Everything you wanted to know about the Steadicam Merlin...

[Ivan Mosny]

Hi! Can someone explain me - what is the difference by adding this one weight in front? I am using Canon XHA1.

[Jim Andrada]

I'm not 100% sure what you're asking, but if you're wondering about the purpose of the weight out in front, I believe it is to increase rotational inertia about the vertical axis through the center of gravity.

In other words, to eliminate some of the tendency for the whole unit to spin freely about the vertical axis

That's what I think it is, but I couls be wrong. Just my opinion.

Or I could be misunderstanding your question.

[Mikko Wilson]

Adding weights to the front (as opposed to the bottom) serves 2 purposes:

It does in deed ad greater horizntal inertia - making "pan" more stable.

It has a smaller effect on the drop time, and allows you to slightly more fine tune the drop time.


In addition, it also has an effect on dynamic balance - you need some (even just one start-weight) weight on there to be able to dynamically blance the sled properly.



But, yes, it's mostly to increase "pan" stability to match the allready huge "tilt" and "roll" stability of the Merlin.

- Mikko

[Ivan Mosny]

Thanks guys for the Answers. My new Merlin works fine, but i am still not sure to use this one "full weight" (in add to start weight) in front or not. I will trainig with both options.
(Sorry for my bad english)
Ivan

[Mikko Wilson]

Yup, try both options and see what works best!

Exprimenting is the best way to learn & understand Steadicam.


- Mikko

[Ivan Mosny]

Merlin works wonderfull. I have Flycam stabilizer with the Vest too - but i was never able to tune this thing so fine as a Merlin.
But where is the best place to mount my Manfrotto 521 LANC Steering? Merlins hangrip is too small. Is there a chance to change it for a bigger one?

[Deniz Ahmet]

Is a properly balanced Merlin rock steady when held or balanced on itself?

Mine just keeps every so slowly bobbing around like a boat on a calm lake. I just can't stop this movement. What's the deal?

The metal gimbal seems super sensative compared to the plastic one I tested.

Any suggestions?

[Mikko Wilson]

once balanced and steady it will reamin in place - it shouldn't move by itself.

That said, once you accelerate it (or slow it down, or turn a corner at speed), due to the dlight bottom heaviness, it will want to act very slightly like a pendulum .. so as an operator, it's your job to use your guide hand to very gentally counteract this swaying as you accelerate to prevent it from happening.

With practice you quickly learn what things will cause it to sway and how to prevent it.


- Mikko

[Ralph Schoberth]

Hi,
the side-to-side trim roller of my merlin is very hard to rotate. What can i do?

[Mikko Wilson]

Is the Merlin level as you try to rotate the roller? Try rolling the rig very slightly to the side so that the roller is moving the camera "down hill" so it's not having to move the weight of the sled up.

- Mikko

[Ralph Schoberth]

i mean the roller under the dovetail to adjust the left/right level.
Another question is: have the gimbal to be exactly under the center of gravity of the cam?

[Mikko Wilson]

Yes, I know which roller you are referring to.

Is it hard to turn even if there isn't a camera on the Merlin?

And yes, you do want to get the gimbal directly under the CG of the camera.


- Mikko

[Paul Mailath]

boy this thread is choc full of good info - I solved 2 problems I didn't even know I had!

..now back to the cross on the wall..

[Ralph Schoberth]

Originally Posted by Mikko Wilson

Yes, I know which roller you are referring to.

Is it hard to turn even if there isn't a camera on the Merlin?


- Mikko

Without camera ist easyer to turn, but not as easy as the for/back roller.
Any idea to get it smoother?

[Mikko Wilson]

It doesn't need to be super easy to turn - too loose and it might not hold balance as easily.

Try rolling it all the way to one side, and cleaning the underside of the stage beteen the side-to-side support rods. Then roll all the way to the other side and clean to other side. Try going too the way forwards and all teh wya back too, to get as much of the underisde of the stage cleaned as possible. - It's possible you have some dirt in there.

My side-to-side roller is also a little tighter than the fore-aft - and both are fairly stiff. I fyou can still adjust it without too mcuh teouble, then it's probably ok. Inly if the rollers are so tight that thye are actually preventing you from makign trib adjustments with your fingers, are they actually too tight.


- Mikko