AC90: AC90 Shoulder support pad? (ENG style)

M

metalshooter

Member
Hey Guys,

Wondering if anyone can make a recommendation for a shoulder stablizer for the AC90 which has strictly a foam type shoulder support (similar to those found on ENG broadcast cameras, not something that would sit directly underneath the camera body but something with a a bit more length towards the back to essential lengthen the camera body. Not sure I'm explaining it properly but here is a picture to illustrate what I'm looking for. I've searched on B&H and eBay but can only find DSLR support rigs that use rods and/or handles. Just want something minimalist that can screw into the cameras plate mount.

Sony-NES_EA50-Side-616x238.jpg
 
I just got the Cowboy Studio mount from Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-...9?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1368483473&sr=1-9

I feel like it is close but I have to get the height just right. I find myself raising my right shoulder too much while I shoot and that is going to result in soreness for sure. The added attachments move the camera further away (which I don't want) so I just need to raise it up a bit. If I can get the AC90 at the proper height I will be happy, especially for the price.

There are many options in this sorted search via B&H:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ns=p_PRICE_2%7c0&ci=3925&N=4071351455&srtclk=sort
 
Thanks alot for the links. I did come across these products, they just seem a little bulky. The idea of strictly having a shoulder support is something I find appealing because if I don't want need/want to use the shoulder support I don't necessarily have to detach/reattach. Perhaps I should consider one with a gun handle as I'm sure it would come in handy as well. Thanks again!
 
I have both the Cowboy studio and the Stedi-stock "gun handle" and highly recommend both of them for the AC90.
 
I use the DVTEC Multirig for my AC160. Pricey, but the results are fantastic and you can buy a tripod mount as well, so the rig doesn't need to be taken off/put back on.
 
When I had my AC-130's I just made my own using aluminium 1/2" tube and they worked pretty well ..I did post some pics with the loupes on the LCD's as well but you will have to go back in the forum to find the pics!! I now have Sony EA-50's per your picture posted and they are really awesome to use on the shoulder but still need some counterbalance at the back. You can easily however make a shoulder pad from aluminium tube and flat bar struts just pop riveted together with a pad on the back and it will work fine..with mine I had one plate on the top of the ally tube to fasten to the cam and another (offset) under the tube as a tripod plate with a QR plate bolted on so it can be shoulder mounted or tripod mounted without removing anything and costs less than $20!

Chris
 
I'd prefer something a little less like a "nightmare in a Meccano" shop than the DVtec rigs. (I don't mean to be rude... the main thing that bugs me is that two-handled configuration and all the joints and things). The Cameraribbon device looks like a great, simple shoulder mount, but I don't see any UK stockists (hurrah for import tax and huge postage costs). I like the idea of keeping the grip with zoom rocker in my right hand, but just giving me a useful handle for the left hand as well as the shoulder support.

If I was handy, I'd have built one already. But I'm all thumbs when it comes to that sort of thing.

I've got one of those "Cowboy" rigs. They're sold under 100s of different names, they must be a Chinese import. That pad that presses on your chest is a nightmare for me, and I'm not that bad a shape. Plus the whole build quality is not what I'd put my $4000 AC130 camera on.
 
The DVTEC may look Meccano but it performs anything but. Packs up really small - which if you have to fly a lot, like I do, is fantastic. Also provides an amazingly stable platform, configures into different shapes and clips straight to a tripod. I also mount a zoom/focus/iris rocker to mine, and happily operate left-handed with same stability. I work in sport and newsgathering and this works great for my purposes. Horses for courses, though.
 
LOL, the one I moan I have about DVTEC is the lack of UK importer, meaning hefty import tax. I should've found an alternative EU dealer perhaps.
 
Phil, I'm starting to seriously look at getting one of these rigs. Can you tell me which model of Multirig you are using?

I've moved from a tiny Sony NX70 to a giant AC130 and as luck would have it I've done more handheld work with the AC130 in the past three months than I did in three years with the Sony!
 
Hi Mike, it's the DVTEC Multirig Pro plus tripod bracket. I work in professional cycling (mostly) and the ability to get moving shots from vehicles, then dash and clamp straight to a tripod for a finish-line shot, and straight back to my shoulder for mixed zone reaction is what made me splash the cash... it's also helped massively with a persistent rotator cuff injury I picked up as I am not bearing the weight of the camera so much during a shooting day.
 
Thanks Phil! I've seen the cycle videos and they look great for off-tripod shooting with a camera this weight and size. Do you use the belt support pod thingy with the rig as well?

I'm tossing up between this one and the camera ribbon... Either way, I'd best start saving some pennies.
 
I use the spring/belt combo a fair bit. There are occasions (fast sprint finishes) where you can't safely shoot off a tripod so I am shooting using my rig and the belt plus a zoom/iris control on the left handle.
 
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