Lanc control on the Pilot
 

buggerising about with the pilot on Vimeo

rather than explain I thought I'd use the HV30 to ask the question.

Well obviously that didn't work. I'll try writing the question.

is there any reason I can't or shouldn't use a Lanc control on a steadicam. I've run the cable through the gimble and around the pole and it seems to be working okay - just wondering if there's some really good reasons not to do it?

It's just that I think it would be really handy during weddings to be able to quickly reframe the shot or adjust aperture etc without wobbling the cam.

Well, I wouldn't run the cable through the gimbal personally, for fear of the cable pinching and binding and ruining shots.

Otherwise the principle is sound. Zoom controls are used all the time by live concert Steacicam operators. The control you have looks big and bulky but if you can still operate without restriction and without accidentally bumping into a control, then go for it.

The other thing that can limit you is the cable itself. Big rig operators use expensive, custom-made cables made of very thin, very flexible material, to replace the stock cable. This is to minimize the problem of a stiff thick cable upsetting the operating characteristics of a rig, forcing you to a heavy touch and over-controlling the rig.

Practice with it, try a few variations of how you string the cable, and see if you like it and if it helps you get the shots you want.