2006Steadi-Newbies forum
Purchasing and upgrading a used Model 3A steadicam rig as a beginner
20 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- Silver spring arms support more weight and have a wider weight range than gold spring arms for the same rig
- A beginner operator can start with 12-volt power systems and onboard camera power before investing in 24-volt electronics
- A practice cage can be fabricated by obtaining a piece of steel from an industrial supplier and having threads tapped into it for approximately ten dollars in materials
- Vest upgrades including new velcro and replacement straps should be prioritized early in a used rig upgrade sequence
- Arm upgrades should come after vest repairs and before non-telescoping post replacements for a beginner's upgrade plan
Depends on
- The discussion focuses on older camera equipment models from the early 2000s that may not be in common use today
- Specific pricing and availability information for parts is based on market conditions from 2006
- Recommendations assume the operator is working with entry-level camera packages rather than high-end cinema equipment
- The post replacement advice applies specifically to non-telescoping posts on Model 3A rigs