alternus
Member
I've just got myself a Merlin (metal gimbal version) for my Z7. Managed to balanced it without purchasing additional weights (used all the weights that came with the kit!)
For those Z7 owners out there who would like to use a Z7 on a Merlin, here's my take.
Extending the weight:
I used ALL THE WEIGHTS in the kit as per the photo attached. I used a hair conditioner bottle like a condom to add on the additional end weight. There is some plasticine sandwiched in between as a spacer cum weight.
The angle of the bow is at its max (i.e. longest vertical length possible).
Conclusion:
Compared with my Glidecam 4000, I'll still prefer my Glidecam 4000.
1) Altho the Glidecam 4000 does not allow me to "tahan" the entire system for more than 2 mins, the camera movement is very very much smoother. Smoother because of the larger radius of gyration in the vertical axis (those good in physics will know what I mean) due to the spread-out weights. This gives more inertia. Merlin's radius of gyration in the vertical axis is negligible. And 2 mins only because the Glidecam handle is offsetted from the vertical axis of the entire system's C.G. (a real strain on the wrist muscle). I believe I can hold the Merlin with my z7 for 15 mins and more. However, it is really too sensitive for my liking. I may have to practice more to get use to it.
2) The adapter plate on the Merlin sucks. Firstly, attaching the camera to the merlin takes at least 5 sec for me (Glidecam with a Manfrotto adapter takes 1 sec). The Merlin also limits my usage to a) merlin, b) tripod (with a tripod adapter plate that is). I did think of using the same Manfrotto adapter for the Merlin, but that will raise the camera too high, and I have to add more weights at the bottom to balance it out. The entire system will become heavier. No way man...
As I do predominantly weddings, there is a need to switch very quickly between stabilizer, monpod, tripod and hand-held to get different shots for the same scene (for continuity sake). Without a standing-base for the Merlin, I'll have to think of a way to attach it to my body somehow. I'll stick to my Glidecam 4000 for now.
The Merlin will be better left to my 2nd videographer to handle. It should be permanently attached.
For those Z7 owners out there who would like to use a Z7 on a Merlin, here's my take.
Extending the weight:
I used ALL THE WEIGHTS in the kit as per the photo attached. I used a hair conditioner bottle like a condom to add on the additional end weight. There is some plasticine sandwiched in between as a spacer cum weight.
The angle of the bow is at its max (i.e. longest vertical length possible).
Conclusion:
Compared with my Glidecam 4000, I'll still prefer my Glidecam 4000.
1) Altho the Glidecam 4000 does not allow me to "tahan" the entire system for more than 2 mins, the camera movement is very very much smoother. Smoother because of the larger radius of gyration in the vertical axis (those good in physics will know what I mean) due to the spread-out weights. This gives more inertia. Merlin's radius of gyration in the vertical axis is negligible. And 2 mins only because the Glidecam handle is offsetted from the vertical axis of the entire system's C.G. (a real strain on the wrist muscle). I believe I can hold the Merlin with my z7 for 15 mins and more. However, it is really too sensitive for my liking. I may have to practice more to get use to it.
2) The adapter plate on the Merlin sucks. Firstly, attaching the camera to the merlin takes at least 5 sec for me (Glidecam with a Manfrotto adapter takes 1 sec). The Merlin also limits my usage to a) merlin, b) tripod (with a tripod adapter plate that is). I did think of using the same Manfrotto adapter for the Merlin, but that will raise the camera too high, and I have to add more weights at the bottom to balance it out. The entire system will become heavier. No way man...
As I do predominantly weddings, there is a need to switch very quickly between stabilizer, monpod, tripod and hand-held to get different shots for the same scene (for continuity sake). Without a standing-base for the Merlin, I'll have to think of a way to attach it to my body somehow. I'll stick to my Glidecam 4000 for now.
The Merlin will be better left to my 2nd videographer to handle. It should be permanently attached.
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