glidecam hd2000 with hmc150

L

Lat32Media

Active member
Just purchased a glidecam hd 2000 for my hmc150 - pretty easy to set-up.....but not so easy to balance. Was wondering if anyone could share some tips on this configuration.

In particular how many counterweights on each side as well as approximate telescope extention...or any other tips, thanks Tom
 
The HD-2000 was an excellent choice for the HMC150.

Either get a balancing stand or stick a light stand up the handle for balancing (this is important and will improve your life -- BIG TIME).

Extend the HD-2000 shaft to add weight, shorten it to lighten it. Use this for minor adjustments after you've got the weights about right.

The main goal here is that when you do the drop test it takes two to four seconds to land upright. MOST IMPORTANT -- when it lands upright -- it should NOT be swinging around. If it's swinging around -- it's too heavy.

Use a stand and get that drop test right -- and the rest will be wonderful. Don't do those things and you're condemned to hard lessons and mediocre footage.

Also, you may want to push your weights as far away from the shaft as possible -- this reduces spin of the main shaft.

After you get balancing done right -- it'll take time to get good -- expect that.

Good luck!
 
I had a hd 2000 for my hmc150 once. I had 3 counterweights each side with the legs fully extended.

In case yours didn't come with a Vest, hope you can do 100 push-ups cos IMHO HC 150 and H2000 is just too heavy even for a professional lightweight boxer!
 
I can tell you after trial and frustration and could not find good info in regards to the balance. This is the Golden Key to getting this to work. I have the HD4000 with HMC150. Extend the Shaft out as far as you can. The trick is to have the least amount of weights added at the bottom. So - with shaft extended - add weights until it does not flip over. The less the better - then balancing is really easy after that. You do not have to have even weights on both sides - just add and then adjust the top. Hope this helps.
 
Well, I'm struggling to get the balance right. I have glidecam pro 4000 (supports 4 to 10lbs)

Is it a good choice for HMC150 (3.7lbs)?

I started to add 2 weights on each side. But it seems to light because if it is swinging around when I hold it.
So I added one weight more on each side (3 weights). Now it seems balanced when I hold it. But If I do the drop test, it looks like the bottom part is too heavy because it is swinging too fast.

Does this camcorder is too light (3.7lbs) for glidecam pro 4000?

Does anyone has succeeded to balance it ?

thanks

-herve
 
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Did you ever get your answer on this? I just bought Glidecam 4000 w/Smooth Shooter Vest & Arm, and I can't wait to try it out! I don't know if it comes with the manual but I'm sure I can find it if I need it. I've watched a few tutorials but the advice iujmdmf posted seems like gold. Has anyone found a good tutorial online?
 
Hey guys,
I have a glidecam hd400 which i use for both my HMC150 and Canon 7D.
Balancing it is definitely the hardest part, although once its right you shouldnt have to touch it again..
Here is a link to a video that should help..


http://vimeo.com/15300979
 
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