Shoulder rig for both shoulders

F

freddyx

Member
I'm just wondering why all shoulder rigs for dslr's are just for one shoulder. Last weeks, I've had some very long days (14-18 hours) with a rig like this:
shoulder-GCSMK-5.jpg
http://images.genustech.tv/images/stories/virtuemart/product/GCSMK/shoulder-GCSMK-5.jpg

One day, after a long shoot I was thinking of a rig for both shoulders. When balanced it could make the work much nicer as I don't need to hold the gear but only to control my gear. But searching and looking on the internet, I couldn't find anything.

It surpriced me and the next questions rised:
Why isn't there something?
Has someone tried this already and didn't it work or has nobody thought about it?

The rig is for my GH3 with stuff like monitor, light, mic and batteries.

Hope someone can clear the sky before I get started with some DIY project or point me in the right direction.
 
the big problem for me with a dual-shoulder rig is that they are usually big and cumbersome to get in and out of
 
I agree. I don't see why it wouldn't be hard to throw another shoulder pad swinging the other way on that thing. It makes sense to me that a two shoulder rig would be far more stable and accurate and comfortable during shooting. Putting it on and off may be a little harder tho as mentioned.

My shoulders and neck kill me after a few hours of shooting. But I have a bad back and not normally the rig shooter.
 
It's a good thing you weren't around for the 35mm adapter and mirror flip days and nothing less than 7" monitors, attached to the HVX200 which was 5.5 lbs. Rigs were non existent. You might want to check out Easyrig.

http://www.easyrig.com
 
The Edelkrone dual pad is very very expensive - $ 1400, but thanks for your repley!
I've used the Easyrig before but I'm not comfortable with it.

The size is something I'm scared off, but last night I've got an idea.

Take:
2 pieces of this C-shape: http://www.linkdelight.com/014210-15mm-DSLR-DV-C-Shape-Support-Mount-Bracket-Top-Handle-Grip.html
2 shoulderpads: http://www.ebay.com/itm/VARAVON-Lea...501?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d0531a965
8 90 degrees clamps: http://www.ebay.com/itm/90-Degree-R...640?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a1bd72798
4 pieces of 30mm rods like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/2x-15mm-12-...689?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27c81170a1
2 90 degree railblock: http://www.coollcd.com/c90-15mm-90-degree-railblock_p922.html

I would put the shoulderpads on top of the C-Shape and 2 clamps on both ends. Connect them with the 30mm rods. On the back, there is some space for my battery (http://www.deben.com/lithium-polymer-battery-packs/12v-22ah-lithium-polymer-battery-pack.html). With the 2 railblocks on the front, I can build the essential parts for my camera, lights, monitor and other stuff.
Sadly, I tried to draw it but it looks like nothing.

The biggest question as always is: should it handle all my stuff?
Battery weight = 1.3 kg
Camera = approx 1 kg
Monitor = 0.6 kg
Mic, light and other stuff = approx 0.5 kg

I know it's hard to tell if it can handle it but all advice is welcome!
 
I regularly make a dual shoulder support rig out of a Gorillapod Focus and a ballhead. Of course I'm just "rigging" the camera itself, no monitor or recorder or anything else.
 
My main goal is to have something that rest balanced on my shoulder.

After some hours of shooting, my arms get tired from holding the rig and starts trembling.

I was wondering if I'm the only person in the world with this problem. Looking at Zakuto, they make rigs for heavy cams but all for one shoulder.
 
It's not about the weight but rather the distribution. Make sure your shoulder pad is comfortable and then have it balanced properly. You need weight behind the shoulder for balance. I carry a red camera on my shoulder with little fatigue.
 
I'd be spooked to have a dual shoulder rig. I've fallen over while shooting & have seen others do it too. Had the camera wrapped around any of us the spill could have been much worse.

As bgunda recommended: balance your rig & if it's too heavy use an EasyRig. Also consider a HIPSHOT.

http://www.hipshot.tv/
 
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Hmm, I see. A dual shoulder rig isn't the best option.:Drogar-Thinking(DBG

So, the best thing I can do is: buy is a normal rig and balance it correct for my stuff.
But why are those rigs so expensive...

My setup is not that heavy as Sony FSx so do I really need this expensive stuff?
 
Expensive is a relative term. A good rig stays with you for a while and possible other cameras. A good rig also means you buy once. A good rig usually has accessories that can be added as your needs grow. I think Wooden Camera has sound rigs. $1500 is an easy business expense.

freddyx said:
Hmm, I see. A dual shoulder rig isn't the best option.:Drogar-Thinking(DBG

So, the best thing I can do is: buy is a normal rig and balance it correct for my stuff.
But why are those rigs so expensive...

My setup is not that heavy as Sony FSx so do I really need this expensive stuff?
Click to expand...
 
I'm thinking of a lanparte rig kit 01. It includes everything I need for 2600 euro. It is a lot of money but it not as much as a zacuto or redrock. Next week, I go to a local dealer to try.

Are there other things than the weight/balance I must be aware of?
The rig I've rented last times was really bad, so everything better will bring me in heaven. Not a good place to buy from ;-)
 
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