Thanks for the information Noa. I see the pictures of ur camera with the cb150 and it got a really nice look! ^^.

I read the Bogen 577 is good for the cb150, it is this one? 577 Adaptador plato rápido | PRECIOS BARATOS|Comprar en tienda on-line de venta por Internet|Video profesional .That is right? Thanks. :P

Mine looks exactly like the one on the picture but it was a Manfrotto 577 but I guess both are the same? I have a 501hdv tripod head from Manfrotto which enables me to use the same tripod plate for both tripod or the adapter on my cb105.

Shoulder Mount for XHA1
 

I know there is plenty of info out there on shoulder mounts but can someone recommend one that is good for the XHA1. I need something that does not require two hands, as I frequenlty shoot in manual mode. In addition, I need something that will easliy allow me to use the zoom feature on my camera. Any thoughts?

I can tell you what is _not_ a good option, in my experience. I used a device similar to this one a few times...

Shoulder Brace - Mini DV Video Camera Shoulder Brace

It was awful. To get the A1 far enough away from your face to use the LCD, it puts nearly all the weight on your arm and very little on your shoulder. I'm a young, strong guy, but this setup wore me out in about 5 minutes.

I suppose the weight would be better distributed if you were looking through the viewfinder, but I'm not comfortable shooting that way.

The other guys that film for me call that thing the A1 Torture Device. The only time we use it now is when we're seated and it's impractical to use a tripod.

I've got a Spiderbrace but I hardly ever use it. Seems to do the job OK. It requires two hands but it's works OK using one hand on the spiderbrace and the other on the camera if you want to.
That may not be much help to you so here is a suggestion: a Bebob Zoe, or similar lanc controller.
This gives you much more control than using the manual zoom. It will creep more slowly or zoom fast and smooth. In a run and gun situation you get more usable footage.
For interviews you can creep in and out so slowly it is barely noticeable. Very useful when editing. I haven't used the manual zoom since I bought it. The Zoe is always better.

I have a spider brace and it's ok.... It's a pain that there isn't a mount that accepts a tripod base plate though as it takes up a fair amount of time to change from tripod mount to Spider Brace...I usually just go handheld for run and gun and brace the cam against myself

I use the Spiderbrace + Manfrotto/Bogen Quick Release Adapter
& the new Manfrotto/Bogen 521PROi Lanc remote
(http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/remote-l...manfrotto.html)
Works like a charm

Vasco

The Birns & Sawyer handy cam shoulder mount is simple and it works....

you can get it at birnsandsawyer.com
b&hphoto.com
filmtools.com

I use the CB-05 - inexpensive, simple and solid. There's a review thread here:

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/shoulder...der-mount.html

The one weakness is that you can't see through the XH-A1 viewfinder when mounted - you have to use the built-in LCD.

I use a Manfrotto 577 quick release plate with it for convenience.

Can't help you with the Canon but I am thinking of the ST-7 for my EX-3. I know Phil Bloom likes the ST-7 he tried. Check it out on his blog The best shoulder mount I have used for my Sony EX3 by far.

It should help you get the idea as the EX-3 and the XL-H1/s/a are similar handling.

H38 Fluid Head fit the 577 QR adapter?
 

I have a Libec LS-38M tripod with a H38 Fluid Head. I recently bought a CB-105 and need a quick release. Does the 577 Quick Release Adapter Assembly work with the H38 head? I read all the B&H reviews and couldn't find the answer.

Thanks for any help.

Nevermind
 

I found an old bogen 501 plate in my closet and it looks like it will fit my libec, FYI.

Shoulder Brace
 

I use the canon neck brace, it works well for me.

Try the el cheapo, very cheap and does the job Hand Free Shoulder Pad Support 4 Camcorder Video Camera on eBay (end time 08-Nov-09 10:15:46 GMT)

The Spiderbrace does work with the Manfrotto 577 quick release adapter.

You need to mount the Spiderbraces 1/4" bolt into the 3/8" hole underneath the base plate. You will first need to screw in a 3/8" to 1/4" adapter. Then you will only have 180 degrees of capacity on the 577s locking bolt, which is just enough to loosen to release and tighten to lock down.

So the big question is, how comfortable are you mounting your camera, light, mic and accessories onto a shoulder brace with just a tiny bit of metal holding it all together. Well if you shoot horizontally, then the camera pressure is evenly flat down against gravity so no problem.....and locking on/off onto your 501 or whatever is fast and easy.

But if you need to tilt vertically a lot, then the pressure is against the mounting screw and adapter, and maybe this isn't for you.

You may find with practice that the best and most comfortable way to shoot is through the viewfinder. I do. The camera can be held steadier and for longer. Both hands are near all the controls, it is easier to focus, it works in bright sunlight and it is easier to set exposure levels. I use the screen when on a tripod, but use the eye piece set exposure and focus. On the tripod the screen is good for following action. Not the answer you wanted to you question but I hope it helps.

Cheers Alan.