Ok, so, i see the link to the Opteka support....and freak out.....I ordered one right away. For $30 how can you go wrong? If I don't like it, it's not like I'm out a bunch of money. It never hurts to have options. I already have a wrist shot that works wonderfully, however, the arm still gets very tired. For wakeboarding, the wrist shot is awesome. For other scenarios this Opteka is awesome! On top of that I'll probably still get a really nice shoulder mount as well. Those generally leave my arms tired but seem to work better than the opteka or wrist shot for walking and shooting. Different tools for different scenarios. It never hurts to be prepared.

Brett - I have some posted some pics with my new shoulder mount system (Shape WLB - SPIDER II camera support - SP2200) being used with the HoodLoupe: http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/1402150-post10.html

I found this sytem quite comfortable using it for two hours today - no shoulder strain and no weight supported by either hand - totally free to make the usual manual adjustments.

I still have some pics of my old design on-line if anyone is interested.

here's the gallery link;

My_Ex3_Mount

cheers,

Evan

That's a cool design, Evan - however, I don't know if strapping a brick of C4 as a counterweight is a good idea... :)

Barry - thanks for posting the detailed pics - your pictures and description has put the Shape-WLB on the short list for me for stabilization options. A couple of questions for you, though:

I noticed in your pictures you were using the QRPro to raise the camera up to eye level. Would you think that Shape-WLB's Shape Box option would give you the same approximate room, albeit with half of the "accessory" space that you have with the QRPro? Also on this subject, is the Spider's ability to raise/lower the camera with the shoulder adjustment not sufficient to get the camera up to your eye, such that if you didn't have the QRPro, you could still get the camera up to eye level?

Also, in your pictures you have a waist strap that the support arm cup is sitting in for stability. What are you using for the waist strap? I find it odd that Shape-WLB doesn't offer any solution or guidance for this beyond what they have...

Barry - one more question (sorry). It's not called out explicitly on the Shape-WLB website, but I wanted to confirm that unlike the DVTec MultiRig and associated stabilizer products, the Shape-WLB doesn't have a spring-loaded stabilizer arm - that the arm is rigid, and doesn't have any "play" in it? Does this, in your opinion, not cause your body's movement at the hip, for example (where you have yours resting), causing movement at the camera's level?

Hey Ryan -

Actually choosing the Spider II consisted of two factors - (1) the QRPro2 is a permanent (as far as I am concerned) addition to the camera - it serves as a Nanoflash and battery mounting platform and also an aide in handholding the camera not allowing the camera to flip to one side when you hold it with your right hand (the plate rests against your arm) -(2) I find that I have gotten used to the Hoodman HoodLoupe and do not want to be without it. The Spider II is the only mount that allows you to keep the camera significantly BELOW shoulder level so that when the QRPro2 is mounted it is still 1 1/2" below my shoulder peak. This is "eye level" for me as it allows me to tilt the HoodLoupe LCD combo DOWN so that my face doesn't rest against the fat part of the camera body. If you didn't have the QRPRO2 and had the camera adjusted at the top level - the bottom of the camera would be 2 1/2" below your shoulder tip - just try your camera out at this approximate level and see how comfortable that is.

Yes, you could use the SHAPE box to raise the camera up but if you aren't going to be using the HoodLoupe or adding an accessory holder below the camera then look around the SHAPE WLB website and this might be more suitable for your needs: Shape WLB - RED MAMMOUTH II camera support - RM4200 - with this unit the camera is positioned 3/4" above your shoulder peak and can be moved back and forth in a 6" slot.

With regard to the waist strap - it is quite good - Velcro - easy on and off and has two pockets that exactly fit the rubber plate at the end of the telescoping arm - it is from SHAPE-WLB - very new - just hasn't been put on their website but you can order it over the phone - it is definitely a good addition to this system.

With regard to your question about the arm - from the SHAPE website: "The TELESCOPIC SUPPORT ARM is a Manfrotto 233B Camera Mount Bracket (without the Manfrotto 143BKT camera plate). The arm can be extended from 14" (36 cm) to 20" (51 cm)." It IS spring loaded and has an adjusting bracket to stop it from moving but I think, even with the spring, it will still transmit some body movement.

Come in handy if there's too many paps around!

That certainly is a big load to hold on a shoulder mount but never-the-less I carried the equivalent or more in my younger film days. The EasyRig 2 will carry it. The Turtle Strong will take the EX plus matte box and rails. Carrying by the handle isn't necessary since a simple bracket will transfer the load to the base of the camera/rails/whatever. I grant you not a cheap option to the simple mounts, but something to be considered. Apologies for my tardy response; you'll understand the reasons.

Can you post a picture with you and the Hoodman/RR combo? It would be much appreciated.

Brett Sherman

I am nervous about buying from 47th Street Photo (I was there years ago and didn't like their attitude), yet I cannot find this device anywhere else including on the Opteka website. Does it actually say Opteka on the device? Was there a problem ordering from 47th Street photo? No one else seems to sell it.

John

I too was a little nervous about it. However, like i said, 30 dollars is not a huge loss. As long as I get it in the mail then fine. If I never receive it then I'll call the Credit Card Company and report fraud. If it's a POS, then I got what I paid for. But even if I get just one use out of it, it will pay for itself. After hearing someone else say they ordered a couple and they worked. I tend to trust people on this board a little, so I guess we will see. They seem to have a good approval rating on Amazon. Attitude I could care less about. I have other stores I usually route my purchases through so this is more of a one off purchase.

I realize I owe some more feedback to you, Brett, and perhaps many other reading this thread. Unfortunately, I'm in no position now to have photos taken of myself actually using the rig. Instead, I'll reiterate that:

- with the rig as depicted earlier in this thread, there is a QR plate between the RR shoulder mount pad and the camera. For me it's a must, as I often change configurations, putting the camera on the tripod with or without my Letus, then back again on the shoulder mount. However, this added height makes the use of Hoodman lupe just barely possible - certainly not optimal, and far from convenient.

- that said, if somebody is planning to put his EX1 on the RR shoulder mount more or less permanently, it's possible to fix it directly to the shoulder pad (using the typical screw and Allen key provided). In this configuration (I have just tried it so that I could take responsibility for what I'm posting here), using the Hoodman loupe is absolutely possible, as it becomes *almost* horizontal.

I hope this helps in making up your minds. I shall add however that if I could start all over again, I'd buy something more like Barry's Spider II, and possibly a smaller / lighter matte box for my shoulder-supported shooting. All my RR stuff is only perfect when used in the tripod configuration, which luckily is 90% of all my work.

Piotr

I just ordered the Sumo Shoulder Mount and Counterbalance from Shape WLB - Camera supports and equipment. They let me order the individual parts so it only came to $250 with shipping. I tested the fit by setting a 3/4" piece of plywood on my shoulder to check the height.

I'm probably going to shorten the plate so it ends right under the EX1 and doesn't stick out. I might try to rig up a single handle centered on the camera. I never quite understood the desire for two handles. It looks cool, but if you use one it's off balance. If you use two, you need a camera assistant to follow you around to focus.

This why my right handle is positioned under the camera (almost), while the left one is offset for steadier shooting. Using the Follow Focus knob and other controls with my left hand, I can hold the camera with my right hand quite steady, but for a limited period of time.

will update everyone on the "opteka" version tomorrow as it is due to come in.

LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!! FOR THE PRICE THERE IS NO COMPARISON!

It's not super plush or anything when it comes to comfort but the mount does it's job well. The flat plate as seen in the video with Phil is kinda jacked but I quickly figured out that using the riser adapter instead is the way to go. It puts my LCD right at eye-level. I don't really use the EVF anymore since buying my Hoodman H400 Hood. I have to say I was a little anxious about if it would work good or not but I am 100% satisfied with my purchase as dirt cheap as it is. I will be showing my friend, who also has an EX1, this mount. We both are doing a Music Festival and this shoulder mount will come in handy. I own the Hoodman Wrist Shot, however, it takes the strain off the wrist, but it does not fix the arm fatigue problem. This leaves my arms feeling unworked! I paid for 2 day shipping on this and still only paid 35 dollars total. Highly recommended by me for a budget shoulder mount that works excellent!

EasyRig Turtle
 

A couple of pages ago I suggested the EasyRig Turtle as a better option than shoulder mounts for the EXs. The benefits are obvious and well described on their website. The cheapest version is the Turtle, designed for small cameras, but the EX1 needs the Turtle X (strong). Yesterday at a rental place I tested the Turtle and decided against it. It works as described, nicely taking the weight of the camera so leaving your hands free. You can change from high shot to low shot without the restrictions that a lot of shoulder mounts impose. However I'm tall (182 cm) and the Turtle is designed specifically for the average person. To get the pole clearing my head the belt had to be about my waist (should be on hips) and while usable the fit was loose and wobbly. Did that matter? Strictly in terms of taking the weight of the camera it didn't, but as soon as I walked the pole wobbled and this affected the camera. Seemed to me that the EX1 with extras was stretching the capabilities of the Turtle and I would need the EasyRig 2.5 (firm fitting vest and adjustable pole). Unfortunately a lot more expensive, but will carry the sort of load represented by Piotr's rig (see photo from website). I'm a bit disappointed; lesson: as always, try before you buy.

Serena,

Many thanks for sharing your experience with us!

This is exactly what I thought when seeing the EasiRig webpage. BTW, their solution to avoid hanging a heavy rig by the camera handle is use the FigRig in between... This, plus EasyRig 2.5, would definitely be too expensive and bulky for me!

Nathan,

Are you saying you can use the HoodLoupe with the 'opteka' mount? Some pics, please :)

I thought the "Opteka" looked familiar - I bought that around 9 months ago (different name then - probably "made in China" but marketed under different brand names) for around the same price at the time when Phil Bloom was giving it a good rating - in fact, there is an entire thread on this mount in the "other forum" titled "El Cheapo shoulder support arrived today" - 5 pages long and started February 2008. I used it a couple of times - been sitting on the shelf ever since. I found it to be so lightweight and narrow that I was worried about it slipping off my shoulder (that is the reason for the shoulder harness). It also would move while breathing and I would end up holding my breath during shots. I was also wary about how it connected to the camera - seemed rather tenuous. IMHO trusting this device on a 6K camera + accessories is risky - but that may be my conseratism showingthrough. Here is a review from "Basspig" on the "other forum" : http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.p...7&postcount=44 - hope I am not committing heresy here but it is good to look at the 5 page thread on the other forum - everybody was really excited about it at first but then...

Didn't I write the same?

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/1371917-post55.html

:)

There are a few occasions I need a shoulder mount - but I am very limited in what I can carry as I travel mostly to remote places. The rigs I tested were too large to include in my bags and took too long to set up for me.
I just practiced with the Opteka cheapo and in it's defence, I think it's a worthwhile compromise. It is small enough to fit in my camera bag with my Ex3 and superfast to use if you attach a QR plate. Now as to the breathing problem, maybe it's my 30 years in martial arts, but when I breathe only my lower belly moves - I do not use my chest to breathe, so for me the cheapo is steady. Also it is better to bend your body to tilt rather than lowering or raising your hands, instead I adopt a wider leg stance and bend my knees and find this is more stable than using my arms.
It's a very subjective problem with shoulder mounts. I have bought $800 rigs and been unhappy and who would think that spending $30 would make me smile!

Brett, here are some pictures you requested.

You sure did - sounds like we had the exact same experience.

Wow! Piotr - "That'salottagear!!" - how much does everything weigh including the shoulder mount as you have it configured in the pictures?

Well Barry - I guess some 7-8 kgs (including one 4x5.65" filter)...

Of course, I do have a possibility to mount the longer version of the RR handles (as per the pics I had posted earlier), and - with the counterweight battery moved some 10 cm to the back - the whole rig's natural position is more level. BUT, to use the HoodLoupe, I need to look up!

Wow - that is nearly 18 pounds (and I am assuming you are including the counterweight in the measurement)?

You might want to give my rig ( but the Pro version made for Mattboxes) a second look - you do not need a counterweight - I just use the back pad - the weight is distributed between your shoulder and the telescoping arm that fits in the belt around your waist - your hands have no weight on them and are not even needed for balancing the camera - I use them for ligtly touching the handles and now that I have all the remote controls on the handle, I never have to put my right hand up to camera level and my left hand is always free to hang by my side or make manual adjustments to the camera. And again - the HoodLoupe would be tilted UP keeping your face away from the fat body of the camera.

Here is the link: Shape WLB - SPIDER II PRO camera support - SS2200PRO
and also the belt: Shape WLB - The list of our products

Thanks, Barry. But:

- first, there is a considerable price involved (for me at least, as you know I'm recovering from a serious surgery)

- second, when filming a person's face from short distance, you'd need to tilt your rig up quite a bit; nobody likes his face from the low angle!

- third, I'm not a great fan of abdomen supports, as they breath with you and sway when you walk!

PS. Yes, of course I counted the battery.

Yes - I can see why it might not work in your situation but just to clarify (for others) - the telescopic arm is meant to be placed over a bony area like the hip-pelvis area so there is no problem with breathing. In using the belt the telescopic arm stays put but of course there is movement of the camera with walking, however this type of rig is not really meant to be used as a stabilization system like the steadicam etc.

Hi.
After having read all the posts and seen the various suggestions I think, maybe, I have settled on the Protech for my EX3. But just maybe. I love my camera, I really do, but I struggle with it handheld. On a tripod I love it, but if I am in a hurry and know I will be shooting handheld, I actually find myself picking up my GY-HD111 just because of the formfactor.

Then Panasonic came with a tempting offer on their HPX301, which already has a shouldermount, beacuse it is a shouldermount camera. And I have already tested the HM700, which was perfectly balanced and to mye eyes gave a great picture

So, should I sell my EX3, buy one of the others, or invest more in my EX3? I have come to the conclusion that buying the Protech would lead me to buy a V-lock battery and charger, but then again I already have two batteries for my EX3. And they are good enough for me.
I am even considering buying the AJA Ki-Pro and somehow mount that on the Protech instead of a battery.

What would you do? I am a little confused at the moment.

Shape WLB - entire line video
 

In case any of you want to see up close (very close) the entire Shape-WLB line of shoulder supports (not the newer pro line) - link to video: Shape WLB camera equipment #1 on Vimeo
I use the Spider 2 (with the telescopic arm).

Svein, I recently had a lot of the same questions regarding the purchase of a shoulder mount for my new EX3. I realized after extensive research that I wanted a device that could sit balanced on my shoulder with a battery (Anton Baur) provideing the weight. But more importantly, I wanted to hold the camera with one hand on the zoom and one on the focus, as it was meant to be held for optimal control. The Protech ST-7 was my choice until I found it was very hard to buy in the US and way to costly with shipping. I found a similar design made by DM Accessories that does exactly what I wanted. I am very happy with it. My second choice would have been the WLB Spider Pro 2. Good luck with your decision.

That looks like a good shoulder mount for the EX3 (DM Accessories) (of course not for the EX1) but approximately how much of the weight is transferred to the shoulder vs. your hands - just from guestimating it looks like you still have a heavy load on your hand/arm even with the counterbalance of the Anton Bauer. I got the 4 lb counterweight with the Spider II but only use the backbrace since I use the telescopic arm for front support. With the counterweight there was definite shifting of weight to the shoulder but the front end of the camera still felt heavy. I just like having both hands/arms free of weight support altogether and the ability to control the camera with a Manfrotto remote mounted on one of the front handles.

I'm very happy with my HD109A monitor, powered from a Tekkeon battery, when using the tripod, and I'm going to keep it.

However, I need advise on which of the 2 new upcoming Manhattan models (the HD071A or HD8900) I should pick to mount on the left handle of my RedRock shoulder mount, as depicted below with and without my current HD109A (too big as you can see)...

The HD071A would fit better and handle easier with this rig, while the HD8900 would certainly give me a better picture to focus on. Tough choice!

Comments welcome

Piotr,

I haven't been able to shoot at all for a couple of months because of a pinched nerve in my neck. This didn't happen overnight.

I would suggest the lighter version. I also find that reading glasses help a lot for critical focusing and they are very inexpensive.

John

Thanks John, but if I told you MY neck spine story (not connected with shooting video), you would consider me crazy even considering a rig like this:)

But well; at 55, how much more can I lose? Occupation or hobby being a passion, and life without a passion being worthless...

Spider II pro, Ex3 and Sony Quick Release Plate?
 

The Spider II Pro appears to be a comfortable solution to the Sony Ex3 ergo issues. The manufacturer's web site indicates that it can be used with a quick release plate but there are no photos of its undercarriage and I would like to know if it can be attached to a Sony Quick Release plate? Anyone with experience in this arena?

Thank you in advance.

I have a Spider II attached to a Manfrotto quick release plate like so: Shape WLB community/barry-j-weckesser-sept-2009-004 - I have the plate attached to the bottom of the QRPro2 accessory shelf and the bottom poart of the Manfrotto adaptor directly to the Spider II - you can see a plastic know underneath- easy to loosen it up so you can slide it back and forth for different camera position.

Hi and thank you for the photo but I'm not sure that we're on the same page. I have an Ex3 mounted to a VF Gadgets plate and would like to attach that combination to the Spider which I suspect is doable. But, without unmounting from the Spider, I would like to be able to retain the ability to attach the entire affair to a Sony Quick Release plate which is attached to a Sachtler tripod. That would require a "V" mount connection on the underside of the Spider and although I do have a spare VF Gadgets "V" mount, I do not know if the Spider is tapped for such an affair or its equivalent?

EX users, please provide us with your input in this thread re: under 7" monitors:

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/sdtv-hdt...kan-v5600.html