31Jan GH2 on Baby Merlin (modded Smoothee)
So the goal was to modify this Steadicam Smoothee for lightweight cameras, but it was surprising to see it fly my Canon 5D Mark II + 50mm F/1.4 Lens. Getting back to the real reason for the mod, I tested out a smaller setup with the GH2 + 20mm Lens (total 1.2lbs). It took about 6.8oz of counterweight, but she balances just fine. In fact, I really think Tiffen should offer something like this for all the new smaller lightweight cameras coming out. If they can keep the price about the same, they’d make quite an impact. There’s some additional information in the video about the Quick Release mount and Counterweight attachment.
If you’re late to the party, you can find all the build information on modding a Steadicam Smoothee for your small cameras in the previous article (here).
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January 31st, 2012 at 2:44 pm
Ok doesn’t look hard to do. I’m going to do this, looks cool. Thanks for sharing Emm.
January 31st, 2012 at 4:09 pm
Nice!
I really want one now for my 5D setup, Where can we find the extra weight you have on yours Emm, Not the washers but the actual silver weight, or I don’t need it?
I can always remove weights to use it on a Sony NEX 5N amd the GH2.
Thanks.
January 31st, 2012 at 4:33 pm
@Serge – I updated the build article. I took that whole bottom setup from another stabilizer. Got it from here: Opteka SteadyVid EX Video Stabilizer
January 31st, 2012 at 4:58 pm
what is the curved metal portion of the rig made of? Is it aluminum or a light weight steel? I was thinking of welding the pass through nut to the body.
January 31st, 2012 at 5:00 pm
@billybob – It’s painted over, but I think it’s a lightweight AL. [Update] My magnets don’t stick to it…
January 31st, 2012 at 5:35 pm
WOW this is so cool. Thanks Emm. I think I will try that.
January 31st, 2012 at 6:10 pm
I’d like to know how this compares w/ the flycam nano. For 5d use. Can you give us some details after testing? thanks.
January 31st, 2012 at 11:44 pm
2nd day aired!
as always, I hope it comes in time for my shoot!
And I really think Im going to do this mod.
January 31st, 2012 at 11:50 pm
Emm,
You should just mod this in volume and sell to us GH2 user
Btw, are there other options beside buying the Opteka SteadyVid EX Video Stabilizer for it’s bottom weight.
February 1st, 2012 at 1:30 am
I was wondering if you could fly a Sony FS100 with one of these or would the cam/lens be too heavy?
February 1st, 2012 at 3:22 am
Are there any videos coming that shows the results? Looks very nice from the looks of it!
February 1st, 2012 at 4:15 am
This looks amazing but at $150 plus the costs to mod it’s still not a cheap solution. I recently bought a Steady Dragon on eBay for about $90, it’s nicely made, can take a lot of weight, and so far, given I’m a novice at using these things, the results are great. It was hard work getting it balanced first time and this does look much easier but once done I marked-up the mounting plate and stabilizer positions and the weight needed for each lens so I can get a rough setup quickly and then just fine tune.
Great work though, can we see some results?
February 1st, 2012 at 4:42 am
@pixcanfly like what? and something that doesnt look ghetto or is more expensive. i contacted opteka to see if they will see the parts only, i doubt they will even get back to me.. apparently their customer service is not that good. Lets see.
February 1st, 2012 at 6:42 am
@Adrian – The FS100 sounds like it would be too heavy,
February 2nd, 2012 at 9:14 am
@juan leal
As for the bottom weight, something like this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/STEADYCAM-DLSR-DIGITAL-CAMERA-STABILIZER-WEIGHT-PACK-/180789920774#ht_1103wt_1236
I’ll try and see whether I can get some help to customize the quick release plate. Maybe using a small block of wood will also do
February 9th, 2012 at 6:43 pm
Love this, thanks so much! I too want to fly the gh2 w/ 20mm
With the DIY method, is it possible to swing the DIY counterweight system upwards as featured in this video? OR would the vertical position of the washers interfere with the Smothee.
If I went the dual metal bracket route, wouldn’t the suggested one (11 7/8″) be too large ? Would you suggest cutting it in half or do they make smaller slotted brackets?
Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us all!
March 3rd, 2012 at 11:14 am
@pixcan thanks thats okay but a little plain looking and coming from uk it will take forever to get here
@emm finally completed the mod just have no idea how to balance this.. will post video/pix soon
March 5th, 2012 at 8:23 pm
here is my mod finally, what do you guys think? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJblMO0pamQ
March 6th, 2012 at 10:08 am
@juan leal – Looks like you’re still too bottom heavy. You have too much weight at the bottom causing the pendulum motion.