Setting up a Canon 5D Mark II for use on a Flyer camera stabilizer with follow focus and monitoring

Gear

ZephyrCan I fly my Alexa or RED on a Zephyr?389

Master SeriesIs a used Master Series rig worth buying as a first big rig?191

BFDHow do I power my BFD receiver from my camera or sled?186

VoltCan I retrofit a Volt onto my existing sled or gimbal?168

ArtemisHow do I power my camera and accessories from an Artemis sled?166

MDRWhere can I mount my Preston MDR on my rig?143

ModulusIs there a Modulus option for HD wireless video?141

G-70Will my G-70 fit my vest, gimbal or sled?126

FI+ZCan I control iris and zoom wirelessly, not just focus?60

HU3Where can I get my HU3 repaired, refurbished or repainted?60

CineLiveHow do I pack and case my CineLive rig for transport?54

G-70XHow does the G-70X compare to Pro Titan, Xarm and other arms?46

Trinity 2Is Trinity 2 SUP 3.0 firmware safe to install or buggy?46

Ultra VestWhich vest should I choose for my body size, comfort and operator type?39

2009Steadi-Newbies forum

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

A matte box setup is necessary when using follow focus motors on the 5D, and budget options may lack sufficient rigidity for this application.
Follow focus motor adapters for Canon lenses are inexpensive, though the rubber exterior of Canon lens barrels can present challenges.
A variable neutral density filter provides smooth aperture control equivalent to a video camera iris, addressing a key limitation of still lenses in video work.
Connecting video output from certain Sony HDV cameras requires chaining multiple adapters, such as S-video to RCA to BNC, when the primary output option does not work.
A weighted plate improves stabilizer performance and inertial response during flight.
Electronic Canon lenses with continuously rotating focus rings create calibration difficulties for motorized follow focus systems.
Wireless video monitoring can experience interference in certain indoor environments like hospital settings.

The experience with the 5D setup involved specific constraints on lens lengths established during production.
The variable ND filter recommendation applies primarily to video shooting, as it has limitations for still image capture.
Wireless video interference issues depend on the particular location and environment.
Follow focus motor compatibility was assessed based on limited equipment experience rather than comprehensive testing.
The setup configuration described represents one particular approach among multiple possible configurations.