Ok so here it is...
I'm relatively new to the "steadicam experience." I've used a steadicam flyer a couple of times on various shoots, and the only thing I could think when the shoot ended was... "man I want one of these."
So I decided to say F*&k it, throw caution to the wind, and order a Glidecam X-10 with the Glidecam 4000 pro. (I can't afford a Flyer) I know what you're thinking, "why you'd never be able to use that with your XH-A1, Sgpro, and giant-ass mattebox of your's, Dave"... but guess what you're wrong!
At first I found it impossible to balance the Glidecam's Sled, but then I realized something. The weights they use on the Glidecam are really stupid; simply put, they aren't wide enough to cover the surface area you'd need to fly any camera. They move around too much, and aren't easy to align while your spending your 4 hours getting your rig to balance. So what do you do?
Throw them away! Go to your locate fitness supply store, walmart, or anywhere they sell barbell weights (1 1/4lbs is what I'm using), and use those instead. I had my rig balanced in a few seconds. And as far as the arm not being able to support the weight? B*LLSH&T! It might not be the most ideal situation, but I can't even use it at full tention because the pull is too strong... so I could actually get more weight on this thing.
Either way sorry for the rant, but when I looked on here trying to find the littlest amount of information... all I could find was Steadicam owners harping over how awesome the design of a steadicam is (we know that! that is why they cost so damn much money!).
If you're looking for a steadicam, 35mm users... you can save a bunch of money and get a glidecam. And yes, you'll need a way to focus it... but I already had that covered.
Cheers.
I'm relatively new to the "steadicam experience." I've used a steadicam flyer a couple of times on various shoots, and the only thing I could think when the shoot ended was... "man I want one of these."
So I decided to say F*&k it, throw caution to the wind, and order a Glidecam X-10 with the Glidecam 4000 pro. (I can't afford a Flyer) I know what you're thinking, "why you'd never be able to use that with your XH-A1, Sgpro, and giant-ass mattebox of your's, Dave"... but guess what you're wrong!
At first I found it impossible to balance the Glidecam's Sled, but then I realized something. The weights they use on the Glidecam are really stupid; simply put, they aren't wide enough to cover the surface area you'd need to fly any camera. They move around too much, and aren't easy to align while your spending your 4 hours getting your rig to balance. So what do you do?
Throw them away! Go to your locate fitness supply store, walmart, or anywhere they sell barbell weights (1 1/4lbs is what I'm using), and use those instead. I had my rig balanced in a few seconds. And as far as the arm not being able to support the weight? B*LLSH&T! It might not be the most ideal situation, but I can't even use it at full tention because the pull is too strong... so I could actually get more weight on this thing.
Either way sorry for the rant, but when I looked on here trying to find the littlest amount of information... all I could find was Steadicam owners harping over how awesome the design of a steadicam is (we know that! that is why they cost so damn much money!).
If you're looking for a steadicam, 35mm users... you can save a bunch of money and get a glidecam. And yes, you'll need a way to focus it... but I already had that covered.
Cheers.
