Leveling a shoulder mount rig

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dhart1949

Well-known member
One "issue" I have with this rig is keeping it level particularly when in the shoulder mount mode. Although I've been hand holding cameras for quite some time I have a tendency to "list to starboard" with this rig. I've found the large center marker inside the Zacuto viewfinder helps some (lining it up with a strong vertical line). I just ordered a very small bubble level I intend to attach to the top of the Zacuto just to check that it is level when I setup the rig. It could also just be the shoulder pad and I may have to cut a foam wedge to keep the rig from sloping down my shoulder. Anyone else done any of this or do you have other tricks for keeping things on the level :-)
 
It's funny you mentioned this because for the last few weeks I have been building a shoulder rig and have the same issue. I think a big part of the issue is the EVF and how its mounted. On a ENG camera the viewfinder is attached to the body with no horizontal needed. When I shoot handheld with a ENG camera I push the camera up against the side of my face and its always level unless I want to dutch the shot. But the EVF on a Noga arm or other devices has lots of adjustment degrees and getting that perfect can be a challenge. Also the camera sits higher on you shoulder which introduces a top heavy problem. I'm trying different shoulder pads out now. So I guess I don't have a answer but only add some points that I have found that may contribute to the issue.
If you figure it out please share.
 
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Erik, you bring up a good point about the mounting of an external EVF like the Zacuto. I have the zacuto mount, and it's a pain to keep it level when on a run and gun. Not to mention switching from shoulder to any other position. I find myself flipping up the loupe for low shots, but I can't adjust the angle of the evf unless I set the camera down and use both hands on t. Anybody found any better/more stable mounting options?
 
I want to mount my DP4 EVF on the camera not the rails but my Noga arm wont get it in the right place. Its to high for the handheld rig setup. A top 1/4 20 would've been nice I tried the flip image setting and that seemed to help. Not sure why I changed it back. I will try it again. I swear I have rebuilt this thing like a Lego set so many times that I can't remember what I did. I must have ADD :)
 
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Pretty close to final. Need the little bubble level on top of the Zacuto EVF to make sure I'm level. But the rig is comfortable. Use single Genus counterweight on back and the camera rig is well balanced with Nikon 17-55mm lens, Zacuto EFV and pistol grip forward of the balance point atop my shoulder. I believe the counterweight is 3.5 lbs. Gotta dress the cables a bit. Sure is nice to be able to start/stop camera from pistol grip. Now have to practice focus and zooming (backwards on a Nikon lens :-). I believe I have about $2,500 into the completed rig including Zacuto EFV. Vendors: Genus, Berky, Westside AV and Zacuto.
 
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