videochicke
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Mar 23, 2006, 9:32 PM
Post #2 of 9
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I have the Glidecam 2000 with a pd-170 on it. I have 4 weights on the front and four on the back. The weights are as far to the outside edges as possible.
The camera must be exactly as it will be used to balance it--tape in , battery, lcd open etc.
First thing you need to do is adjust the length of the center pole. Hold the handle of the glidecam, and hold the base up until the center pole is parallel to the ground. Let go of the base. It should take 2 seconds to reach the bottom. If it falls too fast, shorten the pole. Too slow ( or goes upside down), lengthen it. If it still goes too slow will it fully extended, you need more weights. Also, make sure the base is lined up with the camera. If it is twisted, it makes it hard to balance.
Next, just keep tweaking the horizontal and vertical adjustment on the top plate. Put the Glidecam on a table. Lift it slowly with one hand. If it falls forward, move the plate back. If it leans back, slide the plate forward. Once the forward and back is somewhat ok, go for the side to side motion. If it leans to the left, slide the plate to the right. If it leans to the right, slide the plate to the left. A fraction of an inch can mean the difference between balanced and not. You'll have to go back and forth between the forward and side to side adjustments until it is just right. When it is, you will be able to "punch" the Glidecam forward and back with one hand and it will just kind of stay nice and level.
As far as the vertical pole, you kind of loosely pinch it with your left hand. And then you walk fairly stupid looking for best results.
Good Luck!!!
Julie
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