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8. Hand Positions
Two-handed operating position
This is the smoothest, easiest and most precise
way to operate the Steadicam Merlin 2. The force
to support it is isolated from the camera and the
force to aim it can be almost non-existent. The
camera is free to rotate on excellent bearings.
What’s more, it is highly inert! The combination
will provide you with an entirely new sensation
as you orient an object that acts as if it were
floating in space. (Ignore the weight and you can
almost believe it!)
One hand (your choice) holds the
Grip
and
supports all the weight. You can’t pan or tilt with
that hand and it has no influence on the camera’s
angle unless you bump the stage or upper spar.
This is the hand that
‘Flies’
your Merlin 2
through space and avoids contact with anything
(legs, elbows, clothing, furniture!) that could
disrupt your shot.
The thumb and two fingertips of the other hand
lightly touch the
Guide Ring
and the
Tongue
when you want to change where it’s pointing,
and otherwise more or less leave it alone.
In other words:
barely touch
it as long as the
framing is correct and
use minimal force to re-
aim as necessary.
Two-handed support
Try not to let your
operating hand
touch your
support hand
unless you need help holding
up a heavy camera. In that case, you can hook
the pinkie of your guiding hand in between the
fingers of your gripping hand, (like a modified
golf grip), and help support it with the operating
hand, while still maintaining that light and
isolated finger contact on the Guide.
Inertia
Remember that the Merlin 2 is both inert and
free to rotate. This means that you must think
ahead if you want it to start panning and begin
early, with the smallest force possible. Also
remember to stop the pan – the Merlin 2 obeys
several of Newton’s laws, such as the one about
“remaining in motion.”
Use your thumb and finger like a drum brake
to stop a pan, releasing the pressure the instant
the camera is aimed where you want.
Let your
wrist bend a little to stay out of the way of the
spars. The inertia of the Merlin 2 makes it hard
to react instantly – try to anticipate your moves.
One-handed operating position
Slide
up your hand on the Grip, so that your
second finger is just below the notch.
Hold
the Grip strongly with you second, third
and little finger. Your thumb and first finger can
just reach the Guide and contact it lightly and
intermittently.
Use your entire arm
as a crank when you
pan, while you intermittently accelerate the
Guide with your fingers.
Tilt
by keeping your forefinger crossways as
shown so it won’t also induce unwanted pan
rotation, and use your entire arm as a lever,
Hand Positions
NOTE:
If your
Merlin doesn’t
feel right, or
you are having
trouble at this
point, please
reference the
Troubleshooting
section on p 42.
