Issues With Non-Adjustable Shoulder Pad On Rig

frazzywig

frazzywig

Member
I'm wondering if anyone has experienced issues with their shoulder mounted rig causing more work for the hands to correct a tilt caused by the shoulder pad resting on a shoulder that is not level. I'm not sure how many people have level shoulders but I did notice that mine seem to get more level when I raise my arms up to grab handles. Anyway, the reason that I'm asking is because I'm trying to decide between jag35's shoulder pad or shoulder pad pro. The pro version offers the ability to adjust the angle of the pad. It costs $150 more and I'd be happy to pay that if I could just figure out if that added feature is actually that helpful, or even just if it's that much more comfortable on long shoots to have the full surface area of the shoulder pad resting flat on my crooked shoulder while the rest of my rig is level. I mean I'm no hunch back but my shoulder is not completely level either. I'd appreciate any insight that you all could provide. Thanks
 
frazziwig,
I don't think an adjustable pad will help much. Because the pad is flexible, your lifting or lowering of the handles will "squish" the pad to change the tilt. BTW, looking at the link you provided, I notice the rail attachment point is in the middle of the pad, making it difficult (impossible?) to center the pad under the camera. You would find it less tiring to have the camera weight centered on your shoulder. I use the Redrock pad, which has the rail attachment at the end, so I can slide the pad under the center of the camera.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ..._8_017_0005_microShoulderPad_w_Rod_Clamp.html

Also, it's easier to control the sideways tilt if the handles are separated by a foot or more.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/839183-REG/Movecam_MOV_303_0212_2_HAND_GRIPS_WITH_CENTER.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/855806-REG/Chrosziel_C_403_20_HANDLE_BAR_PROVIDEO_PLUS.html

-- Ken
 
Thanks a lot for your help. I'm kinda confused about your recommendation to get a shoulder pad that can be positioned under the camera though. I mean I completely understand how it would be less tiring, but wouldn't that necessitate that you be using something like an external monitor for composing shots? I'm planning on using a loupe and, correct me if I'm wrong but it doesn't seem like having the shoulder pad positioned under the camera would allow proper positioning of my eye to the LCD loupe.

Another thing I'd like to see if you could provide some input on... I once read a quote from Philip Bloom where he stated that he was confused as to how people make use of the handles on their rigs because he always has to have his hands on the camera controls and the lens while shooting to make changes as they are needed. I had always been thinking somewhat the same thing. Although I can definitely see the usefulness of being able to grab a handle for added stabilization and comfort as it would allow my arms to hold the weight from a lower position. How much general benefits to you find that handles provide as opposed to just holding the camera and the lens? Thanks
 
You're right about needing an external monitor if you're positioning the camera over the shoulder. I first tried having the camera far forward, so I could use the camera's LCD display; but after only a minute, the weight my arms had to support became very uncomfortable. Some people use a counter weight off the back of the shoulder, but that adds to the overall weight you have to carry.

When using a shoulder mount, I've got a wide angle lens on the camera, so the image won't bounce around too much. With a wide angle lens, the depth of field is large enough that I don't have to pull focus during the shot. So I can keep both hands on the handles. So far, I haven't needed to change exposure during a shot, but you're mileage may vary. Having both hands on widely separated handles makes a big difference in camera stability.

BTW, I see that CA Vision makes a shoulder mount assembly that would probably put the camera viewfinder where you want it. (But of course, there would still be the balance problem.)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/442486-REG/Cavision_RS15SP_2_RS15SP_2_Shoulder_Pad.html

-- Ken

P.S. - Philip Bloom's comment is certainly valid if you are shooting uncontrolled action, where you might suddenly need to change focus or exposure. Or... if you are steady enough to shoot from the shoulder with a long lens, which would likely need a focus pull. It really depends on the type of shooting you do.
 
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Thanks Ken. That adjustable shoulder pad is pretty cool. I've never seen one like that. That makes a lot of sense about the handles that are far apart providing a lot of stability. I suppose I'd better not skimp on the features of my rig then, since I do expect that I'll be needing to pull focus and/or adjust exposure while shooting, and/or reaching for the handles whenever possible for that additional stability. Thanks again for the insight.
 
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