What the thread found

• Both the Glidecam X-10 and Steadicam Pilot have a maximum payload of 10 pounds for the camera body alone, which severely limits their use with Red Epic or Scarlet cameras when accessories are attached.
• A Red Epic or Scarlet stripped down with only a light EF lens and no additional accessories might barely fit within the 10-pound limit of the Pilot or X-10, but adding any accessories like lens control, video transmitter, or PL lenses makes this impractical.
• The Steadicam Zephyr offers a 23-pound payload capacity, making it significantly more suitable than the Pilot for operating Red cameras with accessories like follow focus, batteries, lens, matte box, wireless focus systems, and digital recorders.
• The Steadicam Flyer LE has a maximum payload of 19 to 20 pounds, positioning it between the Pilot and Zephyr in terms of camera weight capacity.
• Second-hand Steadicam equipment like the Flyer LE can be found at approximately 4000 to 5000 dollars, potentially offering better value than new systems when budget is a concern.
• Whether a camera operator or focus puller should own the follow focus system depends on market conditions, though some operators prefer owning one themselves to ensure proper cable arrangement and system compatibility.
• Bartech follow focus systems are described as affordable, reliable, simple, and readily available in the used market.
• Older Flyer LE models varied in payload capacity, with some having lighter limits around 15 pounds, making it important to verify the specific model before purchasing used equipment.
• The Steadicam Scout is noted as the current model closest to the Flyer series in payload and features, with an 18-pound weight limit.

Depends on

• The original poster needed to expand recording duration due to arm fatigue after 4 minutes with an existing Glidecam HD 4000, suggesting they were working without a stabilizer vest.
• Information about Red Epic and Scarlet weight specifications comes from forum discussions and user experience rather than official manufacturer specifications.
• Payload limits may be pushed slightly beyond advertised specifications, but doing so continuously may cause faster wear on equipment parts.
• Second-hand equipment availability and pricing varies by region; the original poster noted difficulty finding used Steadicam equipment in Greece.
• Battery pack compatibility across different Flyer LE models was not fully clarified in the discussion.

Gear in this thread

Zephyrcatalog

Parts

Follow Focus

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