New location of the Universal Stop Valve, which controls various arm stops, has been redesigned to sit conveniently behind the steering column. Levers are at fingertip reach to dampen booming and adjust preset arm stops. No tools are needed for these adjustments. Sideboards on the Super PeeWee® IV wrap around the chassis, giving operators total access and mastery over their camera, lens and dolly.

Release date for the revolutionary Super PeeWee® IV, along with notices of workshops and demonstrations on the device, will be released by Chapman / Leonard late 1998.

Convenient deck top placement of the Universal
Stop Valve adds to the ergonomics of this unit.

Complete walk around sideboard system.

New Products For 1998

Pedolly® Star Base

No, it's not a space station ... although this new camera pedestal could be used to film in one. Chapman / Leonard's Star Base column support is a black heavy-duty steel base, designed to hold the Pedolly or Lencin® pedestal's four-stage pneumatic column. This Star Base was designed to accept the column when the pedestal base is too big or to use in a stadium video setup. This base is ideal for stationary large studio cameras to film the action of a football, baseball or hockey game from within the audience seating.

Pedolly® Star Base
Photo credit: Christine Huenergardt

Leveling adjustments center the column vertically. For exterior applications, the Star Base can be spiked into the ground or asphalt or can be bolted to a platform, such as plywood sheets.

The Star Base weighs 43 pounds. The pedestal column mounts directly into the base with three bolts. In this configuration, minimum camera mount height will be 16 inches, while the maximum camera mount height remains at 55 inches.

In addition, a column riser can be added to the Star Base, adding 18 inches to both the minimum and maximum heights ... making this configuration top out at 71 inches.

This new addition can be found as item #2059. Ask your representative for more details.

Dual Platform, Setup for the ATB II

ABC is Chapman / Leonard's first customer for the new Dual Platform ATB II with Sports Package. The network will start broadcasting Monday Night football this month using this novel piece of gear.

The dual platform setup has taken sports coverage to a new level. This unit moves wherever the action goes and booms up so the cameras have an unobstructed view over spectators.

The ATB II can race along the sidelines at speeds of up to 10 m.p.h., with cameras raised at heights to reach an unobstructed view of all the sports action. A driver controls the driving of the ATB, as well as having the ability to control the booming action. The ATB II has a 2:1 ratio; two camera operators on a platform, on each end of the arm, can be utilized at the same time. Only one operator can control the booming action at a time; while one side is going up, the other will be booming down and vice versa. Because of the 2:1 ratio, the platform at the back end of the arm will travel at half the amount of vertical travel of the other end. Thus, the front will travel from six inches to ten and one-half feet, while the rear platform will boom from 6 feet 11 inches through 11 feet 8 inches. Standard features on all ATB Bases include an array of pneumatic/solid tire choices, detachable sideboards, TV or film platforms, track, an Electric Video Turret and risers.

ATB II Dual Platform
photo credit: Gary Curtis

Hustler III Camera Dolly

The Hustler III is the largest capacity dolly produced by Chapman / Leonard. The Hustler is the primary camera platform chosen by countless productions because of its strength and agility. This dolly is noted for its rigidity. Crab and conventional steering make it highly maneuverable on sets or for exterior shots.

Hustler III Camera Dolly
Photo credit: Christine Huenergardt

The Hustler III stands out from its predecessors with added features, such as; built in wheels capable of tracking on both straight or curved track, adjustable and preset camera positions that can be dialed into the Hustler's Universal Stop Valve. This valve comes standard on the Hustler III and exerts precision control over the arm with payloads as great as 500 Ibs. A redesigned arm now booms from the lowest to highest position in only two seconds. The rate can be adjusted, of course.

Moreover, Chapman / Leonard engineers raised the Steering/Shifting Bar to increase comfort. This was done in response to customer suggestions for easier operation.