wanting to buy a Merlin at DVinfo.net

Ethan Cooper · February 12th, 2006, 07:26 PM

I was in the market for a Merlin but B&H is out. Where else are you guys buying them?

Rob Wilson · February 12th, 2006, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ethan Cooper

I was in the market for a Merlin but B&H is out. Where else are you guys buying them?

Ethan,

Just keep watching B&H, I ordered from them last week. I had signed up for email notification of when they were in stock but never received an email. Just have to check back frequently.

Ethan Cooper · February 12th, 2006, 11:52 PM

thanks Rob,

I'm going back and forth about dropping $800 on the Merlin. Anyone want to convince me that it's way better than the JR. Is there something else out on the market that I should know about?

Mikko Wilson · February 13th, 2006, 01:21 AM

It's way better then the JR.

Lighter, stronger (more ridged). Easer to trim...

I think the fact that they can't keep them in stock has to speak for something too! :-)

- Mikko

Graham Risdon · February 13th, 2006, 02:18 PM

Hi Mikko

I use a JR and you're right - it's not very robust. Problem with the Merlin is that it doesn't have a monitor - or is this not a real problem?

I currently use a PD150 which has a flip out monitor but trying it with the JR makes it impossible to balance!

Any comments..

Ethan Cooper · February 13th, 2006, 03:08 PM

Graham,
I was wondering the same thing about the flip out LCD. I'm guessing there is a way to adjust for this shift in weight. Right? Any Merlin owners care to address this one?

Tim Langston · February 13th, 2006, 03:34 PM

If you're coming from a jr, the only thing you have to remember, flip that monitor out before adjusting trim. I've done this twice now....thinking I had a problem with something slipping. I was dead set against not having a monitor on the rig itself, but using the cameras monitor brings it closer to your eyes. I'm really liking it!!! And NO more little vibrations while walking fast.

The only small problem is setting it down, I have to lay the camera on it's side or use the quick release and take off the stage. Maybe Tiffen will come out with a new Merlin case that will hold the Merlin and your camera upright.

It's a tough call, $800 is a bunch but if you have an older jr that's seen alot of action, I think it's worth it!

Tim

Mikko Wilson · February 13th, 2006, 03:34 PM

I'm not a Merlin owner but I'll chime in again.

Yes you can balance the merlin for a number of cameras, the flip out screen is not a problem.
You have a good choice of camera mounting holds on the stage, and then a fine trim that is so easy that you can even adjust while flying! - Try that with any other handheld rig!

- Mikko

Ethan Cooper · February 13th, 2006, 04:19 PM

Thanks for the responses guys. I downloaded the users manual off Tiffen's site and got the answer to my flip out screen question. I'm all giddy about getting a Merlin, now if B&H would just cooperate and get some in stock.
I've never used one of these things before, but am looking foreward to many hours of shooting test footage. My wife and I shoot weddings as a side business and it'll be nice to finally be able to pull off some of the shots I've been seeing in my head but couldn't quite pull off.
Come on B&H... I've got $$ I'm just waiting to throw at you.

Travis Cossel · February 14th, 2006, 02:24 AM

I hadn't seen this stabilizer before. What are the advantages of getting this versus a regular GlideCam 2000 (I use Canon GL2's)?

Rob Wilson · February 15th, 2006, 10:38 PM

Ethan,

Received my Merlin yesterday and the email below today.

No problem adjusting the balance with the LCD extended, in fact, that is they way they recommend it (and it really is required).

I'm using a GL2 with it and I'm quickly learning that owning a steadicam DOES NOT automatically make you a steadicam operator. It's going to take some practice to get it down. With just a hour of two working with it, I've been really impressed with what you can do though.

I'm still having a problem with the balance in that when I move side to side, the cam tends to pendulum (roll?). It's going to take a while to learn what a really well balanced rig is suppose to feel like.

Dear Customer

Thank you for your inquiry for this item:
Steadicam - STM - Merlin Camera Stabilization System

We would like to inform you that this item is now available from bhphotovideo.com.

Check it out:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/sitem/sk...&is=REG&bi=E15

If the above link does not work, please copy and paste this item code STM into our search box located on the upper left-hand corner of the page throughout our web site.

If you plan on visiting our retail Superstore in person, please call to confirm that the item is still in stock before you arrive. The demands on our inventory prevent us from guaranteeing that this item will be here when you arrive.

Thank you,
The B&H Web Team
www.bhphotovideo.com
420 Ninth Avenue
New York, NY 10001, USA
800-606-6969
212-444-6615

Ethan Cooper · February 15th, 2006, 11:10 PM

B&H had them for the grand total of one day. They're listed as "out of stock" again. I was ready to snap one up but my wife got cold feet at the last second. Ahhh the joys of being married.
As a side note, I never got my email from B&H. Wonder what that's all about.

Graham Risdon · February 16th, 2006, 02:22 AM

Anyone in the UK found a supplier for Merlin - I see from their website that Optex appear to have gone into liquidation...

Bob Harotunian · February 21st, 2006, 07:18 AM

[QUOTE=Rob Wilson]Ethan,

Received my Merlin yesterday and the email below today.

Rob,
Would really appreciate more comments from you in the future with regard to the Merlin. I need a stabiliser and am investigating options now. I'll be using a heavier camera (PD-170) and was also concerned about any balancing problem with a WA lens.
Thanks,
Bob

Michael Stevenson · February 25th, 2006, 01:47 AM

Might I suggest going straight to the manufacturer The Tiffen Company? I am sure they would be able to accomadate you. Start here: www.steadicam.com

Michael

February 12th, 2006, 07:26 PM	#1
Ethan Cooper Trustee Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Houma, La. Posts: 1,400 Images: 5	wanting to buy a Merlin I was in the market for a Merlin but B&H is out. Where else are you guys buying them?

February 13th, 2006, 01:21 AM	#4
Mikko Wilson Major Player Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Juneau, Alaska, USA Posts: 624	It's way better then the JR. Lighter, stronger (more ridged). Easer to trim... I think the fact that they can't keep them in stock has to speak for something too! :-) - Mikko __________________ Mikko Wilson - Steadicam Owner / Operator - Juneau, Alaska, USA +1 (907) 321-8387 - mikkowilson@hotmail.com - www.mikkowilson.com

February 13th, 2006, 03:34 PM	#7
Tim Langston Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Fort Wayne, IN Posts: 25	If you're coming from a jr, the only thing you have to remember, flip that monitor out before adjusting trim. I've done this twice now....thinking I had a problem with something slipping. I was dead set against not having a monitor on the rig itself, but using the cameras monitor brings it closer to your eyes. I'm really liking it!!! And NO more little vibrations while walking fast. The only small problem is setting it down, I have to lay the camera on it's side or use the quick release and take off the stage. Maybe Tiffen will come out with a new Merlin case that will hold the Merlin and your camera upright. It's a tough call, $800 is a bunch but if you have an older jr that's seen alot of action, I think it's worth it! Tim __________________ Tim Langston info@colproductions.com http:www.colproductions.com

February 13th, 2006, 03:34 PM	#8
Mikko Wilson Major Player Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Juneau, Alaska, USA Posts: 624	I'm not a Merlin owner but I'll chime in again. Yes you can balance the merlin for a number of cameras, the flip out screen is not a problem. You have a good choice of camera mounting holds on the stage, and then a fine trim that is so easy that you can even adjust while flying! - Try that with any other handheld rig! - Mikko __________________ Mikko Wilson - Steadicam Owner / Operator - Juneau, Alaska, USA +1 (907) 321-8387 - mikkowilson@hotmail.com - www.mikkowilson.com

February 14th, 2006, 02:24 AM	#10
Travis Cossel Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 2,933	I hadn't seen this stabilizer before. What are the advantages of getting this versus a regular GlideCam 2000 (I use Canon GL2's)? __________________ Black Label Films www.blacklabelweddingfilms.com

February 12th, 2006, 11:52 PM	#3
Ethan Cooper Trustee Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Houma, La. Posts: 1,400 Images: 5	thanks Rob, I'm going back and forth about dropping $800 on the Merlin. Anyone want to convince me that it's way better than the JR. Is there something else out on the market that I should know about?

February 13th, 2006, 02:18 PM	#5
Graham Risdon Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Wiltshire, UK Posts: 192	Hi Mikko I use a JR and you're right - it's not very robust. Problem with the Merlin is that it doesn't have a monitor - or is this not a real problem? I currently use a PD150 which has a flip out monitor but trying it with the JR makes it impossible to balance! Any comments..

February 13th, 2006, 03:08 PM	#6
Ethan Cooper Trustee Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Houma, La. Posts: 1,400 Images: 5	Graham, I was wondering the same thing about the flip out LCD. I'm guessing there is a way to adjust for this shift in weight. Right? Any Merlin owners care to address this one?

February 13th, 2006, 04:19 PM	#9
Ethan Cooper Trustee Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Houma, La. Posts: 1,400 Images: 5	Thanks for the responses guys. I downloaded the users manual off Tiffen's site and got the answer to my flip out screen question. I'm all giddy about getting a Merlin, now if B&H would just cooperate and get some in stock. I've never used one of these things before, but am looking foreward to many hours of shooting test footage. My wife and I shoot weddings as a side business and it'll be nice to finally be able to pull off some of the shots I've been seeing in my head but couldn't quite pull off. Come on B&H... I've got $$ I'm just waiting to throw at you.

February 15th, 2006, 10:38 PM	#11
Rob Wilson Major Player Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Flagstaff, AZ Posts: 473	Ethan, Received my Merlin yesterday and the email below today. No problem adjusting the balance with the LCD extended, in fact, that is they way they recommend it (and it really is required). I'm using a GL2 with it and I'm quickly learning that owning a steadicam DOES NOT automatically make you a steadicam operator. It's going to take some practice to get it down. With just a hour of two working with it, I've been really impressed with what you can do though. I'm still having a problem with the balance in that when I move side to side, the cam tends to pendulum (roll?). It's going to take a while to learn what a really well balanced rig is suppose to feel like. Dear Customer Thank you for your inquiry for this item: Steadicam - STM - Merlin Camera Stabilization System We would like to inform you that this item is now available from bhphotovideo.com. Check it out: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/sitem/sk...&is=REG&bi=E15 If the above link does not work, please copy and paste this item code STM into our search box located on the upper left-hand corner of the page throughout our web site. If you plan on visiting our retail Superstore in person, please call to confirm that the item is still in stock before you arrive. The demands on our inventory prevent us from guaranteeing that this item will be here when you arrive. Thank you, The B&H Web Team www.bhphotovideo.com 420 Ninth Avenue New York, NY 10001, USA 800-606-6969 212-444-6615

February 15th, 2006, 11:10 PM	#12
Ethan Cooper Trustee Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Houma, La. Posts: 1,400 Images: 5	B&H had them for the grand total of one day. They're listed as "out of stock" again. I was ready to snap one up but my wife got cold feet at the last second. Ahhh the joys of being married. As a side note, I never got my email from B&H. Wonder what that's all about.

February 16th, 2006, 02:22 AM	#13
Graham Risdon Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Wiltshire, UK Posts: 192	Anyone in the UK found a supplier for Merlin - I see from their website that Optex appear to have gone into liquidation...

February 21st, 2006, 07:18 AM	#14
Bob Harotunian Major Player Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Somerville, MA Posts: 360	[QUOTE=Rob Wilson]Ethan, Received my Merlin yesterday and the email below today. Rob, Would really appreciate more comments from you in the future with regard to the Merlin. I need a stabiliser and am investigating options now. I'll be using a heavier camera (PD-170) and was also concerned about any balancing problem with a WA lens. Thanks, Bob

February 25th, 2006, 01:47 AM	#15
Michael Stevenson Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Lynnwood, WA Posts: 98	Might I suggest going straight to the manufacturer The Tiffen Company? I am sure they would be able to accomadate you. Start here: www.steadicam.com Michael