I agree, Alister. I must admit that if I knew the LCD is useless on this kind of a shoulder mount, and a monitor is essential - I'd think twice before buying the RR shoulder mount (even though it's a very well made, and highly configurable system). I'd also buy a much smaller monitor...

Anyway, to answer your question: 90% of my work is done with a tripod anyway (I do live classic music concerts). It happens quite often that I do an ad-hoc interview with the artist right after recording his performance; those people are usually very busy, and in a hurry - so when there's no chance of a more controlled arrangement, I grab the rig as depicted and do a "standing" short interview. For up to half an hour, no problem for me - and much steadier picture than hand-holding a naked camera! Plus I've got a small fill light, a shotgun, and a matte box for filters as needed (still waiting for the promised IR one from Tiffen, though),

Piotr,

Try a monopod it's quick to set up and keeps the camera steady. Better still you can enter a room without losing half the rig on the door frame or poking the second violinist eye out.

Yes I've been using a monopod for those casual shootings as well - see my photo at vimeo, like here Marcin Dylla plays Rossinina at the Polish Royal Castle in Krakow on Vimeo

:)

What superb guitar playing, love the setting too. A few close up shots of fingers would have looked good too.

Be honest here, did he wear a brown shirt or is it a case of IR contamination.

Must dust my violin fingerboard again, I've been inspired.

Thanks

Absolutely - there's plenty of close-ups elsewhere on the DVD.

Bingo!

His shirt was black.

You can see the full details of my current EX3 and NanoFlash rig here XDCAM-USER.com EX3 With NanoFlash Camera rig.

Now THAT's a great rig, Alister!

Is this the start of my one is bigger than yours, competition?

If so then I will go up into my loft and dig out the Meccano set. :-)

ps. Piotr, Mrs Oliver loves the music, are you selling the DVD?

Vincent,

Here's our team's web site address:
Castello

Unfortunately, still in Polish only - but you can write an e-mail to castellogt@gmail.com (please quote me on that), and they'll be happy to help you (I'm not involved in sales personally).

My kind Regards to Mrs Oliver :)

I don 't consider my rig to be big. If you want big I'll go dig out the old JVC KY2000 with CR4400 Umatic "portable" that I have in my loft. Last time I tried it still worked!

Hang on for long enough and the JVC KYC2000 will probably come through the ceiling. :-)

low cost solution
 

Hi
I have an EX1 and a Z1U and have tried many shoulder mounts. I have also made several with equally mixed results. I came across this item and purchased 2.
Amazon.com: Opteka Hands-Free Camcorder Shoulder Support: Camera & Photo

You can see it in use here http://www.vimeo.com/1658379

Both my crew and I have been very happy with them and are amazed at the low cost solution. It's made like a truck, works well and is easy to store. I would suggest putting a quick release from bogen on it for ease of use.
It's so good, we are evn using it on our little canon hfs10.
I highly reccommed it and I'd be very suprised if anyone would be disapointed.

Best, Craig Hollenback
Key West, Florida Keys, Key West attractions, Florida Keys hotels, Key West Information - Key West Travel Guide and attractions, videos online

This is exactly what I want. I can chose to shoot with or without the shoulder mount. I can lift the whole thing off my shoulder to get a low or high angle (you can't do this with the opteka).

I've ordered the HoodLoupe setup for EX1. Now I just need to find the right shoulder mount, I'll probably end up having to rig something up or hack apart an existing one. basically I'd have to have a mount just below level and in front of my shoulder. Once I get the HoodLoupe I'll know exactly where the mount will have to be placed.

Brett -

That is what I was searching for (a shoulder mount that would work with the HoodLoupe) and also one that was down low enough from the tip of the shoulder so that I could mount a Quick Release Pro 2 below it and be able to mount the Nanoflash on the QRPro2. I just ordered the shoulder mount and it is on the way (from Canada) - should have it next week and will post the results. Check out what it says under component 1 - SS2 Shoulder Rig: "When wearing the camera support, the camera platform can be positioned between 3-3/4" (9.5 cm) and 5-1/4" (13 cm) below your shoulder tip. That is, the base of your camera will be positioned between 3-3/4" (9.5 cm) and 5-1/4" (13 cm) below your shoulder tip. Using this information, verify if the viewfinder of your camera can be positioned at a suitable functional height." I have the HoodLoupe and have experimented with my camera attached to the QRPro2 (which raises it up about 2 1/2") and where I estimate the Spider 2 shoulder mount will place the camera and I think it will work. It should still work even if you have nothing under the camera or you could buy the Shape box to put under the camera to raise it up (look at the sample pix on the website).

Doesn't that sound like what you were describing?

Here is the link: Shape WLB - Spider 2 SS2200 camera support - there is also a spider 1 SS2100 without the extension arm. Go to the home page and look at the video from NAB showing the unit in action - it looks promising.

In case you are wondering what in the heck a QRPro2 is I am attaching a couple of pics of same along with a mockup of the Nanoflash (there is a Manfroto quick release adaptor attached to the bottom of it) - and I will put a Swit battery on the front plate to power the Nanoflash. I need to find the right shoulder mount since the QRPro2 weighs 1 lb as well as the Nanoflash which might be a bit much for extended handheld use.

Craig,

Many of us EX1 users know this device, after it was made popular on this forum by Philip Bloom. Yes, it's lightweight and unobtrusive - but its attachment to your body is so rigid, that:

- the camera moves up and down when you breath
- for the camera to tilt, you need to rock your whole body.

After some initial testing over a year ago, I never actually used it any more.

But that's of course just my opinion :)

Thanks Piotr
 

Appreciate the feedback...Yes, thanks, I was aware of prior knowledge by users on this thread...we've had the EX1 since it's inception. Just thought it might be a low cost alternative to re-mention.
Most of our shooting in with the Sony WA attachment which as you know adds considerable front end weight. Additionally most of our shooting is hand held on a boat which is pitching in seas so the breathing issue is hardly noticed.
http://www.fishmonsterproductions.com
Our series starts 1-Q 2010 on Dish TV, DirectTV and regional cable in North America.
We are very excited to be on Untamed Sports and World Fishing Networks.

Yes, it does require tilting one's body, but so does most other units like redrock, etc unless you slip it on your shoulder which I find binds a little when I am soaked with sweat.
I need to have my hand on the focus ring at all times so the twin handle option won't work well for that.
I have used a short mono pod to a belt pouch, which worked well, but is awkward.
Tried a spider brace, can't free up my hands for camera controls.
Frankly, I still prefer a full size camera for balance and stability from the massive weight.
I too am searching for the perfect shoulder mount that makes the EX1 into a shoulder mount camera,,,BTW looking at the flip out viewfinder is not an option even with the hoodloop because the ergonomic geometry is just not there...it's too close to the camera body.
If I stuble across a solution I'll post it as we are always trying and building new rigs.
Best, Craig

Thanks Craig!
 

Craig,

I've just watched the intro video on the web page you've posted a link to - looking great!

Yes, for this sort of action, the breathing motion of el cheapo shoulder mount is not an issue at all.

And yes - it does free your hand for camera control (actually, even both hands)...

Thanks for posting - when you find some other good solution, please make sure to notify us!

Pitor - take a look at Shape WLB - Spider 2 SS2200 camera support - of course more expensive but looks like good construction and can be hands free - they make a special belt with pockets for the rubber plate on the extension arm.

Looks interesting, Barry - but I already have given a try to this kind of supports, as well. Here is the one I've bee using: PAG Orbitor Advanced Camcorder support System

- and I must tell you I like mu current RedRock more! It is just closer to my body, doesn't breathe with me (as it's not supported on my chest or abdomen). Also, If you consider the spider with HoodLope, please note that - again due to the EX1 form factor - it will not go back far enough for your eye to meet the loupe, as the big u60 battery may prevent it!

The PAG does work great with other cameras though - I used it a lot with my old good V1E, which has LANC control, so - with a controller on the handle - you can control zoom AND focus constantly, while your left hand may operate the other controls when needed. The EX1 not having LANC, it's getting more complicated as you need to operate focus.

Thanks for watching Piotr...
 

Thanks for watching the show trailer!
Here's my deal with small cameras.
I am old...59 to be exact but in good shape...except for the eyes. A pop out viewfinder 6 inches from my face is impossible to see, let alone in tropical sun, and holding an EX1 with a 2 lb WA adapter and large battery at arms length isn't an option either.
I started with my old betacam years ago...life was good. Moved to an Canon XL1, pretty nice also with the side mounted viewfinder and great stabilzer. On and on through a JVC DV500, DVX100's, Z1U, EX1 and now this one pound Canon HFS10. Try holding that steady...it doesn't even have an eyepiece viewer!
But it would be great if there was a shoulder mount that moved the EX1 camera eyepiece off set to the left to where a beta cam viewfinder would be and have a super padded shoulder mount on the right shoulder with a huge massive weight that would bring the rig up to about 16 pounds total. It's that simple...no dangling battery boxes halfway down your back, no bicycle handle bar grips, no chest mounts spearing you in the lung, just put the eye piece in the correct spot and put a huge weight on your right shoulder to balance it off.
Off to the drawing board I guess...did I mention that in my past life my profession was an Industrial Designer?
Best, Craig

I think this is getting close and it's worth a look. To me it seems like the screw on the shoulder mount might need to be a couple inches higher. Maybe it can be modified. The Red Mammoth one might work too, if it doesn't put the camera up too high.
Shape WLB - Red Mammouth RM4100 camera support

I'll be curious to hear your report.

Brett

Alister, I am curious about the bracket that holds the V mount battery and Nano Flash. Is this part of the DM bracket or something else?

Thanks
David

Brett -

I am quite anxious to get the unit and try it out(my tracking info says it is in this country so hopefully will have it by midweek). If you look on that website there is an accessory called the SHAPE box made for putting batteries, hard disk recorders etc that will raise the camera up 2"- then you have another 2" play with the screw on the shoulder mount. I am attaching pics of the box mounted to a camera.

You are right about the Red Mammouth (where in the heck do they get those names??!!)- that would put the camera 1/2" above shoulder level - wouldn't be good for my setup since I have the QRPRO2 apparatus raising the camera up 2 1/2" and the camera would be too high for me but it could work for you. However, as I remember, the best position for viewing the HoodLoupe, getting a good eye seal and also not having your face being squished against the side of the camera is for the camera down a bit from the shoulder level so that you have to tilt the LCD viewfinder (and HoodLoupe) up and not down. Aslo, I don't think the Red Mammouth has the availability of the telescoping support which could be quite nice - since a lot of weight is still going to be transmitted to your arms and wrists.

From some of the old posts on here there have been positive remarks about these shoulder mounts but they are not well known outside of French-speaking Canada - the posts on here were by people who did not have English as their native tongue.

Perhaps these shoulder mounts are quite sturdy and work well and (as I am hoping)an "undiscovered gem".

David: The v-Lock/NanoFlash bracket is a quick release piece that I made up myself. It uses a small off the shelf quick release adapter with an IDX battery plate and some sheet aluminum.

The Pag Orbitor has worked well for me, tireless and rock steady even after several hours use.

The PAG Orbitor & X1 System

Geoff

Brett- received the SP2200 SPIDER II shoulder mount today and my initial impressions are quite positive. The fit/finish/workmanship of the unit is excellent. I ordered it with the 4 lb counterweight and glad that I did because it does take weight off the handles and if you use the telescopic arm support you are hands free just needing your hands to make manual adjustments to the camera - all the weight is on your shoulder and hip (or wherever you place the telescopic arm). With regard to the HoodLoupe - yes you can get a decent seal with the eyecup but you do have to crane your neck somewhat to achieve this. A lot of this depends on your body habitus - I am 5'10" 170 so it seems to work for me. I definitely think having the camera BELOW shoulder tip is important if you are going to use the HoodLoupe. I think this is probably the only shoulder mount that will work with my Quick Release Pro2 mounting platform (for the Nanoflash and battery) + using the HoodLoupe at the same time. I also would get the Shape Box to lift the camera up 2" or so (if you don't have something under it like the QRPRO2) but I did not disassemble my camera from the device and see where it is positioned using the adjustment on the shoulder assembly of the Spider II.

Shape WLB has revised their website and added a PRO line for people who want to use Matte boxes etc. : Shape WLB - Camera supports and equipment

i will post some pics when the Nanoflash and battery cables come in by the end of the week.

Barry,

Would it be possible to move the height adjustment screw up two inches on the shoulder pad? It seems like you could drill another hole and put a lock nut on the back of it after cutting away some padding. I think this would put the camera at the right height, since I don't want to put anything under the camera. I used to have a setup like that until I got a Sennheiser wireless mic, and I don't want to go back to it. I could maybe rivot the camera platform on once I get it in the right position - that would keep the knob from getting in the way of pushing the camera all the way back.

I think moving the platform up would also move the camera slightly closer to your body and maybe you wouldn't have to crane your neck as much. I just found out my HoodLoupe is on back order - so until I get that I won't be buying anything.

I really don't think that would work as it starts to bend after the reinforcing plate that holds the shoulder screw. For your purposes look at the Red Mamouth II - it looks like the camera can be brought back closer to your face (adjustment screw has a 6" play). It puts the camera only 3/4 " above your shoulder tip. Here is the link: Shape WLB - RED MAMMOUTH II camera support - RM4200 When you get the HoodLoupe this position could easily be replicated by just holding the camera in that position and see where the HoodLoupe comes. If it looks doable then you are in business.

Look on the Hoodman website - all the components of the EX1 kit are listed as in stock- the HoodLoupe 3.0, the HoodRiser, the strap and the eyecup. You might give them a call and see if they would sell you all the components for the discounted price.

camera support
 

Something worth considering as an alternative to shoulder mounts is the EasyRig. I've seen BBC and ABC guys using these where they need hand held and the rig is available to suit various camera weights. Not tried it myself, but will be doing so.

One of the biggest Polish video solutions supplier has this on their website (in Polish, but you can get the idea; it's a 3in1, extremely lightweight solution):

BEIKS Machulski - Stabilizator EAGLE TITAN - Profesjonalne kamery cyfrowe. Akcesoria do kamer i do studia.

It's mainly a stabilizer, but can be used as a shoulder mount, or from your hip; it weigh less than 0.5 kg! It can also be upgraded to a full body system with vest.

.. What do you think?

PS. Here is a Google-tanslated version - no too bad, actually :)
http://translate.google.com/translat...pis%2F344%2Fpl

Piotr--How would you make it fit as a shoulder mount?

This picture is in the middle of the page.

Can you use it as a car jack too?

Serena,

I've done some investigation, and although the idea is excellent, there are two things being show-stoppers for me at least:

-- the price (the Turtle model is not that expensive, but will not take much more than a naked EX1)
-- the way cameras are hung on this thing. With a matte box, 35 mm adapter + lens, monitor, brick battery etc. all attached via rails to the camera's tripod plate with those miserable 4 little screws, I'd never take my EX1 by its handle!

OK guys, so I just received the Hoodman loupe, and - in spite of what I was expecting myself, or what others were saying - it is possible to use this configuration with the LCD/Hoodman, and get rid of the monitor and its battery weight!

The only thing I needed to do was to move the whole rig just an inch backward relative to the shoulder pad, and replace the big Hoodman eyepiece with the smaller, circular one.

My impressions on using the Hoodman EX1 kit with naked EX1 are equally positive (see http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/1397023-post32.html)

Congrats Hoodman; thanks Lou!

I'm thinking to roll my own shoulder support. After a lot of running (walking actually) and gunning my right arm was very weary. I don't think the solution needs to be complicated. One of the earliest devices posted here was a simple metal strap the went over the shoulder. Front has a release plate for the camera, back has a cage for a battery or any form of weight. I think such a thing needs to be custom made to fit or else be bendable to fit.
All that needs to be achieved is to get some of the weight off the right arm and reduce the torsion on the wrist. I think the later is more the problem than the weight.

Yeah Bob, I'm heading that way too. Every shoulder mount I look at seems to have something I do not like. Then there's the price. I'm still in the design stage but thinking of incorporating detachable rails into my baseplate design.

Here's my baseplate I knocked out one morning. The hardest part was finding the aluminum, but I found a piece in my shop. Total out of pocket might have been $1.50 for two longer metric screws that I did not have in my bins.

I bought one when Phil first raved about it. Like many commented, the chest pad makes it hard to shoot for more than a few seconds. When you need to breath, the camera bobs up and down.

So I cut the pad away from it's arm and bolted a telescoping golf ball retriever in it's place. Now I have an adjustable length arm that drops over my belt. Makes long, standing shots easier than with my D600 BetaCam rig. It's even a surprisingly good stabilizer for walking shots.

So I cut the pad away from it's arm and bolted a telescoping golf ball retriever in it's place.

Can you post a piccie of your adapter?
I thought about adding a very soft latex pad that would "soak" up your breathing rythm.