Steadicam Merlin System - Includes Vest Arm and Merlin2
The Steadicam Merlin with Arm and Vest is a camcorder stabilizing system for small camcorders. This system utilizes a metal gimbal for smooth camera movement. Combined with the arm and vest this system offers full professional support and movement.
Steadicam Merlin Stabilizer
Merlin is the new choice for videographers shooting multimedia, events, weddings, industrials and documentaries, or for students and serious enthusiasts who have been searching for a cost effective camera stabilization solution. Conceived and designed by Garrett Brown, Merlin is crafted of the highest quality materials, utilizing ultra-light, ultra-rigid aluminum alloys and precision stainless steel weights.
Balanced on its patented three-axis inter-gimbaled handle, Merlin provides precise control at unprecedented focal lengths, and instantly folds into a compact shoulder-mode. The ultralight construction greatly reduces fatigue and lets operators make longer, more elegant shots with longer focal lengths than ever imagined using a hand-held stabilizer.
With a camera attached (eg. Sony Handycam HC-32), the Steadicam Merlin weighs only 35 oz, or less than the weight of other hand-holdable systems without camera or weights attached! In fact, with Sony's HDR FX-1 Hi-Def camcorder aboard, Merlin adds only 2.5 lbs, for a total weight of only 6.5 lbs! Exclusive to Merlin, is its patent-pending Folding Caliper hinge. The Folding Caliper easily extends and retracts to balance cameras ranging from 8 ounces to a formidable five pounds, yet automatically seeks the true folded position for storage or shoulder mount use and incredibly, returns to the correct balance point when again opened.
Merlin's versatility extends even further, with its universal dovetail plate. The rigid multi-tapped plate is designed to accept an extensive range of cameras, from the latest ultra compact DV's to larger, feature rich HDV cameras. Its three position lever permits rapid camera mounting and removal from Merlin's micrometer trim stage, coarse balance adjustments while affixed to the stage, and positive attachment of the camera. When locked to the micrometer trim stage, precise fore and aft, plus side to side horizontal balance are then easily accomplished. And, if required, the camera and plate can be affixed to any tripod using Merlin's accessory tripod mounting plate.
Also included with the Steadicam Merlin, are five precision threaded stainless steel balance weights and two tapered end weights for cameras weighing less than four pounds. An accessory kit adds a short extension tube and three additional weights for cameras up to five pounds.
Steadicam Merlin Arm & Vest
The New Merlin Arm and Vest makes extended shooting nearly effortless. Now Tiffen introduces the worlds most advanced ultra-light Arm and Vest. Even with heavy cameras, up to seven pounds (3.2kg) with the optional Metal Gimbal your Merlin can now fly for hours without undue fatigue, and preserve all the flexibility and reach of your own arms.
The Merlin Vest is the lightest and thinnest ever made. It can even be worn under a tuxedo jacket and it's designed to fit the entire gamut of human sizes and shapes. For 23 kg eight-year-olds or 150 kg linebackers, the Merlin Vest provides complete comfort and functionality for extended productions and long continuous shots. All adjustments are 'no-tools', including the right-arm/left-arm.
The Merlin Arm is ultra-light and extremely capable. It's a 7/8 scale version of its big brothers, the Flyer, G-50 and G-70 arms. It provides the same legendary performance and flexibility including instant, knob-adjustable control of lifting power for camera payloads between 2.5 and 7 lbs. (1.1 to 3.2 kg) The Merlin Arm also provides enormous vertical lifting range (28" or 71cm) and full iso-elasticity, so you'll need only ounces of force to maintain the highest or lowest lens heights (way above the head to below the waist).
Like its big brothers, the Merlin Arm includes two-axis adjustment of the arm-to-body angle so that people of differing shapes can adjust the lifting angle to their most comfortable posture. Together The Merlin Arm and Vest actually increase your shooting options. You can ease the Merlin back against your body and shoot 'handheld', with both hands on the camera, and fly seamlessly back off the shoulder and continue moving.
What's Included:
- Steadicam Merlin Stabilizer
- Removable Dovetail Plate
- 1 Start Weight
- 5 Middle Weights
- 2 End Weights
- Camera Mounting Screw
- Locating Pin
- Accessory Mounting Tripod Plate
- Balance Stand
- Steadicam Merlin Arm & Vest