Steadicam Merlin Problems with XHA1
Issues with the Steadicam? Your not alone. I have discovered that even with a perfectly balanced steadicam I have found there to be issues. I believe that this is common, but I will continue to work and find out if these are just my problems.
Yes, I can see the problem right away. Errr, humm.. its YOU. You havent set the Merlin up properly! I bet u only set a static balance and didnt do a dynamic balance?! If you did, you need to it properly and spend more than 2 minutes on it!
Over priced? Steadicam work to an extremely high standard, this is evident particularly on the body-worn systems. The Merlin is no exception, and when set up properly gives good results as proved by the many that use them.
You get what you pay for!
I agree with you…
I just can’t see spending $800 on this thing, when there are comparable items out there for a fraction of the price. The real Merlin magic here is your money disappearing. Poof. One piece of metal with counterbalances and a $800 tag. Man, there’s something wrong with this picture. Now about the leaning and drifting…your viewfinder is causing the drift. it’s actually heavier on that side, naturally it will tilt there. The merlin hasn’t figured out nuances like that..for $800 it better work!
1 question: how did u do a video with narration like that? Obviously this was shot separately. So how did you provide audio for this? which software did u use?
No matter what steadicam you are using, even the pilot and flyer, there is no ABSOLUTE PERFECT balance. You need to learn how to compensate for the drifting. That is what steadicam operating is all about. Or else why do we need workshops?
HOWEVER… if the drifting is REALLY bad, your gimbal might be defective (bent component). Send it back to tiffen for a replacement.
This is very true. The second hand with a very light touch is used to control the latent inertia at the end of a fly-by and making minor brakes to panning. Using just one hand, then moving it like the way you do WILL give you those very exact problems. You’re compounding the mass effects onto the very precise balanced unit every vector change you placed.
I think the steadicam is terrible. I apologize for your purchase.
Although the CG change is slight, it does affect the dynamic balance, not so much the static balance. On SSD camera, it is lesser. The real complain I have for the merlin is $. But none others handheld type in the market can match it, in terms of the heavier camera weight and flexibility of balancing. I have a brief try with Hague and I also own a modosteady. They are good on certain aspect, esp $.
Yes, the two hands operation and the lesser one hand with the two fingers operation are essential to maintain control. If you are serious, get the xls from Tiffen’s web to get not just the static balance but also the dynamic balance. It will helps a lot. Nonetheless, drift will still occurs but much less. My experience is camera with moving parts mechanism, eg tape drive tends to drift off much more, as when in operation, the moving part changes the CG, horizontal and vertical.
Hi
Just got myself a Merlin a few days ago.
Been on ages trying to get it set up.
I have got it so it works fine when you move your arm about but is there a way of stopping it from swinging backwards and forwards?
Any help would be appreciated.