shoulder mount

[Max R. Wilson]

I do a lot os conventions and news type shooting, normally i wear a vest with all the batteries and FS4 but i am starting to hate having all those cables going into the vest and it makes it harder for me to manuver and i seem to catch stuff with the hanging cables as im walking.

So i got a aluminium thershold and mounted my quick release plate to it and mounted the batteries to the back, i have a 1/2 thick rubber padding that im gona install once i find the best location for the padding.


I have the PAG Lite battery and a custom 12v 4000mAh battery that poweres the FS4 for 8 hours combined with the 90 min one, it also poweres my 7" screen if i have it on.

Right now i have a bit of a bounce since the alu is kinda flexable when i walk.

Any ideas how to make it stiffer with out having to buy a rail system?

http://socal-blitzkrieg.com/upload/images/3248shoulder.jpg

[Damon]

If you want to keep the threshold... Just a suggestion...

You could measure the underside of your threshold for width and then the length starting from the front until it starts to bend before your battery pack and FS4. Take those two measurements and have a metal supply shop cut a piece of 3/16" or 1/4" aluminum for you. Or find a cheap piece in their scrap pile. Then drill your holes and bolt it to your threshold with some nice hardware. That would definately stiffen it up.

If you are willing to get rid of your threshold...

Get a 1/4" aluminum strip the same size as your threshold and have a metal shop bend it at the spot you want with the same angle, etc.. Maybe sand the corners over so they are not as sharp. Do some drilling and mount your gear again. This might be a bit more rigid too.

I live in Van Nuys... there is a great metal supply shop called IMS (industrial metal supply) in the North Holywood/Burbank area on San Fernando Road. They have a great supply of scrap aluminum for a decent price. They will charge you for bending/cutting though. You could call them first and explain what you need and they should be able to give you an idea of how much you would be spending before you make a trip.

Just some thoughts... I am sure there are other options available too. These just came to mind.

*You could also check out some other DIY resources/posts as to how people have made their shoulder supports.

Cool setup...

Best Regards.

[Max R. Wilson]

Thanks for the tips!!

I might head over to IMS tomorrow since im building a jib also and need to get more aluminum for it.

Looking at some Rail systems i might be able to do it with some blocks of alu and rods...