SonicStates
Well-known member
Just ordered the El Cheapo!
Thanks for the lowdown!! Yet again DVX User members rocking!
Thanks for the lowdown!! Yet again DVX User members rocking!
El Cheapo shoulder support arrived today
- Thread starter Steve Shovlar
- Start date
Is this the same
Is this the same
Hey
Ad looks awful but is this roughly the same item available in the US?
http://cgi.ebay.com/HANDS-FREE-CAMC...ameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting
Is this the same
Hey
Ad looks awful but is this roughly the same item available in the US?
http://cgi.ebay.com/HANDS-FREE-CAMC...ameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting
basspig
Veteran
El Cheapo: You Get What You Pay For .. Pretty much...
El Cheapo: You Get What You Pay For .. Pretty much...
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.
El Cheapo: You Get What You Pay For .. Pretty much...
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.
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.
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philip bloom
Veteran
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
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
Veteran
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.
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.
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.
You'll come around. Just like you did with the EX1!
davidcheok
Member
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
Veteran
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.
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.
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.
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.
basspig
Veteran
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
Veteran
Unless your tripod happens to be Manfrotto, in which case you will only need one (the QR plate will match both).
moldcad
Veteran
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...
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...
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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
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
Veteran
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.