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2010Picture and History Archives forum

Panaglide steadicam system specifications and operational history

16 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.

What the thread found

  • The Panaglide camera alone weighed approximately 15 pounds without film or lens, making it one of the lightest sound camera options available at the time.
  • Fully loaded with sled, lens, and camera, the Panaglide weighed between 60 to 65 pounds according to operator experience.
  • The Panaglide used a gas shock arm design in early prototypes to avoid patent infringement, but this proved problematic and was later replaced with a spring-loaded version.
  • The production version featured advanced cable management with a single fiberglass post containing eight-pin Lemo connectors that carried camera power, accessory power, and video signal from sled base to camera.
  • The system included a motorized follow focus bundle with focus and iris motors that could be attached to the camera, powered independently through the post cable.
  • The Panaglide vest and arm design were reported by multiple operators to be uncomfortable and problematic, leading Panavision to discontinue them and instead offer Cinema Products vests and arms for rental.
  • The prototype used on Halloween featured a large video tap box mounted on the camera door, later replaced with a smaller Sony tap in production models.
  • Operators frequently adapted their own Cinema Products gimbals to use with the Panaglide sled rather than relying on the proprietary gimbal.
  • The 24-volt battery system was considered an advantage of the Panaglide design compared to other options available at that time.

Depends on

  • Weight specifications from 2003 forum post lack clarity on whether they include sled, lens, and battery components.
  • Information about early prototype versus production model specifications is mixed in available accounts.
  • Panavision reportedly destroyed the Panaglide sleds after discontinuing the system, limiting documentation.
  • Most detailed technical information comes from one operator's recollection rather than official manufacturer specifications.
  • The exact timeline and details of patent disputes with Cinema Products are not fully documented in this discussion.

Parts

Follow Focus

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