, 2006, 02:57 PM	#48
Ronald Lee Major Player Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 435	Arrghh, Can't seem to find one in STOCK anywhere. Anyone see it advertised online? No one knows when they'll get more for sure. How much do you think an average RENTAL rate for this will be?

January 9th, 2006, 03:34 PM	#51
Ronald Lee Major Player Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 435	HI there Have there been any reports of any problems with the Merlin? My friend just got one on Friday and it broke already. The metal rods at the top of the merlin slide back and forth and the camera swings on it's mount when it moves.... :(

January 9th, 2006, 05:19 PM	#54
Ronald Lee Major Player Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 435	That was payback for ramming into me with your motorcycle as I was carrying the three layer wedding cake to my sister's wedding. hee

January 9th, 2006, 06:18 PM	#55
Marco Leavitt Inner Circle Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Albany, NY 12210 Posts: 2,652	Man, am I surprised that Merlin got broken. ;)

January 9th, 2006, 07:00 PM	#56
Joe Barker Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Perth WA Australia Posts: 124	I made up a similar rig out of alumina,complete with a self-centring bearing and gimbal handle. These rig’s work ok, but make no mistake, even if you have strong wrists they are tiring to use. If you intend shooting for any length of time you’re better off with a rig that can attach to some kind of waist or shoulder support.

January 9th, 2006, 11:25 PM	#57
Mikko Wilson Major Player Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Juneau, Alaska, USA Posts: 624	Self centering? Want to share details? - Mikko __________________ Mikko Wilson - Steadicam Owner / Operator - Juneau, Alaska, USA +1 (907) 321-8387 - mikkowilson@hotmail.com - www.mikkowilson.com

March 31st, 2006, 07:16 AM	#59
Mikko Wilson Major Player Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Juneau, Alaska, USA Posts: 624	Yes the Steadicam Merlin will take the PD150/170 perfectly. - Infact I'd say that's about one of the best weight cameras for the Merlin. Well noticed about the Cookbook settings missing. I think they'll probably have them up for the PD-150 sometime soon soon. (or you can use their snazzy onlines calculator to get teh settings too!) - Mikko __________________ Mikko Wilson - Steadicam Owner / Operator - Juneau, Alaska, USA +1 (907) 321-8387 - mikkowilson@hotmail.com - www.mikkowilson.com

April 1st, 2006, 08:50 AM	#60
Mikko Wilson Major Player Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Juneau, Alaska, USA Posts: 624	PD-150 / 170 settings. A follow up to my previous post... Some PD-150/170 settings are now online in the user-supplied section of the Merlin cookbook: http://www.merlincookbook.com/user.php - Mikko __________________ Mikko Wilson - Steadicam Owner / Operator - Juneau, Alaska, USA +1 (907) 321-8387 - mikkowilson@hotmail.com - www.mikkowilson.com