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2005Operating forum

Feasibility of flying various film cameras on Steadicam for a 10-minute single-take anamorphic shot with ramping to high frame rates

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

What the thread found

  • A Panastar camera is not suitable for Steadicam work and cannot ramp when used with a Preston controller.
  • The Arri 235 can ramp to 100fps and accept a 1000-foot magazine, but may still be problematic for extended single-take Steadicam shots with ramping.
  • The Arri 435 with a 1000-foot magazine creates excessive weight and arm strain on a 3A Steadicam arm, especially when combined with anamorphic lenses.
  • A Millennium camera in Steadicam configuration weighs approximately 29 pounds with a short zoom lens.
  • For a 10-minute shot with frame rate ramping, a 1000-foot magazine may be insufficient and the shot may need to be split into multiple takes or use alternative formats.
  • Super 16mm offers a viable alternative that allows longer shooting time with standard magazine capacities.
  • Shooting in 2 or 3 perforation mode can reduce film consumption by 25-50 percent compared to standard 4-perf anamorphic, potentially allowing standard 400 or 500-foot magazines to suffice.
  • Trimming Steadicam balance during locked-off portions of a shot by adjusting battery position or using a magic arm can help manage weight for extended takes.
  • Not all post-production facilities can process non-standard perforation formats.

Depends on

  • The production is committed to anamorphic cinematography, eliminating certain format alternatives.
  • The shot must be a continuous 10-minute single take without cuts, severely limiting camera and magazine options.
  • Frame rate ramping to high speeds (initially 100fps, later reduced to 50fps) eliminates lighter camera options.
  • Steadicam arm capacity is limited, with a 3A arm being the baseline equipment available.
  • Post-production facility compatibility with alternative perforation formats is uncertain and location-dependent.
  • Experience reports are anecdotal and from 2005 equipment; some cameras may no longer be in common use.

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