Tiffen steadicam aero Operator's Manual
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Tiffen steadicam aero Operator's Manual

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Operator's Manual
LIT-825000
Revision: A

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  • Page 1 Operator’s Manual LIT-825000 Revision: A...
  • Page 2 The Tiffen Company. Steadicam AERO™ is a trademark of The Tiffen Company. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Specifications stated within this manual are subject to change without notice. Please see www.tiffen.com//warranty.html for warranty details.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents A Word from Garrett Brown Get to Know the Steadicam AERO AERO components Operating Accessories Setting Up Assembling the AERO Sled Mounting your Camera Balancing Static Balance The Steadicam Vest Fitting the Vest The Steadicam Arm Connecting the Arm & Vest Lifting the System Adjusting the Arm &...

  • Page 5: A Word From Garrett Brown

    Steadicam Zephyr model sled, and an even more rigid stage, so with the A-30 Arm and Vest your AERO can support camera payloads up to 20 pounds! Good luck with your new Steadicam AERO™ and good shooting! It’s the best light Steadicam ever! Best, Steadicam®...

  • Page 7: Get To Know The Steadicam Aero

    Get to Know the Steadicam AERO The Steadicam AERO is designed to be precise, user-friendly, and versatile enough to fly a wide range of cameras for a variety of productions. The AERO is tools-free so you can quickly make adjustments to your Sled in order to suit the shot or your operating preferences. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the components and features of the Steadicam AERO.

  • Page 8: Aero Components

    AERO Components The Stage Lock Lever Release Button Secure Quick Release plate to Stage Press to free Quick Release plate from Stage Side-to-Side Knob Laser etched directions Graduated scale BNC Video Jack HD-SDI connection to Base P-tap Power Jack Fore-Aft scale 12 Volt output Graduated reference scale Fore-Aft Knob...
  • Page 9 Get to Know the Steadicam AERO The Gimbal Gimbal Handle Connection to Arm Control Boom height Pan Bearing Center of balance No maintenance Gimbal Grip Control camera pan and tilt Knurled grip surface Gimbal Lock Knob Adjustable clamping handle Secures Gimbal to Post...
  • Page 10 AERO Components Base Front Monitor Power 3-Pin Mini-XLR Power your monitor 5A self-resetting fuse 12 Volt Base Release Safety BNC Video Jack Depress to unlock the Base HD-SDI connection to Top Stage to detach Cross Rod from Post for storage and transport Monitor Mount Cross Rod Clamp Knob...

  • Page 11: Operating Accessories

    Operating Accessories Operating accessories that are suggested in order to get the most out of your Steadicam AERO are illustrated throughout this manual. Please find a list of these accessories here, along with other optional operating accessories, and consider adding them to your kit if you don’t already own these components.
  • Page 12 Notes...

  • Page 13: Setting Up

    Setting Up The Steadicam AERO arrives disassembled in a compact kit with the optional accessories you selected. The customizable nature means your rig might differ slightly from the units pictured in this manual. However, all the major parts and adjustments are the same.

  • Page 14: Assembling The Aero Sled

    Assembling the AERO Sled We suggest operating with the monitor at a 45˚ angle to the Cross Rod. This is adjustable by loosening the Monitor Mount Knob with one hand while supporting and adjusting the monitor with the other. Once you’ve adjusted the angle to your liking, re-tighten the Monitor Mount Knob.
  • Page 15 Setting Up Roughly center the Cross Rod to the Post after loosening the Cross Rod Lock Knob. Make sure the Lock Knob is retightened. Start with one weight on each end of the Cross Rod for most cameras. Center the Stage in both Fore-Aft and Side-to- Side axes by looking at the etched Scales and dialing the appropriate Adjustment Knob.
  • Page 16 Assembling the AERO Sled...
  • Page 17 Setting Up Mounting the camera to the Stage is the critical first step to balancing any Steadicam. The goal is to precisely locate the camera’s center of gravity, or CG, in one precise location on the Stage. It’s a simple procedure, but take your time here to make balancing the Sled quicker and easier.

  • Page 18: Mounting Your Camera

    Mounting your Camera Find the Center of Balance of your camera setup. Use a rod or something cylindrical to find the Side-to-Side balance point. Place the camera on the rod with the rod parallel to the lens. Find the point where the camera balances left to right.
  • Page 19 Setting Up Mark this point as well. Note: Some camera setups, such as a DSLR with a zoom lens, may have the Fore-Aft balance point outside of the camera body. In this case, find the Side-to-Side balance first, and then mount the Quick Release Plate to the camera and use the base of the Plate to find the Fore-Aft balance point.
  • Page 20 Mounting your Camera Center the camera on the Quick Release Plate using the Fore-Aft and Side-to-Side balance point marks you made. Note: The Quick Release Plate should be mounted with the Rod Mount holes forward. However, it will work in either orientation if necessary.
  • Page 21 Setting Up Close the Lock Lever securing the camera to the Stage. Using the Side-to-Side Knob, visually align your Side-to-Side mark with the center of the Post. Next, we balance!
  • Page 22 Mounting your Camera Notes...

  • Page 23: Balancing

    Balancing The Steadicam AERO works by carefully balancing the camera, monitor, battery and balance weights. We always balance the Sled to help us get each shot– it gives the operator fingertip control and maximum isolation from unwanted movements. The primary method of balancing the AERO is called “static balance.”...

  • Page 24: Static Balance

    Static Balance Set up the Docking Bracket on a stand and use a sand bag or a friend to keep it from toppling while the rig is on the balance pin. With the balance stand stable, place the AERO Gimbal Handle on the balance pin of the Dock, but don’t let go of the rig.
  • Page 25 Balancing Now, slide the Gimbal ½” towards the Stage. This will move the Sled’s CG below the pan bearing, giving us the slightly bottom heavy Sled we want. Tighten the Gimbal Lock Knob. We’ll fine tune the top-to-bottom balance after trimming the other two axes.
  • Page 26 Static Balance Second: set the Fore-Aft balance– While still on the balance pin, hold the Post vertical and loosen your grip to see which direction the camera tilts Fore-Aft. We’re only focusing on one axis at a time. And remember, don’t completely remove your hand while the sled is on the balance pin.
  • Page 27 Balancing Third: set the side-to-side balance– While still on the balance pin, loosen your grip again to see if the camera leans side-to-side. The side-to-side lean should be minimal if you were able to align your side-to-side balance mark with the center of the Post. Fine tune this axis by turning the Side-to-Side Knob one way or the other to bring the camera completely level.
  • Page 28 Static Balance Fourth: confirm top-to-bottom balance– Let’s fine tune our top-to-bottom balance by using the “Drop Time” test. Drop Time is a gauge of the bottom heaviness of the Sled. Re-check that the camera Lock Lever is fastened and make sure your stand is securely grounded. While on the balance pin, rotate the Sled to horizontal.
  • Page 29 Balancing Re-test your Drop Time. You may need to repeat the process a few times until it’s around 3 seconds. Note: You may alter the Drop Time to suit your specific shot: longer Drop Time for easier tilts and rapid accelerations, shorter Drop Time for easier static horizons or windy conditions. Now re-check your Static Balance with the rig vertical on the Balance Pin.
  • Page 30 Static Balance...

  • Page 31: The Steadicam Vest

    The Steadicam Vest The Steadicam Vest is the major connection between your body and any Steadicam System. It’s adjustable to fit most body types via Velcro straps and adjustable buckles. Just like setting up the AERO, taking your time to properly fit the Vest will ensure you get the highest performance and also the most comfort from the system.

  • Page 32: Fitting The Vest

    Fitting the Vest 1. Open all buckles on the left side of the Vest and Proper Vest fit: slip on the Vest. 2. Close the Shoulder The length of the Vest Connector. should place the waist pads over your hip bones, yet still allow your legs to lift Leave all Buckles open until for climbing stairs.

  • Page 33: The Steadicam Arm

    The Steadicam Arm The Steadicam Arm supports the weight of the Sled while helping isolate the camera from the operator’s movements and facilitates booming up and down. The lifting strength of the Arm is adjustable to accommodate a wide range in payload. It also incorporates Side-to-Side Adjustment Wheels which help align the lifting axis to your body.

  • Page 34: Connecting The Arm & Vest

    Connecting the Arm & Vest Set the “Threads” to start: Turn the top Adjustment Wheel all the way in, so no threads are showing and then turn it back out 2 full turns. Turn the bottom Adjustment Wheel the way in until it stops.

  • Page 35: Lifting The System

    Lifting the System We’re almost there! Let’s learn to pick up the rig and get the Arm adjusted for your body and the weight of the AERO System. You’ll have to wear the weight of the system to make these adjustments. Watch the Video: Lifting the System With the Docking stand raised so the Stage is roughly shoulder high, bow to the stand and...

  • Page 36: Adjusting The Arm & Threads

    Adjusting the Arm & Threads Adjust the Lift: Important: The Lift adjustment knobs can only be adjusted when the Arm segments are slightly above horizontal. Do not force the knobs when the Arm is unloaded or boomed too far up or down. At the correct angle, the knobs turn easily.
  • Page 37 Testing your threads: Stand up straight and look straight ahead. Is the Steadicam AERO comfortably staying in one place in front of you? Note: it’s helpful to remember your thread settings so you can return to the ideal settings quickly next time.
  • Page 38 Adjusting the Arm & Threads Notes...

  • Page 39: Steadicam Operating

    Steadicam Operating Steadicam Operating is not learned in a day, or even through reading this manual. It is physically and mentally taxing and only through practice can you become a capable operator. We highly recommend taking at least a 2-day workshop and purchasing the Steadicam Operator’s Handbook for an in-depth look at all aspects of the craft from the technical to the creative to the business.
  • Page 40 Operating 101 The Hands: Your right hand on the Gimbal Handle is in control of placing the camera in 3D space. Boom up and down, move it closer to your body or away. This hand always has a firm grip capable of pushing around the weight of the entire system.
  • Page 41 Steadicam Operating Make it Float With proper posture, and setup of the Arm and Vest, you can control the location and direction of the sled with your body. Stand up straight, turn your hips toward the rig and loosen your grip. Try to keep the rig floating next to you;...

  • Page 42: Operating 101

    Operating 101 Start and end moves with the Arm Lean slightly in the direction you’re headed and start the camera moving first. Once the rig is moving, take your first step and follow along with the sled. To finesse the end of your move, stop walking and let the rig continue moving briefly, finishing the move with just the Arm.
  • Page 43 Steadicam Operating The friction free bearing allows perfectly smooth panning action. Learn to control your starts, panning speed and stops. Combine a pan with booming for headroom as an actor passes by camera. You can also perform a “body pan” by rotating on your foot, hinging your entire body. This can be preferable to maintain viewability of the monitor and for larger pans, like 180˚...
  • Page 44 Operating 101 Tilt Tilting is performed by the Gimbal Handle hand. Keep the rig clear of your legs and the Vest. Your grip will need to change a little to support the weight of the rig. Stay in balance. While tilting, your Gimbal Grip Arm should maintain a comfortable angle. Walk normal.
  • Page 45 Steadicam Operating In addition to helping balance the AERO Sled, the Balance Weights and extendable Post allow adjustment of inertia and lens height to help you achieve each specific shot. Inertia is resistance to acceleration; the more inertia we have across each axis of our Steadicam, the more resistant the rig is to pan, tilt or roll.

  • Page 46: Weights & Post Extension

    Weights & Post Extension Or we can increase the Pan inertia by extending the masses away from the Post, making the camera more resistant to panning for architecture shots or walk and talks. Note: keep the camera’s CG aligned slightly behind center of the Post and balance Fore-Aft by sliding the battery mount or sliding the entire Cross Rod.
  • Page 47 Weights & Post Extension Just like with the lightweight camera setup, it’s possible to reduce the Pan inertia by moving the monitor and batteries closer to the Post. If you’re using weights to keep the Post short or increase lens height, add them directly under the Post.
  • Page 49 Steadicam Operating If operating with the camera on your left feels odd, maybe you’re naturally Goofy footed. Switching the camera to the right side requires changing the Vest Socket Block plate, flipping the Arm’s Socket and re-setting your threads. The Sled remains the same. It should only take five minutes.

  • Page 50: Goofy Operating

    Goofy Operating Pull the Socket Quick Release Pin from the Arm and flip the Arm Socket over. Re-install the Socket Quick Release Pin. Your threads are now flipped, so reset the Side-to-Side Adjustment Wheels. Approximately 0 turns out on the bottom and 2 turns out on the top wheel.
  • Page 51 Steadicam Operating Now we’re getting serious. Advanced techniques like the following are explained in great detail in the Steadicam Operator’s Handbook, so we’ll just touch on the concepts here. Check out the Handbook for practice drills, the science of Steadicam and countless additional advanced techniques for getting each shot.

  • Page 52: Advanced Operating

    Advanced Operating Low Mode Extend the Post, add weights to the Cross Rod and adjust the monitor so it’s visible when inverted. Re-balance by finding neutral and moving the Gimbal ½” AWAY from the Stage. This inverts the Sled. Add the optional F-bracket to the Gimbal Handle.
  • Page 53 Dynamically Balanced. Spinning a bit wobbly. Looking good! Test your Steadicam AERO which is already in Static Balance. (If the camera is not perfectly level, go back to page 20 and get it right!) Use a light touch very close to the Gimbal and spin the Sled.

  • Page 54: Dynamic Balance

    Dynamic Balance If it spins without wobbling, you’re in luck! But chances are it’ll need some fine tuning. Since we like where the monitor is for viewing, we can only move the battery and the camera. AND we only have one axis to adjust, fore-aft. You have a 50% chance, so pick one direction and slide the battery fore or aft by 1/2 inch.
  • Page 55 Steadicam Operating If it’s better, but not good enough for your shot, try moving the battery in the same direction again and re-balancing with the camera. If it got worse, slide the battery 1 inch the opposite direction and re-balance with the camera.
  • Page 56 Dynamic Balance Or, if you change battery size or Balance Weights at the Base to adjust inertia, leave the camera where it is and re-balance at the Base and Dynamic Balance is preserved. Congratulations! You’re ready to fly your AERO. Hone your skills and improve your operating confidence by enrolling in a workshop and reading the Steadicam Operator’s Handbook.

  • Page 57: Maintenance

    Maintenance Adjusting the Stage Clamp Open the Lock Lever, insert a 2 mm Allen key through the opening and tighten by 1/8 turn. Test to ensure the clamp holds the Quick Release Plate securely and closes completely. DO NOT overtighten, the fastener should only be tight enough to secure the Quick Release Plate.

  • Page 58: Cleaning

    Visually check the Arm for any damage, especially if it’s experienced rough use. DO NOT lubricate any part of the Arm! It should be silent, free moving and consistent. If for any reason it’s not, contact Tiffen for service.

  • Page 59: Electronics & Connectors

    Electronics & Connectors Top Stage Front P-Tap 11-17Vdc Self-resetting 5A fuse Protected through Battery Input Matching connector: CON-037715 Pin1 = Ground Pin2 = 11-17V HD video BNC Direct connection to BNC at Base Base Rear 3-Pin Mini XLR3 Power input from Battery Matching connector: CON-036852 Pin1 = Ground Pin2 = 11-17V...

  • Page 61: Contact Tiffen

    Contact Tiffen Contact Tiffen The Tiffen Company Address: 90 Oser Avenue Hauppauge, NY 11788  Phone: (631) 273-2500 1(800) 645-2522 Fax: (631) 273-2557 Tiffen-Steadicam Address: 2815 Winona Avenue Burbank, CA 91504  Phone: (818) 843-4600 1(800) 593-3331 Fax: (818) 843-8321 Tiffen International Ltd.

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