2007Cameras (Film/Video/HD) forum
Flying a VariCam or HDX900 camera on a Flyer camera stabilization system
19 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
Note (as of October 2026)Curt O. Schaller, the developer of Artemis and Trinity, has no longer been with ARRI since the end of 2025. To our knowledge, ARRI currently has no dedicated team and no official contact persons for its stabilizer systems. In our view, the future of this line is uncertain. If you are buying new, get written confirmation from ARRI beforehand on how long service and spare parts are guaranteed. Have used rigs checked by the manufacturer before you buy.
DisputedParticipants disagreed and reached no conclusion. Read the findings as positions, not as an answer.
What the thread found
- A VariCam can be mounted on a Flyer arm only when stripped of accessories, but the arm reaches its weight limit and leaves no room for matte box, viewfinder, or other additions.
- An HDX900 camera has been successfully flown on a Flyer arm when stripped of its onboard battery and viewfinder, using two Dionic90 batteries for counterweight and a clip-on matte box.
- The Flyer arm's weight-carrying capacity represents a hard upper limit that should not be exceeded through creative rigging techniques.
- A stripped-down DigiBeta camera weighing approximately 8.6kg was successfully flown on a Flyer with proper counterweighting, though docking clearance was minimal.
- Using a Klassen vest as an alternative to the standard Flyer vest can improve comfort when flying heavier camera configurations, though the vest itself represents a significant additional cost.
- Post-flex issues may occur with the Flyer when using substantial battery counterweights to balance heavier cameras.
Depends on
- The VariCam and HDX900 were described as generally unsuitable by some users, while others reported successful flights with significant modifications and stripped configurations.
- Successful flights required removing standard camera accessories such as viewfinders and batteries from the camera body itself.
- Comfort and practical usability varied depending on individual experience and rig configuration.
- The thread participants do not provide complete specifications for all camera models mentioned or consistent guidance on maximum safe payload.
Gear in this thread
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