I hate my Glidecam

MatthewC

MatthewC

Well-known member
I'm getting extremely frustrated. My Glidecam 4000 is pissing me off.

I can never get it right. It seems it always drifts forward, or backwards just a little. The slightest touch, less than a millimeter, and it either goes forward, or backwards.
Is it so sensitive because it's a little too top heavy? Not when I test it. It takes around 2.6 seconds for the drop test to go.

Okay, I extend my pole. Cool, now it's down to around 1.5 seconds for the drop test.
Except now when I move it really fast, the bottom lags behind. Let's shorten the pole a little. Oops, the bottom doesn't lag behind but now it wants to slowly drift, and refuses to sit perfectly still. Now the slight touch again shifts it out of balance, even tightening the screws.

I'm just about to go insane here. I've got 4 weights on it. Should I try less and lengthen the pole? I'm about to throw this thing out the window.


Anyone used the DVX with the GC 4000? How many weights do you use?
 
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I built that one and it works really nice for me. I can post some picture of it at a later time. With the connection I had I payed about 14 $. (100 Swedish Kronor)
 
Yeah, my first use of that steadycam was my first weddingshot (16 hours). My back hurt and my right arm the two days after. But if you go to the gym you should be perfectly safe :)
 
so how can i screw my camera in to the tripod peice, shudu i use my tri[od piece, or wut can i mount my camera on? my dad can get the 5.5 mm screw to screw in
 
Yeah I simply used a 5.5 mm screw. But if you going to shot for a long time, you better fix a grip, metal against hand irritates and hurts after a few hour. Maybe some gloves can help in the wait for better options.
 
I weld a piece of metal on the top, drilled a hole for the screw and WHOLLA! You have yourself camera-attach location :)
 
@TheComo and Gestahl
Dont you think this is the wrong place to discuss this piece of crap? He is concerned about his Glidecam 4000, a 500$ stabilizer and you highjack his thread with questions about a 14$ DIY "put together some waste pipes"-stabilizer.

@MathewC
How long have you got your Glidecam? Maybe it just needs some more time. Just be patient and keep on trying.
 
I have a GC4000 Pro and the Smooth Shooter vest. The very first time I set it up with a 100A it took forever. With the addition of quick release baseplate I can get it set up in a few minutes. One of the key issues using a 4000 with any DVX, is a DVX is right on the borderline of being too light. I added a bit of deadweight to the camera and everything works great.
 
Nomis said:
@TheComo and Gestahl
Dont you think this is the wrong place to discuss this piece of crap? He is concerned about his Glidecam 4000, a 500$ stabilizer and you highjack his thread with questions about a 14$ DIY "put together some waste pipes"-stabilizer.

@MathewC
How long have you got your Glidecam? Maybe it just needs some more time. Just be patient and keep on trying.
Click to expand...

I've only used it around 3 days, just doing test shots.
It just seems it's impossible to get balanced. I cannot find that sweet spot.

This is my procedure

1) Quick balance.
2) Fling it around, seeing if the bottom sways delayed. If it does, I shorten the stock until it gets to the point where it seems to not lag too much.
3) Check my 1.5 second drop test.
3) Rebalance again. And again. And again.

It seems when I get a 1.5 second drop (horizontal to vertical test), that the bottom is now too heavy though and tends to lag a little, so stopping sharply isn't good.

Whenever I think I might have found that sweet spot, I balance again.
Due to the stock being so short and using 4 weights, I think it is extremely picky. Where as if I can extend the stock out so it's got a longer base it is easier to find that sweet spot, BUT the bottom tends to be too light and drag a little now.

Usually by the time I've sort of gone through all that it's been 30 minutes and I'm sweating balls just from holding in one hand and tweaking in the other.

I feel like there's a certain order for doing things, and I might be doing it wrong.
 
craigbowman said:
I have a GC4000 Pro and the Smooth Shooter vest. The very first time I set it up with a 100A it took forever. With the addition of quick release baseplate I can get it set up in a few minutes. One of the key issues using a 4000 with any DVX, is a DVX is right on the borderline of being too light. I added a bit of deadweight to the camera and everything works great.
Click to expand...
What was your weight setup? How many weights on there? What did you add? I feel like I'm bouncing right in the middle.
 
I'm not at home at the moment but at work. When I get home later I will take a few photos and show you how I have it set up.
 
GC4000_001.jpg


GC4000_002.jpg


Notice 3 weights on each side on bottom. This is totally stripped down camera. Still works fine.
 
Probably I got rather stupid question, but could anyone please answer to me. If it is enough to use GC 2000 with DVX100b or using GC 4000 is obligatory?

thanks foward.
 
Nomis said:
@TheComo and Gestahl
Dont you think this is the wrong place to discuss this piece of crap? He is concerned about his Glidecam 4000, a 500$ stabilizer and you highjack his thread with questions about a 14$ DIY "put together some waste pipes"-stabilizer.
Click to expand...

Have to agree with that - make another thread. And the part about it being a piece of crap.

To original poster - glidecam / steadicam they all take time and practice. Hang in there - you dont need a vest and arm for small format.
 
Im using a GC2000PRO and love it. Adding a quick release plate makes things way easier and quicker too.
 
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