This is the latest incarnation of our documentary shoulder rig. It's comfortable, but a bit front heavy without a counterweight.

Zacuto is sending over one of their kits to test, so it will be interesting to compare.

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/lightscapephoto/CoE_5D2rig_1a.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/lightscapephoto/CoE_5D2rig_1b.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/lightscapephoto/CoE_5D2rig_1c.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/lightscapephoto/CoE_5D2rig_1d.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/lightscapephoto/CoE_5D2rig_1e.jpg

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/lightscapephoto/CoE_5D2rig_1f.jpg

I actually just ordered the Gunstock Shooter today from Abel Cine. I had pieced together something out of leftover parts. It did the job in a pinch, but I need something a little better put together. I have also preordered the new Z-Finder. I think that is needed to really use the Gunstock the right way. I feel that the LCD is either to close or to far from my eyes. I will let you know what I think of it when it comes in.

Peter,

The rig looks like a Frankenstein bit of comfort. What bracket are you using to mount the H4N to the rod? I need to find a solution like that for my Redrock rig.

Thanks,
Ry

To deal with front heaviness why dont you shift the audio recorder to the back, e.g. on the top of the shoulder pad? All the weight of the support and the recorder would be gone from the front and add to the balance in the back.
Just my 2 cents.

Might be a little hard to view/operate the audio recorder if it was on/behind your shoulder.

You can get a lightweight remote control for the Zoom. That would make a rear-mount viable. I'm not sure that the remote includes a means for mounting it though. Looks like a job for velcro.

Samson - Parts and Accessories Detail (http://www.samsontech.com/products/partaccview.cfm?partoraccsID=1995)

Quite a bizarre contraption you've built there- the interesting part is I have most of those parts. I originally purchased a DSLR Cinema Bundle and almost immediately found better ways to configure it using the parts. I haven't however thought about using the cage bars as links to connect the handles.

Since I upgraded to the DSLR mount I use the original mount/cheese plate as a counter balance as well. lol However my weights should be arriving monday- along with the part that will mount my Hoodman Loupe.

One of the most interesting things I noticed in your pictures is your are using the follow focus WITHOUT lens gears. Does this actually work- I'm a bit bitter about having to order more C-sized lens gears (I have no use for A, B, or D sizes) and they are priced wayyy to high for what amounts to be plastic and a single screw.

What bracket are you using to mount the H4N to the rod? I need to find a solution like that for my Redrock rig.

Ry, it's the microlink + the screw piece from the micromount, or just a micromount should do the trick.

To deal with front heaviness why dont you shift the audio recorder to the back, e.g. on the top of the shoulder pad? All the weight of the support and the recorder would be gone from the front and add to the balance in the back.
Just my 2 cents.

I'd considered that but it's nice to be able to see the H4N screen with one eye while shooting. 2-3lb of counterweight should do the trick.

One of the most interesting things I noticed in your pictures is your are using the follow focus WITHOUT lens gears. Does this actually work- I'm a bit bitter about having to order more C-sized lens gears (I have no use for A, B, or D sizes) and they are priced wayyy to high for what amounts to be plastic and a single screw.

Indeed, it works perfectly with Canon lenses. I have all the lens gears but never use them!