anyone had true success with a shoulder mount...
 

I am probably after the unattainable, as I want to replicate the proper full size camera operating experience with my z1. i have a new cavision one which is rod mounted so it sits a little to the left of the pad meaning I dont cock my head too much to the right to see into the viewfinder. It has one forward grip.

Obviously i still have huge balance issue with front heaviness. Nobody has really made that perfect shoulder mount...unless I am missing something!

has anyone tried the counterbalanced pag one?

Just love the look of that new JVC HD250, just wish it could record in 1080i (as opposed to just live feed) too so it could be used in conjunction with the sony HDV cameras. Lovely shoulder mounted position that!

There is one possibility, expensive but would probably work. I want to use the viewfinder not the LCD when shoulder mounted and that's where the problem lies, the position is wrong for shoulder mounts. Using a standard cavision shoulder pad in junction with this Austrian company's adaptor for using a broadcast tube viewfinder. Taking the composite out and mounting it on the hot shoe...there idea is to use it with 35mm adaptor and they have instructions as to how to modify it to flip the image, but you could just it normally for basic z1 functionality...

Unfortunately I think you are ;-)

As you note, the balance will always be wrong, and your desire to use the viewfinder instead of the LCD makes it worse. You're fighting the design on the camera it seems to me.

I have a Video Innovators shoulder rest, and it helps some. I use the LCD as a viewfinder and shift the camera as far back as possible on the mount. But it is still front-heavy, especially if I use the wide angle lens. It also rocks from side to side very easily, which I think is an even bigger problem.

Would the Spiderbrace be a step in the right direction?

What ever has happened to the Marzpak camera suspension?

Hello Phil,

Check out the DV Rig Pro. It totally solved the issues you're describing. Shot with a DSR 300 for years (over the shoulder camera) and found this to be the missing link for the Z1 - problem solved.

http://www.dvtec.tv/

Cheers,

George

See the discussion here: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=57910

if you mean the pag orbiter, i hired one from east sussex based www.hireacamera.com and (bear in mind i have no experience of alternatives) found it quickly uncomfortable..the counterbalance is just more weight and not central so makes sense its unpleasant. The telescoping front support rod was semi-effective but all in all it added up to a load of faff for limited gain.

(I just tried their web addy and it wasnt working, but i suspect its temporary)

http://www.zacuto.com if price is no worry. Notice the picture at the far left...rods with battery counterweight hanging out the back.

have ordered a dvrig pro. looks good, sounds good. The Zacuto system looks amazing, looks like something for a drama more than documentary type stuff!

Zacuto really knows how to pimp out a package. I saw 3 of their setups in Chicago, and the stuff is very well made. It's not exactly guerrilla video style equipment. That DVRigpro looks pretty good too. It appears you can use it without the rod to the belt arrangement if you want to, ie., as a normal shoulder mount; is that right? Also, how much is it?

it's $650 but it's worth asking if they have any ex demo units. I have just bought one for a $200 discount. It's still a lot of cash, but it looks like it will actually truly work, unlike my current cavision set up which is more front heavy than the late Lolo Ferrari (google her!)

Will post my findings soon. Wish i had it now, am supposed to be filming a gig with a band on Friday night in London handheld...could really do with it!

I found this to be the best so far, it takes all the weight of the hand and shoulder and at the same time it is very steady and versatile with a bogen swivel head. You can use it with viewfinder or LCD.
http://www.adorama.com/LHGP100.html

Sp-100
 

...All i have to say is....sell it! Give it away! Burn It! But what ever you do...dont se it. the SP-100 is a very bad idea.

Hey Phil,

Don't forget to get back to us after your maiden voyage - let us know what your comments are. I suspect you're going to totally pleased.

Carry on,

George

I've been mess'n with the concept of getting the center of gravity behind the hand grip.... so the cam won't be so front heavy like it is with the sony shoulder support..... any ideas?

I have. I shot an entire wedding with it the other day.