FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Frank Rush
See Merlin Brochure
Steadicam Manager
818 843 4600 x13
Las Vegas, NAB 05-Booth SU7876, April 18, 2005 –What weighs less than 13 ounces and accepts cameras from
8 oz to 5 lbs?
Why,
it’s Merlin!
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Steadicam,
a division of The Tiffen Company (Booth #SU7876), is truly proud to introduce Merlin,
its incredible new ultra lightweight camera stabilizer from the originator of
hand-holdable stabilizing systems, Steadicam.
Weighing a mere 12.8 oz. (less than a can of your favorite soft drink) and
measuring as little as 3.5” x 2” x 11” when folded, Merlin offers unprecedented capabilities. Merlin
is the new choice for videographers shooting multi-media, events, weddings,
industrials and documentaries, student or serious enthusiasts who have been
searching for a cost effective camera stabilization solution.
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Conceived
and designed by Garrett Brown, Merlin
is crafted of the highest quality materials, utilizing ultra-light, ultra-rigid
aluminum alloys and precision stainless steel weights. Balanced on its patented
three-axis inter-gimbaled handle, Merlin provides precise control at
unprecedented focal lengths, and instantly folds into the most compact
‘shoulder-mode’ ever! The
ultralight construction greatly reduces fatigue and lets operators make longer,
more elegant shots with longer focal lengths than ever imagined using a
hand-held stabilizer.
With
camera attached (Sony Handycam
HC-32), the Steadicam Merlin weighs only 35 oz, or less than the weight of other
hand-holdable systems without camera or
weights attached! In
fact, with Sony's HDR FX-1 Hi-Def camcorder aboard, Merlin adds only 2.5 lbs, or
a total weight of only 6.5 lbs!
Exclusive
to Merlin, is its patent pending
‘Folding Caliper’ hinge. The Folding Caliper easily extends and retracts to
balance cameras ranging from 8 ounces to a formidable five pounds, yet
automatically seeks the true folded position for storage or shoulder mount use
and incredibly, returns to the correct balance point when again opened!
Merlin’s
versatility extends even further, with its universal dovetail plate. The rigid
multi-tapped plate is designed to accept an extensive range of cameras, from the
latest ultra compact DV’s to larger, feature rich HDV cameras. Its three
position lever permits rapid camera mounting and removal from Merlin’s
micrometer trim stage, coarse balance adjustments while affixed to the stage,
and positive attachment of the camera. When locked to the micrometer trim stage,
precise fore and aft, plus side to side horizontal balance are then easily
accomplished. And, if required, the camera and plate can be affixed to any
tripod using Merlin’s accessory
tripod mounting plate.
Also
included with the Steadicam Merlin,
are five precision threaded stainless steel balance weights and two tapered end
weights for cameras weighing less than four pounds. An accessory kit adds a short extension tube and three
additional weights for cameras up to five pounds.
“What’s
really exciting about Merlin,” says
Tiffen’s Steadicam Manager, Frank
Rush, “is how it turns any camera into a creative production tool.
Now, even with the smallest camcorders, anyone can achieve a truly
professional look with Steadicam’s unique brand of cinematic motion with a surprisingly
affordable system.”
Steadicam is a Division of The
Tiffen Company with its headquarters located at 90 Oser Avenue, Hauppauge, New
York 11788, Telephone: 631.273.2500,Fax: 632.273.2557 - www.tiffen.com
To see the latest technological advances
Steadicam Systems now offer, please
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