El Cheapo shoulder support arrived today

[Steve Shovlar]

Phil Bloom recommended a shoulder support over on his blog, and doing a bit of research discovered it for sale on ebay at a bargain £29 inc postage!

I ordered it from the Chinese seller ( who has 99.9 feedback on over 2000 items) and it arrived here in the UK in less than a week. Excellent.

OK now I dind't expect much for the money. Certainly nothing high quality. But I was pleasently supprised. Its made of a very hard plastic and comes with straps.

So I tried to mount the EX 1 onto it and hit the first little snag. The screw comes out through the plate too much and needed to be be shortened. Five minutes and a hacksaw later it was job done.

No instructions come with it but it doesn't take any brain power to work how it goes together. There is a good quality adjustable strap which clips on and goes around the body for extra support, and the support is spring loaded so you adjust it to your size and tighten the screw to keep it at that size.

Tried it out and it completely solves the side to side imbalance of the EX1. With everything in place you can go completely hands free and let your body take the weight.

Now there is a small caveat which I am going to mention. You are placing a £4500 camera on a £29 piece of plastic from China. All that is supporting the camera is a screw supported by brittle plastic. And that is supported by a screw and some more plastic. If one of those gives way, it could happen in a split second and your camera and a piece of the shoulder brace could be smashing against the ground before you can react. This though is easily solveable.

Buy a small adjustable strap, run it through the handle of the EX1 and attach it to the clips on the bracket. If the impossible happened, the camera would just fall a foot or so and dangle without hitting the deck.

Here's one on ebay at the moment.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230225131012

Well worth getting.

[philip bloom]

i did a drama shoot yesterday, 2/3rd on letus extreme using zacuto rails, 1/3rd clean. When shooting clean I used the above support. Worked very well. Here is a photo showing it in use

[Essami]

Thanks for the tip! I ordered one as well.

Sami

[Essami]

Now I would only need cheapo handles :)

Sami

[moldcad]

Buy a small adjustable strap, run it through the handle of the EX1 and attach it to the clips on the bracket. If the impossible happened, the camera would just fall a foot or so and dangle without hitting the deck.

Whatever support I'm using my camera with, it's also with some sort of strap around my neck :)

[basspig]

There are two items found with that search string on eBay USA, but the picture links are broken:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=150217273349&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=005

Is this the same product?

[philip bloom]

yes it is. I put a manfrotto base on it and the plate on the camera. Making it easier to take on and off. Also gets past the long screw issue

[basspig]

Thanks. I think I'll grab one too. For the price, can't go wrong!


About how long did they take to ship it to you?

[philip bloom]

i bought mine in the uk for a lot more money. i expect china to usa...a couple of weeks

[basspig]

Great. Thanks!

[Steve Shovlar]

Basspig, thats the seller I purchased mine from. I paid on the Friday and it arrived the following saturday morning from Hong Kong. So from KK to the UK in a week is excellent. Well wrapped.

And the seller may be part of your extended family by the look of your name!

[matthew77]

Just got mine - what a nice accessory!

[Stevet]

Ordered mine a couple days ago.
$50 bucks including shipping for china, amazing.

[matthew77]

I bought two Manfrotto 357's (also knows as 3273's) and put one on the "El Cheapo" and one on my fluid head.

This lets me change over quickly from one to the other and also lets me slide the camera forward and back on the El Cheapo.

[DCSensui]

If you guys keep raving over this thing they're gonna raise the price!

:-)

[matthew77]

True. We should shut up.

I'd love to see someone copy that design in aluminum or some other lightweight metal.

[matthew77]

You know what else is nice about the El Cheapo?

The bottom is curved so that you can use it to place the camera on the ground and do reasonably smooth tilts.

[Jokerswild]

When you use a device like this do you have camera stabilizer switched on, or off? I would think ON for any handheld shooting with the camera.

[matthew77]

It's not really necessary to have OIS on because the El Cheapo squeezes pretty tightly to your shoulder. It is a bit smoother with OIS on, but the "shoulder mount" look (solid but a little bit unsteady)is well established and accepted by audiences.

I actually find it disconcerting to have OIS on because it adds an apparent softness or a delay to your operating and makes it harder to pan quickly to an accurate target.

[kubalsky]

got my El cheapo today. It arrived in the mail at the same time as my Vortex Mastering EX1 Dvd. Its xmas . Love this thing. Thanks Phil!

[basilisk]

Looks like the manufacturer should register the "El Cheapo" name before someone else steals it...
I love the idea that people are advocating that someone makes a copy of a Chinese design!

[milvid]

Just ordered one. The total with express shipping was $42.98 (not that bad)
I will be using it with the Canon XHA1.
I'll let you all know how it works with the A1.

[Tai Lyon]

How does this brace compare to the Spider brace 2? I have one of those but I'm not that impressed and there sure is lots of fanfare over the El cheapo. If it is that impressive for the $, I may consider one as well. I'd be using it with my HVX

[seejay1031]

any of you cats using this with an 35mm adapter?

[Kwan]

Wow.. I must have it.

[matthew77]

The El Cheapo is good regardless of price. Instead of a counterweight it has a spring loaded piece the presses on your chest to support the camera. It's lightweight and very stable.

[philip bloom]

i tried it with the Letus but found it still a bit too heavy, not sure it is designed for such heavy weight. turn the support inwards and it is usable. that's how I use it anyway if the support is turned outwards I find the lcd is too far away from my eye

[matthew77]

I don't use the supplied supports at all. I put a sliding baseplate right on the El Cheapo and I can slide the camera back and forth for good position and balance. I use the Manfrotto 3272/357 plate - gives about 4" of adjustment.

[kubalsky]

I don't use the supplied supports at all. I put a sliding baseplate right on the El Cheapo and I can slide the camera back and forth for good position and balance. I use the Manfrotto 3272/357 plate - gives about 4" of adjustment.

That sound like a good set up. Could you post a photo?

[matthew77]

I can't post pictures on this forum. If I get permission I will do so.

I use none of the El Cheapo attachments, just the Manfrotto 3273 (also known at the 357).

I have a matching slider attached atop my fluid head so that I can transfer the camera back and forth quickly. Unfortunately it means I have two sliders on my fluid head, but that's the price you pay yo use the El Cheapo.

[Stevet]

Sounds good Matthew.

Hey, could I attach this quick release adapter to the El Cheapo ?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5566-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_3273_3273_Pro_Quick_Release.html

It appears to also come with a plate. I believe the plate is the same one I'm using with my Manfotto/Bogen 503 head.

[matthew77]

That's exactly the one I use.

Aside from the 1/4-20, the 3273 has four holes for flathead screws - might be nice to permanently mount it to the El Cheapo (drilling 4 holes in the El Cheapo) and lose the horrible 1/4-20 bolt arrangement.

Beware, the 3273's each cost more than the El Cheapo!

[Evolve]

Jeez Phillip, not a single comment about the stylin' art-helmet you're wearing.....

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/attachment.php?attachmentid=5451&d=1203769823

[robbz]

Jeez Phillip, not a single comment about the stylin' art-helmet you're wearing.....

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/attachment.php?attachmentid=5451&d=1203769823

Ok, here goes... Phil, love the headware!

[moldcad]

Jeez Phillip, not a single comment about the stylin' art-helmet you're wearing.....

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/attachment.php?attachmentid=5451&d=1203769823

The helmet aside, what is the audio input arrangement on this picture, Phil? I can see both XLR inputs on your EX1 occupied, plus the external (boom pole mic?) cable connected to ...hmm.. where exactly?

[ddh]

I've got the El Cheapo as well ... just haven't used it yet! It's pretty well designed though.

[basspig]

Just ordered mine today. Hoping my experience with it is as good as all of you have been reporting.

[philip bloom]

for that price even if it is rubbish what have you lost. Oh and it isn't rubbish!

[philip bloom]

The helmet aside, what is the audio input arrangement on this picture, Phil? I can see both XLR inputs on your EX1 occupied, plus the external (boom pole mic?) cable connected to ...hmm.. where exactly?

to the sound recordist!!

[chriswilson]

Does anyone have any example footage to post? I'm curious to see the results of this shoulder mount....

[SonicStates]

Just ordered the El Cheapo!
Thanks for the lowdown!! Yet again DVX User members rocking!

[randys007]

Hey

Ad looks awful but is this roughly the same item available in the US?

http://cgi.ebay.com/HANDS-FREE-CAMCORDER-VIDEO-CAMERA-SHOULDER-PAD-SUPPORT_W0QQitemZ230246428275QQihZ013QQcategoryZ23 780QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphoto hosting

[Stevet]

US?
I believe we're all on ordering ebay from China.

And Yes, that sure appears to be the same.

[basspig]

The USPS man delivered my package today from Hong Kong. Inside, the Hands Free Shoulder Pad, in the red, white & blue flag-adorned box (with only 44 stars instead of the correct 50 stars on the US flag) was stored in plastic bags with a felt carrying sack.

First impression was "this plastic looks cheap, I'll be darned if I put my camcorder on this with no backup". I tried the brace on, and found that it clings pretty well, even before I put on the strap.

The next step was to figure out how to put the camera on the brace. The photo on the box shows two additional pieces, which, if I put them together that way, would place the camcorder on shaky footing and also out and up too far. Instead of that, I used the larger baseplate and mounted the EX1 to that, which was screwed into the brace.

In order to do that, I discovered it would be necessary to add a washer between the knurled knob and the baseplate, so that the stud would be short enough to bottom out the camera firmly to the baseplate. Having achieved satisfactory bonding of camera to brace, I proceeded to check out the ergonomics.

The brace really has very limited usefulness, because the camera cannot tilt up or down at all. You can't squat and shoot upwards because it's locked to looking straight ahead.

Another issue that became apparent is that the brace moves the camera up and down with the act of breathing. In order to get steady footage, you have to hold your breathe for the duration of the recording. That was pretty much of a show-stopper.

In addition to that, I found that my right arm was getting cramped just operating the controls, without really gripping on to the camera. The whole rig was rather uncomfortable to use. Obviously, it was intended for sub-3lb consumer DV camcorders, not the EX1 with an external microphone.

I may find uses for this brace, but it didn't exceed my expectations at all.

A real brace should have a baseplate the interchanges with your tripod head, for quick on/quick off switchovers in a fast-paced shooting situation.

I think I'll more seriously consider the GlideCam, after seeing what it can do. Cheaper alternatives are really no better (for me) than handheld. I hand held this camera all afternoon last Saturday, and it wasn't bad at all. I think walking around with this brace would have been somewhat more annoying, both from a comfort point of view and from a flexibility of shooting angles point of view.

You do indeed get what you pay for. This is not a pro-grade tool. For a dad, showing off with his Canon ZR30 at his 5 year old daughter's birthday party, it is fine. But to try and cover a wedding with a much larger ENG camera, it is not.

[matthew77]

A real brace should have a baseplate the interchanges with your tripod head, for quick on/quick off switchovers in a fast-paced shooting situation.



I disagree with most everything you say here. But it could be that the El Cheapo only works for some body types. I am about the maximum thickness in terms of my chest and back for this rig, but it still allows me leeway to tilt up and down and breathing does not interfere for me.

As regards the above quote, most of us have fitted a Manfrotto 357 to this rig and our fluid heads, for quick interchange and also adjustability forward and back on the El Cheapo. This works very well. Also, I think the strap just gets in the way and restricts motion, so i don't use it. You can still go hands free momentarily without the strap.

[philip bloom]

I have used it solidly for a two week handheld shoot and everything looked fantastic even whilst breathing. I could point up or down no problem just like a large eng camera. For long term handheld shooting it is miles better. I still thoroughly recommend it.

The Glidecam is no alternative, this is a cheap shoulder mount. That is a steadicam alternative that is knackering to use because of how heavy it is

[basspig]

Adding the fluid head to this brace probably solves a number of problems, particularly the up/down tilt and the quick change from brace to tripod (however, now you're into the cost of an additional fluid head).

Adding a fluid head to this is also going to position the camera another 5-6" above the plate level, so it would no longer be at eye level. Maybe a very small fluid head, but more likely a friction head at that small size.

I have to play with it more, but my initial impression is that it's hard to get used to and quite awkward.

Upon a second inspection and try out, I think the worst aspect of it is the lack of good padding on the chest rest support. This brace could be improved by adding a soft gel pad, perhaps glued onto the existing rubber pad.

In the final analysis, I think the brace has its proper uses, but they are very specific and somewhat limited.

[matthew77]

Adding the fluid head to this brace probably solves a number of problems, particularly the up/down tilt and the quick change from brace to tripod (however, now you're into the cost of an additional fluid head).


I'm not suggesting adding a fluid head - the Manfrotto 357 is a sliding quick release plate - very low profile. Also, in my configuration I use none of the attachments that come with the unit. And with the Manfrotto plate, there is no need for a washer on the 1/4-20 screw because the hole is deeper than on the EX1.

[matthew77]

In the final analysis, I think the brace has its proper uses, but they are very specific and somewhat limited.

You'll come around. Just like you did with the EX1!

[davidcheok]

.... even whilst breathing.

I just shot an event today (for fun) to try out the El Cheapo in real conditions. Whilst it helps tremendously in taking the load of my arms.. i have to stop breathing for it to work smoothly. Keeps reminding me of the song "Every breath you take"... i actually see the horizon moving up and down with each breath. I've tried shifting the brace to my side.. no help there. Or maybe its because I take deeper breaths :)

[basspig]

Well then the solution is to stop breathing. :happy:

On a more serious note, I think the brace requires a change of operating technique to make it work for you.

I've looked at a few braces, and some have handles out in front that take your hands away from operating camera controls, to just shooting and hoping the autofocus does a good job. They're pricey rigs, too. Somewhere out there, is the right tool for a given shooter.

I'm going to experiment with mine. Having some sort of quick release mechanism like the DV MultiRig that is compatible with the tripod head you normally use, woudl be a huge plus.

matthew77, I'd like to hear more about the Manfrotto 357 plate you mentioned.

[matthew77]

It's a simple quick release/slider:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554151-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_357_357_Pro_Quick_Release.html

You have to buy two of them, making the whole thing more expensive than the El Cheapo itself.

Mine is attached directly to the El Cheapo - using none of the El Cheapo risers. Also, it should be noted that this arrangement only really allows viewing with the LCD. The EVF is out of reach. Put a hoodman H400 on there and you have a neat setup.

The 357 has 4 countersunk screw holes. It would be possible to drill 4 holes in the El Cheapo plastic mount and, using hardware mount the 357 directly to the El Cheapo, eliminating the big 1/4-20 knob. I haven't done this yet.

[Stevet]

Matthew, I'm about to buy the Manfrotto release/slider.

I'm not sure why you would need to buy two? Maybe I'm not awake... ;)

Do you have images of your El Cheapo rig with this adapter.

[matthew77]

You need one bottom plate for your El Cheapo and one for your fluid head. It leaves you with an extra top plate.

I have pictures but I am not permitted to post pix here for some reason.

[basspig]

It's a simple quick release/slider:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554151-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_357_357_Pro_Quick_Release.html

You have to buy two of them, making the whole thing more expensive than the El Cheapo itself.

Mine is attached directly to the El Cheapo - using none of the El Cheapo risers. Also, it should be noted that this arrangement only really allows viewing with the LCD. The EVF is out of reach. Put a hoodman H400 on there and you have a neat setup.

The 357 has 4 countersunk screw holes. It would be possible to drill 4 holes in the El Cheapo plastic mount and, using hardware mount the 357 directly to the El Cheapo, eliminating the big 1/4-20 knob. I haven't done this yet.

Thanks for the link to the 357 plate. That is a very useful item to have around..
But would I really need two of them if I already use a Bogen 501 head? The slide in plate looks like it might fit my tripod. Perhaps all I would need is the base plate, screwed into the "El Cheapo" and then I can slide my camera into both the 501 head and this plate, don't'cha' think so?

[moldcad]

You need one bottom plate for your El Cheapo and one for your fluid head. It leaves you with an extra top plate.

I have pictures but I am not permitted to post pix here for some reason.

Unless your tripod happens to be Manfrotto, in which case you will only need one (the QR plate will match both).

[basspig]

Thanks moldcad, as it happens, I have the Manfrotto 501 head, so if this plate is standard to all Manfrotto heads, then this makes a great solution.

[moldcad]

I have just received the Manfrotto adapter, but unfortunately - while looking exactly like the 357 - it's probably another model, as the only threaded hole at the bottom is the large one (is it 1/4-20? I am in Europe, so am not familiar with those thread sizes). The screw in the El Cheapo is the thinner one; how do I fix the adapter to it, other than drilling 4 holes for those 4 countersunk screw holes - as I a m afraid the plastic could be weakened, or even break?

EDIT: OK, disregard - mine has come with only the larger hole threaded; will just need to tap the other one; what size thread it's exactly? I wonder if the right tool can easily be found in Poland...

[matthew77]

Sounds like a defect int the 357 - can you return it?

If not, the tap you need is an english 1/4-20. Is the thru hole drilled to the right size for tapping it?

I don't know where to get one in Poland, but in the US they are readily available. Perhaps these people will ship to you?

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/1E598

[moldcad]

If not, the tap you need is an english 1/4-20. Is the thru hole drilled to the right size for tapping it?

Thanks Matthew - yes the through hole looks like it's the right diameter, the threaded screw being just slightly fatter, so I hope it will fit after tapping the hole.

[Steve Shovlar]

Perhaps you should have got the Manfrotto 577 quick release adaptor.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/241139-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_577_577_Quick_Release_Adapter.html

[SonicStates]

Hi there all,
Just thought I would post a link to something that those of you who have bought the 15 pound El Cheapo would laugh at: http://www.system5.jp/ec/html/item/001/006/item5033.html
If you pay careful attention to the picture you will see that apart from some minor, minor branding differences, this is the identical El Cheapo that we all know and love (my back doesn't but hey, for 15 pounds)
I am going to call these guys tomorrow about a tripod and at the same time I might just as how the hell they can charge 700 bucks an, albeit useful, cheap shoulder mount!!! Then I am going to start importing El Cheapo selling it at 600 dollars....what a SCAM!!

[ddh]

Hi there all,
Just thought I would post a link to something that those of you who have bought the 15 pound El Cheapo would laugh at: http://www.system5.jp/ec/html/item/001/006/item5033.html
If you pay careful attention to the picture you will see that apart from some minor, minor branding differences, this is the identical El Cheapo that we all know and love (my back doesn't but hey, for 15 pounds)
I am going to call these guys tomorrow about a tripod and at the same time I might just as how the hell they can charge 700 bucks an, albeit useful, cheap shoulder mount!!! Then I am going to start importing El Cheapo selling it at 600 dollars....what a SCAM!!
Yep, that's the El Cheapo alright!

[motionblur]

Does anyone have any recent links or sources for El Cheapo?

[philip bloom]

Does anyone have any recent links or sources for El Cheapo?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Shoulder-support-for-Steadicam-Steadycam-operators_W0QQitemZ270380050318QQcmdZViewItemQQptZ LH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item270380050318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C 240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

[arroway]

thanks phil. i just bought it.

my apologies if i beat anyone to the punch...

:evil:

[EIREHotspur]

I had my eye on it but thats fine.

Please post your impressions of it after a while using it.

That line reminds me of Airplane.

Lawyer
"Doctor, can you give the court your impression of Mr. Striker?"

Witness
"I'm sorry, I don't do impressions. My Training is in Psychiatry"

[arroway]

my "el cheapo" arrived today. it's made by a chinese company called "digital concepts". i did not find any listing of the product on their website, which seems strange.

in any case, it's pretty good although i really wish it had the dual grips that a lot of the more expensive rigs have. there's really nothing to hold on to with this. with my HV30, i found the best strategy is to have one hand on the camera under its strap and the other atop the mount arm, pushing down slightly to keep it steady against your chest.

a quick release plat would have been nice too, come to think of it...

[xort]

Can the lower arm that rests on your abdomen be swung away, off the body?

[Iudex]

This rig is very firm, right? So, you can't neither tilt up or down the camera too much, right?

Is there another 'el cheapo' that allows this?

[titohawaii]

i still have not found a web page for the elcheapo
aloha
tito

[arroway]

Can the lower arm that rests on your abdomen be swung away, off the body?

it moves on a vertical axis, so no, not unless you're really skinny.


This rig is very firm, right? So, you can't neither tilt up or down the camera too much, right?

i think pointing at your shoes or straight above you would be difficult, anything else is fine.

[ezpop]

be careful. or better yet stay away from that crap,
mine cracked and snaped, right wehere you put QR adapter,
thank God i was holding camera with the hand strap at the moment.

[Jackson Miller]

Can someone pleassseeee post a link to one of these on ebay? Better yet link to the seller page, because all of those old links that have expired don't even show who the seller was. Thanks.

[DEPTH OF PHIL]

Okay mate, i got two . They work well if U double secure the mounting brackets that holds the camera extension arm, check the camera QR plate well as ezpop mentioned. Make it fail safe, visit Lowes or Home Depot and secure your baby!
The links are bekow, or search in Ebay for Camera shoulder support EX1 Cheers

From India $33.00

http://cgi.ebay.com/Video-Cam-Shoulder-Support-Stabilizer-for-XL1-EX1-CAM_W0QQitemZ220423264657QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item3352401991&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C 240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

From China $18.00

http://cgi.ebay.com/Hands-Free-Camcorder-Video-Camera-Shoulder-PAD-Support_W0QQitemZ110359398860QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH _DefaultDomain_0?hash=item19b1eec9cc&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1234%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C 240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

A heavier duty version wow what a price difference $159.00

http://cgi.ebay.com/Pro-Shoulder-Support-Stabiliser-Tripod-for-Video-Camera_W0QQitemZ360156841205QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_ Video_Cameras?hash=item53db0544f5&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1234%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C 240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

[Jackson Miller]

Thanks man. I was thinking about using one with a GH-1 (if I can ever get one). I think I am going to get the cinevate rig instead though.

[cjwolff]

I checked out the Anton Bauer Stasis Flex at NAB...its a few dollars more than the cheapo mount but it's a nifty piece of gear. It might be an alternative?

[krick]

Hi,

I just got my "el cheapo" today from china ( about 10 days to get to San Francisco).

So here is my question. I have a tripod Sachtler FSB-6 and I'd like to get a manfrotto quick release adapter for my cheapo:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554151-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_357_357_Pro_Quick_Relea se.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/images345x345/554151.jpg

Will the manfrotto plate fit my sachtler fluid head too ? Or would i need to change plate everytime ?

Thanks for your help !

Viva El Cheapo ! :happy:

[thxdave]

Yep, I'm about 99% sure that it's the same width.

[Chadfish]

Thanks. I think I'll grab one too. For the price, can't go wrong!


About how long did they take to ship it to you?

Mark - did you ever get that "El Cheapo" shoulder support for the EX1? How do you like it? Do your arms get tired very fast with it?

[thxdave]

I bought one of the El Cheapo's when I first got my EX1 but decided not to use it. If anybody is interested, make me an offer offlist.
Dave

[basspig]

Yep. Bought it over a year ago, maybe two... Frankly, I find it useless. The only way to get a steady image is to stop breathing, as the front of the support presses against the chest area. The plastic worries me too.. if that should snap in two, there goes any economic advantage into an economic sea of red ink (for repairs to the unlucky camera.)
I'm becoming ever more convinced that there is no really cheap way other than a good DiY design. My next camera support system will be a gimble and articulated arm system. MAYBE the one from India.. maybe.

[Chadfish]

This guy made a cool shoulder support that suspends the camera with a wire. It's a little later in his video, but all through it he has these cool DIY things for the EX1.

http://www.vimeo.com/5390097

[basspig]

Saw those videos. Thanks for linking them. His "funny thing" rig is similar to that commercial thing called the "Turtle". Most useful I think is the handle grip on the side. I think I'll make me one of those in short order. The man actually THINKS about how to improve the ergonomics and comes up with brilliant and economical enhancements that are DiY.

[Chadfish]

Yes the man has great ideas.

[Nasser]

Folks;

I presume this the original version by Smith-Victor ?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart&A=details&Q=&sku=583157&is=REG

Is this the ebay version ?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270501591748&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

[Chadfish]

It looks the same to me.

[Chadfish]

Well I just purchased mine for 29.00 off the ebay link. I couldn't resist. It's just so el cheap.

[digiteye]

Folks;

I presume this the original version by Smith-Victor ?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart&A=details&Q=&sku=583157&is=REG

Is this the ebay version ?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270501591748&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

We are witnessing the incarnation of the evergreen hope... that any good idea (including sliced bread) must have been invented in the US so there MUST be a better quality somewhere under Uncle Sam. There is not.
The fact on the other hand is, that this is not a Smith & Wesson and even Smith-Victor does import it from China. Apparently a hundred company sell this thingy under various brand names, there wont be any difference - apart form the price. In BH the thingy is nicely marked up from the 18 bucks your trusted HK seller would send it from the eBay - so if you follow the approach "think global, buy local" (or how does that go..?) then pay 80 bucks and be relaxed that you got a trustable product with BH behind. :happy:
For those who are short on breath: men tend to use the so called abdominal breathing which means the belly makes the move while taking breath, not the chest. Chest breathing is characteristic for females.
So if you try to place the front support above the beer tank, it greatly reduces the movement caused by your air intake.
This thing is great for the price, look at what primitive pieces of metal garbage you can get for hundreds, let me not listing here the "big" names good in making a thousand dollar bill from pipe and painted screws.

[Chadfish]

Min is on it's way from China. 29.00.

[CarPa]

I used el cheapo during one year or more. I did a lot of works with it with an ex1 and 5dmII. Never saw my breath in the videos. I think is easy avoid this problem but one guy said me that if you're fat is difficult minimize your breath. I've other shoulder supports. Some times I prefer more balanced rigs (with heavy setups), el cheapo charges the weight in your ribs and is uncomfortable if you use it all the day but all the works I do with it don't would be better with the high-end rigs. More balanced, more confortable, more pro-look but with the same end result.

[Chadfish]

I just got my "El Cheapo" today from China. $29.90 + 13.00 shipping.

It seems pretty cool, and more comfortable than my "Video Innovators" support: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/98762-REG/Video_Innovators_106_S_800_Pro_Shoulder_Support.ht ml Which has an add-on belly arm.

The only problem is that the screw to put on the camera is too long. I can't tighten my EX1 to the support. Anyone have a solution? I'm not the most mechanical chap.

[Mark Bolding]

Chad, can you completely remove the screw and put a washer or 2 under the mounting plate to shorten it?

mb

[Chadfish]

Chad, can you completely remove the screw and put a washer or 2 under the mounting plate to shorten it?

mb

Hey Mark.

I went the other rout and ordered a manfrotto mount plate: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/241139-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_577_577_Rapid_Connect_A dapter.html#reviews

I have a Manfrotto tripod, so this should work as a way to quickly take the camera off the el cheapo, and put it on the tripod.

I am buying a nice Sachtler head w/ Gitzo legs as my main tripod. I figure I'll be able to leave one EX1 on that, and be able to use the Manfrotto tripod for EX1 #2, and switch to the el cheapo using the mounting plate. It would be nice to have a similar thing for the Sachtler, but I haven't seen one, and I suspect they would be 2 or 3 times as expensive.

I am able to attach my camera using a little extension they give you designed for use with small cameras. The problem is that it raises the ex1 too high for my taste, and the contact surface is pretty small. I have to say that the el cheapo is pretty comfortable in use, It feels secure, and the part that rests on your upper belly is comfortably wide.

While this link is still good, you can see that the camera is mounted on a little extension platform. You may prefer your camera used this way, in which case there is no need for any modifications.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Shoulder-Support-Tripod-for-Camcorder-Video-Camera-S_W0QQitemZ290386505449QQcategoryZ64330QQcmdZViewI temQQ_trksidZp4340.m263QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DSIC%26it s%3DI%252BC%26itu%3DUCI%252BIA%252BUA%252BFICS%252 BUFI%252BDDSIC%26otn%3D10%26ps%3D63

But I want quick release, so even though the Manfrotto plate is 52.00, my total cost still comes in under 100.00 for a nifty way to shoulder mount your EX1.

[Pushpa de Silva]

Hi Chadfish, Do u know where I can purchase El Cheapo shoulder mount and other accessories for my EX1?? The e-bay sites mentioned above were been cancelled now as it's too old. If u know a website, please let me know. Thanks in advance.

[Chadfish]

Just look back through the pages of this thread. I listed some that are being sold at B&H under a different name.

[ZeusFaber]

Hu guys,

Is there some shot made with the El Cheapo?

[Chadfish]

Here are some shots I did at a party using it: http://www.youtube.com/ChadWork1#p/u/81/H2A7buVFOWg
I put this manfrotto mount on it: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/241139-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_577_577_Rapid_Connect_A dapter.html#reviews?AID=10655283&PID=3740040&SID=e6e7ud79ks&BI=3740040

My Sachtler plate fits in perfectly too!

Philip Bloom Using El Cheapo
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/attachment.php?attachmentid=5451&d=1203769823

[ZeusFaber]

Thanks

[kwkeirstead]

Sounds a bit scary to have" a £4500 camera on a £29 piece of plastic".

I went for Gliders Grey from India. It has what I feel to be a solid screw to a rather large base plate that came with the shoulder mount. I paid around $175 USD. I am generally very pleased with Gilders Grey.

I do like the idea of an adjustable strap and will use this and have added this to my list.

[thxdave]

My feelings exactly. I got one, took a minute or two to mount my EX1 on it.....and immediately put it on Craigslist and dumped it.

[Chadfish]

I put a Manfrotto rapid connect adapter (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/241139-REG/Manfrotto_577_577_Rapid_Connect_Adapter.html) on mine and it works fine. It holds the camera close enough to my face to use the viewfinder, and it fits well enough to take both hands off the camera (not that I'd shoot that way). Mine's over a year old now and has held up. I see the same thing as the el-cheapo re-branded and sold by other companies for over twice the price. It's fairly comfortable, while not putting the weight too much forward. Those EX1's ain't lite!