Various SLC posts

Ken Tanaka · February 24th, 2004, 11:38 PM

Richard Lewis · March 1st, 2004, 01:27 PM

Hi, I’m following up to my previous thread asking if the Glidecam forearm brace helped to stabilize the GC2000 rig.

I went to New York last week, so I decided to check out B&H photo video.

Some system they have there, (Conveyer belts with baskets hanging from the ceiling and all that.) very novel I thought.

Anyway, I decided to get the forearm brace and the WA-58h wide converter, which all together set me back $352.97 to be precise.

I got it home, and after re balancing to accommodate for the new lens, I was astounded how stable the picture was. I feel that the brace somewhat eliminates some of the vibration movement that I was previously experiencing.
My shots are now much smoother and fluid.
I don’t know if its my excellent operational skills, ;) but I seem to be achieving pictures that you would only expect to get from a more capable and more expensive system.

I was previously using another wide lens converter, so the wider image hasn’t made the difference.

I’d love to post something for you guys to see, but I have no web hosting.

Dave Largent · March 10th, 2004, 02:09 PM

I've seen it before but can't find it now. It gives
added steadiness. It's a grip that has a shape that
fits your fingers for easy hand holding. About
a half foot long. Screws into cam's tripod socket. Thought
maybe Cavision made it, might be wrong. Anyone
know what I mean? It's just basically a handle
that sticks out the bottom of the cam.

Dmitri Henry · March 10th, 2004, 04:33 PM

The "8mm" handle i call it http://www.habbycam.com/unihandle.html
this one is made by habby cam i am not sure about the other ones.

Shawn Mielke · March 29th, 2004, 01:12 AM

Hi, all.

Just got a Steadicam JR for my PDX10 and am wondering if there are other users of this cam and stabilizer and what your thoughts are. Today was my first day of attempted balancing, and I think I'm coming closer to success. I have attached the larger lens hood, the XLR block and an me64, and a four hour battery. I didn't get the JR package that comes outfitted with a monitor, so I'll be balancing with the LCD open.
Does this sound like anyone else? Thanks for your input.

Shawn

Brian Patterson · April 16th, 2004, 12:11 AM

I have a gig next weekend and I want to be sure I know exactly how to use my Glidecam 2000 with my VX2000 camera.

Does anyone have any general tips?

I've been practicing for a while but I mostly want to check that I have the right weight. How many rings do people have on each side on the bottom (assuming that the camera does not have anything hooked or bolted onto it).

It has been mentioned that I have to check it on a vertical (or is it horizontal???) drop and see about the drop time. How exactly do you do this properly? How do I know that the drop time is complete? When the camera starts swinging or when the bottom weights drop to the bottom -- it's a little confusing...

I really appreciate any help anyone can give! Thanks in advance!

Casey Visco · April 16th, 2004, 03:34 PM

Brian--

First, make sure your horizontal balance is tweaked as you like it...and then do the drop test.

To do the drop time test with the 2000, hold it out in front of you like you'd be shooting with it. With your free hand, pull the base up so that the center post is parallel with the floor. Let go of the base, and count the number of seconds it takes until the post FIRST reaches a vertical position. Meaning, the time it takes for the base to complete a 90 degree arc is what you're counting. on a 2000 pro, this should be about 1.5 to 2.5 seconds.

Many people wait for the base to come to a dead stop, resulting in 30 second drop times....this is incorrect!

If its droping too quickly, (less than 1.5 seconds), it's too bottom heavy, and you should take some weight off, or telescope the post in a bit. If it's dropping too slowly (greater than 3 seconds), you need to probably add a little bit of weight to the base or telescope the post out a bit.

Recheck your horizontal balance at this point to make sure it hasnt been thrown off by these adjustments.

hope this helps,

Terry Lyons · April 21st, 2004, 05:59 PM

Hi, anybody know how they stabilize the skiing cameramans cam? I use my steady cam jr but what I see them using looks like it has a handlebar and maby vari zoom controler? I havent seen their whole system, I dont know if it is some type of steady cam or gyro's with a harness. Any body know or have any ideas? TL

Adrian Douglas · April 22nd, 2004, 07:53 PM

I've seen a set of bike bars with a mount attached for the cam and a harness that slings round the back of your neck. Works pretty well but difficult to use from a snowboard.

Matt Gettemeier · May 15th, 2004, 07:05 AM

Hey kids, I tried to research this in the archives before ordering a Bescor battery powered pan head.

CLICK HERE to see it!

Anyway, I'm wondering why I never heard of people using these before? I know I'm opening myself to some good flaming... and I say bring it on... I've got a pod that's over a grand that I use 90% of the time. Here's why I got this head.

There are times when I want precisely repeatable pans/tilts and the mechanical precision of it is a plus... and for the ocassional time when I really want to be on camera WITHOUT having to worry about how terrible any "non-shooters" are... I can still have pans take place unmanned.

Just to give you ONE example of a time when something like this would be handy. Have you ever watched a travel show where they do a super-slow pan or tilt of a scene with no discernable focal point? Like a luxurious hotel room or the front of a castle?

Maybe I'm sanitizing something that doesn't need sanitizing, but if I'm doing a series of pan and dissolves... like you'd do to make a compilation of features of "whatever"... then I like the effect of precision.

Again... maybe I'm limited by my $1K tripod... but I'd like to see anybody take the exact amount of time to do a pan... over and over again... with no perceivable stops/slows during panning.

Thoughts? Flames? I've never heard ANYBODY talk about these heads...

Dave Frank · May 18th, 2004, 10:33 AM

Hi, I am in need of a support system like the FlowPod for an XL-1s with a mini35 adaptor. I don't know how much the adaptor weighs, but the lens I will probably be using it with is about 3lbs.

I cannot spend thousands of dollars either. Any suggestions?

Marty Atias · May 27th, 2004, 10:40 AM

This is one of many remote pan & tilt heads used for security and surveilance cameras.

You may find it vbery useful, but there are too many limitations to be generally useful. Pans & tilts start & stop abruptly, and, unless your camea features a wireless remote, there is no way to control the camera & lens if you are not at the camera. You will also need to have a fairly large monitor in order to see your framing.

Miguel Lombana · June 8th, 2004, 06:34 AM

Anyone using this http://www.thebecgroup.com/frameset2.asp?MAIN=brk with the GL2? I've been trying to clean up my install and make my system more compact and less top heavy since I have a dual shoe adapter with a light and boom mic.

I've seen this device and note that there is also a mic mount on the inside, just curious to know if anyone is actually using. I did a quick search on the board and only found a couple of hits but not a feedback report which is really what I need before I plunk down 160 bucks for each of my 2 cams....

thanks
miguel

Nick Handley · June 12th, 2004, 10:37 AM

Hi all,
I've recently started to use my PD150 on a Steadicam JR with the weight kit but it is barely balanced and I've tried all I can to get it right. Any suggestions for setting up or is the camera just too heavy? if so any recommendations for other systems such as the Magiqcam? My budget is tight as I have only just bought the Steadicam.
Thanks
Nick

John C. Chu · June 13th, 2004, 08:35 AM

<<<-- Originally posted by Nick Handley : Hi all,
I've recently started to use my PD150 on a Steadicam JR with the weight kit but it is barely >>>

Try this:

http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Lot/7385/

Great information there and some nice tips.

February 24th, 2004, 11:38 PM	#31
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	Here is Chrosziel's system at ZGC. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

March 1st, 2004, 01:27 PM	#32
Richard Lewis Major Player Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Manchester and Kent, UK Posts: 256	I got the forearm brace!! Hi, I’m following up to my previous thread asking if the Glidecam forearm brace helped to stabilize the GC2000 rig. I went to New York last week, so I decided to check out B&H photo video. Some system they have there, (Conveyer belts with baskets hanging from the ceiling and all that.) very novel I thought. Anyway, I decided to get the forearm brace and the WA-58h wide converter, which all together set me back $352.97 to be precise. I got it home, and after re balancing to accommodate for the new lens, I was astounded how stable the picture was. I feel that the brace somewhat eliminates some of the vibration movement that I was previously experiencing. My shots are now much smoother and fluid. I don’t know if its my excellent operational skills, ;) but I seem to be achieving pictures that you would only expect to get from a more capable and more expensive system. I was previously using another wide lens converter, so the wider image hasn’t made the difference. I’d love to post something for you guys to see, but I have no web hosting.

March 10th, 2004, 02:09 PM	#33
Dave Largent Trustee Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 1,483	Handholding Grip That Attaches To Cam Tripod Mount I've seen it before but can't find it now. It gives added steadiness. It's a grip that has a shape that fits your fingers for easy hand holding. About a half foot long. Screws into cam's tripod socket. Thought maybe Cavision made it, might be wrong. Anyone know what I mean? It's just basically a handle that sticks out the bottom of the cam.

March 29th, 2004, 01:12 AM	#35
Shawn Mielke Major Player Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Santa Rosa, California Posts: 745	Jr + Pdx? Hi, all. Just got a Steadicam JR for my PDX10 and am wondering if there are other users of this cam and stabilizer and what your thoughts are. Today was my first day of attempted balancing, and I think I'm coming closer to success. I have attached the larger lens hood, the XLR block and an me64, and a four hour battery. I didn't get the JR package that comes outfitted with a monitor, so I'll be balancing with the LCD open. Does this sound like anyone else? Thanks for your input. Shawn __________________ Breakthrough In Grey Room

April 16th, 2004, 12:11 AM	#36
Brian Patterson Regular Crew Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 51	*** Proper glidecam weight I have a gig next weekend and I want to be sure I know exactly how to use my Glidecam 2000 with my VX2000 camera. Does anyone have any general tips? I've been practicing for a while but I mostly want to check that I have the right weight. How many rings do people have on each side on the bottom (assuming that the camera does not have anything hooked or bolted onto it). It has been mentioned that I have to check it on a vertical (or is it horizontal???) drop and see about the drop time. How exactly do you do this properly? How do I know that the drop time is complete? When the camera starts swinging or when the bottom weights drop to the bottom -- it's a little confusing... I really appreciate any help anyone can give! Thanks in advance!

March 10th, 2004, 04:33 PM	#34
Dmitri Henry Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: NC Posts: 34	The "8mm" handle i call it http://www.habbycam.com/unihandle.html this one is made by habby cam i am not sure about the other ones.

April 16th, 2004, 03:34 PM	#37
Casey Visco Major Player Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 280	Brian-- First, make sure your horizontal balance is tweaked as you like it...and then do the drop test. To do the drop time test with the 2000, hold it out in front of you like you'd be shooting with it. With your free hand, pull the base up so that the center post is parallel with the floor. Let go of the base, and count the number of seconds it takes until the post FIRST reaches a vertical position. Meaning, the time it takes for the base to complete a 90 degree arc is what you're counting. on a 2000 pro, this should be about 1.5 to 2.5 seconds. Many people wait for the base to come to a dead stop, resulting in 30 second drop times....this is incorrect! If its droping too quickly, (less than 1.5 seconds), it's too bottom heavy, and you should take some weight off, or telescope the post in a bit. If it's dropping too slowly (greater than 3 seconds), you need to probably add a little bit of weight to the base or telescope the post out a bit. Recheck your horizontal balance at this point to make sure it hasnt been thrown off by these adjustments. hope this helps, __________________ Casey Visco Glidecam Industries, Inc.

April 21st, 2004, 05:59 PM	#38
Terry Lyons Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Alta Sierra Posts: 182	X Games Snowboard cam stabilization Hi, anybody know how they stabilize the skiing cameramans cam? I use my steady cam jr but what I see them using looks like it has a handlebar and maby vari zoom controler? I havent seen their whole system, I dont know if it is some type of steady cam or gyro's with a harness. Any body know or have any ideas? TL __________________ TAG

April 22nd, 2004, 07:53 PM	#39
Adrian Douglas Trustee Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Chigasaki, Japan. Posts: 1,660	I've seen a set of bike bars with a mount attached for the cam and a harness that slings round the back of your neck. Works pretty well but difficult to use from a snowboard. __________________ Adrian DVInfo.net Search for quick answers Where to buy? From the best in the business...DVInfo.net sponsors

May 15th, 2004, 07:05 AM	#40
Matt Gettemeier Major Player Join Date: May 2003 Location: St. Louis, Missouri Posts: 936	Battery powered pan heads? Bescor? Thoughts? Hey kids, I tried to research this in the archives before ordering a Bescor battery powered pan head. CLICK HERE to see it! Anyway, I'm wondering why I never heard of people using these before? I know I'm opening myself to some good flaming... and I say bring it on... I've got a pod that's over a grand that I use 90% of the time. Here's why I got this head. There are times when I want precisely repeatable pans/tilts and the mechanical precision of it is a plus... and for the ocassional time when I really want to be on camera WITHOUT having to worry about how terrible any "non-shooters" are... I can still have pans take place unmanned. Just to give you ONE example of a time when something like this would be handy. Have you ever watched a travel show where they do a super-slow pan or tilt of a scene with no discernable focal point? Like a luxurious hotel room or the front of a castle? Maybe I'm sanitizing something that doesn't need sanitizing, but if I'm doing a series of pan and dissolves... like you'd do to make a compilation of features of "whatever"... then I like the effect of precision. Again... maybe I'm limited by my $1K tripod... but I'd like to see anybody take the exact amount of time to do a pan... over and over again... with no perceivable stops/slows during panning. Thoughts? Flames? I've never heard ANYBODY talk about these heads...

May 18th, 2004, 10:33 AM	#41
Dave Frank Major Player Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 244	Support for XL-1s+mini35 Hi, I am in need of a support system like the FlowPod for an XL-1s with a mini35 adaptor. I don't know how much the adaptor weighs, but the lens I will probably be using it with is about 3lbs. I cannot spend thousands of dollars either. Any suggestions? __________________ http://www.sleeptightmovie.com

May 27th, 2004, 10:40 AM	#42
Marty Atias Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Silver Spring, MD Posts: 91	This is one of many remote pan & tilt heads used for security and surveilance cameras. You may find it vbery useful, but there are too many limitations to be generally useful. Pans & tilts start & stop abruptly, and, unless your camea features a wireless remote, there is no way to control the camera & lens if you are not at the camera. You will also need to have a fairly large monitor in order to see your framing.

June 8th, 2004, 06:34 AM	#43
Miguel Lombana Major Player Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Litchfield Park, AZ (W/of Phoenix) Posts: 502	BEC DVCAM Bracket Anyone using this http://www.thebecgroup.com/frameset2.asp?MAIN=brk with the GL2? I've been trying to clean up my install and make my system more compact and less top heavy since I have a dual shoe adapter with a light and boom mic. I've seen this device and note that there is also a mic mount on the inside, just curious to know if anyone is actually using. I did a quick search on the board and only found a couple of hits but not a feedback report which is really what I need before I plunk down 160 bucks for each of my 2 cams.... thanks miguel __________________ Miguel Lombana http://www.miguellombana.com & http://www.phoenixhamradio.com

June 12th, 2004, 10:37 AM	#44
Nick Handley New Boot Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: London, UK Posts: 8	PD150 on a Steadicam JR? Hi all, I've recently started to use my PD150 on a Steadicam JR with the weight kit but it is barely balanced and I've tried all I can to get it right. Any suggestions for setting up or is the camera just too heavy? if so any recommendations for other systems such as the Magiqcam? My budget is tight as I have only just bought the Steadicam. Thanks Nick

June 13th, 2004, 08:35 AM	#45
John C. Chu Major Player Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Rego Park , NYC Posts: 665	Re: PD150 on a Steadicam JR? <<<-- Originally posted by Nick Handley : Hi all, I've recently started to use my PD150 on a Steadicam JR with the weight kit but it is barely >>> Try this: http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Lot/7385/ Great information there and some nice tips.