Glidecam questions and footage

[MatthewC]

I have a Glidecam 4000 I bought from a member on here.

What are som tips for using this device? I'm finding no matter how hard I try there's always a little bit of lag on the bottom, especially with faster movements. I get the weight almost perfectly balanced weightwise, then adjust the lean on it, then suddenly it outs of wack again.

Are there certain tips for getting it precise that I might jsut be missing? I'm finding that when I think I have it balanced, even tightening the screws seems to throw it off balance like nothing. It's extremely frustrating to spend 30 minutes trying to get it that precise where it doesn't lean one way or another. Hell, I still haven't had it perfectly balanced, it just refuses to find that sweet because it's so darn sensitive to the slightest touch.

Anyways, I went out and practiced for a bit this week.


Day 1: http://bebo.com/FlashBox.jsp?FlashBoxId=4363362459
Day 2: http://bebo.com/watch/4349911497

 

[DBoz699]

that wasnt as bad as I thought it would end up. There were alot of smooth shots. Only a few bumps here or there..especially at the end of video one. haha

I use a Glidecam 2000 that my school has. It was busted up and everything but I got it to work. I noticed when I balanced it to an HVX I ended up putting alot more weights on the back of the sled than the front, so I kinda know what kind of drag you're talking about.

When your going keep your right on the little handle that connects the piece the camera is on to the arm, then just try moving your left hand around at different points to see which is most comfortable and what gives you the most steady footage. Most people put their left hands on the bearing part; ive found that to be very annoying and instable so I put my left hand somewhere near the bolt that adjusts the height of the sled and it seems to work fine for me.

Just keep going at it....LOTS of practice and patience needed. It took me an hour to properly balance my camera to it.

 

[MatthewC]

that wasnt as bad as I thought it would end up. There were alot of smooth shots. Only a few bumps here or there..especially at the end of video one. haha

I use a Glidecam 2000 that my school has. It was busted up and everything but I got it to work. I noticed when I balanced it to an HVX I ended up putting alot more weights on the back of the sled than the front, so I kinda know what kind of drag you're talking about.

When your going keep your right on the little handle that connects the piece the camera is on to the arm, then just try moving your left hand around at different points to see which is most comfortable and what gives you the most steady footage. Most people put their left hands on the bearing part; ive found that to be very annoying and instable so I put my left hand somewhere near the bolt that adjusts the height of the sled and it seems to work fine for me.

Just keep going at it....LOTS of practice and patience needed. It took me an hour to properly balance my camera to it.

Haha, the end of video one is when I kneed it. Damn long legs.

I'm going to go out and try shooting some more today. Put on a polarizer lense so had to redo it all. Thanks for the advice. I've found putting mine around 4-6 inches below the gimble works best for me personally.

It's a very fun learning experience, but I'm finding it harder to venture away from my house for different shots because I know I'll get tired in 30 minutes, so not wanting to carry my camera on my shoulder and end up messing my settings keeps me closer to home.
I'm a skinny guy and my arm gets tired and shakes. I'm also trying to learn with both arms.

 

[DBoz699]

I get tired in like 30 mins too. Especially on the lower back. I'm just like...aahh!!!

What do you mean with both arms?

 

[MatthewC]

I get tired in like 30 mins too. Especially on the lower back. I'm just like...aahh!!!

What do you mean with both arms?

I mean I want to be able to hold it my left or right arm. I'm focusing on my right, but have been sporadically holding it up with my left for practice. I'm still having some issues with balancing it, so I'm trying to correct it with my hand which doesn't help.

I'm curious if anyone else has used a DVX with a 4000 before, and how many weights they used.

I shot this today. I had some settings a little too high in a few shots and got some nice red spots. Serves me right for using the LCD in the sunlight to shoot.


Glidecam Test Day 3
http://bebo.com/FlashBox.jsp?FlashBoxId=4377597898