Rental rates for Steadicam Merlin? at DVinfo.net

Peter Richardson · August 2nd, 2006, 03:32 PM

Hey guys--I am looking into getting a Steadicam Merlin and wanted to know how much they rent for. I'm wondering how long it will take to pay for itself. Thanks!

Peter

Greg Watts · August 2nd, 2006, 04:08 PM

I'm not sure the Merlin would make a good rental item because it requires a good deal of prep time just to get it balanced not counting actually learning to fly it so if you only charge $100 a day, anyone using it is going to need 5 days to really get decent at it and even then that's unlikely to produce meaningful footage. At that point, they're going to consider just buying one since they'll have spent the same amount anyway.

Have you thought about subcontracting yourself out to fly it for them? That might be a more viable option for a device like the Merlin and you could make significantly more money that way.

Peter Richardson · August 2nd, 2006, 04:45 PM

Hey Greg--Yes, I should have been more clear in my post. I would be the operator. But I'm looking for solely the rental rate for the Merlin, no operator rate included. Thanks!

Peter

Mikko Wilson · August 2nd, 2006, 06:16 PM

Hmm.. $50/day wouldn't be too shabby. Take you 16 days to recoup the cost.
If you can get $100 that would be even better. You won't get much more than that.
What you charge sometimes also depends on the client.

- Mikko

Ash Greyson · August 13th, 2006, 11:41 AM

They rent for $40 most places or $50 with a 3 day week...

ash =o)

August 2nd, 2006, 03:32 PM	#1
Peter Richardson Major Player Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 608	Rental rates for Steadicam Merlin? Hey guys--I am looking into getting a Steadicam Merlin and wanted to know how much they rent for. I'm wondering how long it will take to pay for itself. Thanks! Peter

August 2nd, 2006, 06:16 PM	#4
Mikko Wilson Major Player Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Juneau, Alaska, USA Posts: 624	Hmm.. $50/day wouldn't be too shabby. Take you 16 days to recoup the cost. If you can get $100 that would be even better. You won't get much more than that. What you charge sometimes also depends on the client. - Mikko __________________ Mikko Wilson - Steadicam Owner / Operator - Juneau, Alaska, USA +1 (907) 321-8387 - mikkowilson@hotmail.com - www.mikkowilson.com

August 2nd, 2006, 04:08 PM	#2
Greg Watts Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Louisville, Ky Posts: 66	I'm not sure the Merlin would make a good rental item because it requires a good deal of prep time just to get it balanced not counting actually learning to fly it so if you only charge $100 a day, anyone using it is going to need 5 days to really get decent at it and even then that's unlikely to produce meaningful footage. At that point, they're going to consider just buying one since they'll have spent the same amount anyway. Have you thought about subcontracting yourself out to fly it for them? That might be a more viable option for a device like the Merlin and you could make significantly more money that way.

August 2nd, 2006, 04:45 PM	#3
Peter Richardson Major Player Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 608	Hey Greg--Yes, I should have been more clear in my post. I would be the operator. But I'm looking for solely the rental rate for the Merlin, no operator rate included. Thanks! Peter

August 13th, 2006, 11:41 AM	#5
Ash Greyson Trustee Join Date: May 2003 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 1,689	They rent for $40 most places or $50 with a 3 day week... ash =o)