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Home: Video University Forums: Tech Q & A:
glidecam

 
 


aaron12345
Novice

Mar 22, 2006, 2:38 PM

Post #1 of 9 (2152 views)
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glidecam Can't Post
We just purchased a glidecam system for use with a PD-150. It seems akward to use. I have it balanced as close as I can get it but it still seems to fly off axis after a few seconds. Are you supposed to hold on to the vertical pole while using it? Anyone have any tips on proper technique?


videochicke
Veteran


Mar 23, 2006, 6:32 PM

Post #2 of 9 (2138 views)
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Re: [aaron12345] glidecam [In reply to] Can't Post
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
http://www.inanyeventproductions.com


Justin Rank
User


Mar 24, 2006, 9:25 PM

Post #3 of 9 (2112 views)
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Re: [videochicke] glidecam [In reply to] Can't Post
videochicke,

I'm in the same boat and just bought my 2000pro today and I think I've got it balance alright. I can do the punching out and bringing it back without a problem and can do the quick side to side movements without it going off it's Y-axis. However, one thing I've noticed is that I use my VX2100 with the viewfinder open and that it catches just enough wind drag to make it rotate on its axis. Is this normal? Even at a fairly decent balance, these things seem a little wobbly...is that normal too?


bbalser
User

Mar 25, 2006, 9:34 AM

Post #4 of 9 (2106 views)
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Re: [Justin Rank] glidecam [In reply to] Can't Post
The maual that comes with is shows that you are supposed to keep one hand lightly on the shaft just below the handle. I use a 2000 and love it. But, when I upgraded to the DVX100a I had to also upgrade to the 4000 model.

Do you have the correct model? Here's how to tell. Load up your camera, battery, lights, mic, etc. Put it on a postal scale, is it more than 6 pounds? If so, you need to upgrade to the 4000 model.

It does take some work to get set up, but once it is, it should flow super smoothly.

Wind drag? Never had that! That's a new one to me!


Case
User


Mar 25, 2006, 10:51 AM

Post #5 of 9 (2099 views)
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Re: [bbalser] glidecam [In reply to] Can't Post
The three most important ingredients for success using these stabilizers are as follows:

1. Practice
2. Practice
3. Practice


Case Marsh
Marsh Video Productions
Easton, Maryland
"The Land of Pleasant Living"
www.marshvideo.com


BrianMacKenzie
User


Mar 25, 2006, 6:22 PM

Post #6 of 9 (2090 views)
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Re: [Case] glidecam [In reply to] Can't Post
I'm expecing my 4000 pro any day!

In my excitement I have looked at just about every link on Glidecam's site.

including this one that might help you out: http://glidecam.com/...ility_of_balance.mov

.
Unicycling Glidecam-ist
Balance Productions

Need help with that editing backlog? My schedule is pretty open right now, I can get them done quickly, here is a sample of my editing
London Ontario Wedding Videos


videochicke
Veteran


Mar 28, 2006, 2:51 PM

Post #7 of 9 (2057 views)
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Re: [Justin Rank] glidecam [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
videochicke,

I'm in the same boat and just bought my 2000pro today and I think I've got it balance alright. I can do the punching out and bringing it back without a problem and can do the quick side to side movements without it going off it's Y-axis. However, one thing I've noticed is that I use my VX2100 with the viewfinder open and that it catches just enough wind drag to make it rotate on its axis. Is this normal? Even at a fairly decent balance, these things seem a little wobbly...is that normal too?
Never had the wind drag experience, but as far as the wobble, I have used the pd-170 on the Glidecam 2000 and the 4000 side by side, and found the 4000 to feel so much more solid.
Julie
http://www.inanyeventproductions.com


videochicke
Veteran


Mar 28, 2006, 2:52 PM

Post #8 of 9 (2056 views)
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Re: [Case] glidecam [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
The three most important ingredients for success using these stabilizers are as follows:

1. Practice
2. Practice
3. Practice
And lifting weights!
Julie
http://www.inanyeventproductions.com


bbalser
User

Mar 31, 2006, 8:23 AM

Post #9 of 9 (1992 views)
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Re: [videochicke] glidecam [In reply to] Can't Post
Not sure of your cameras totaly weight with light, mic, battery, etc. The 2000 only handles cameras up to 6 pounds. That's 6 pounds totaly package! I found with my DVX100a I had to move up to the 4000 model, which can handle up to 10 pounds of a total package. I loaded up my DVX100a with my big battery, light, mic, and it was just too heavy for the 2000.

In the manual on page 25 it shows how to use your left hand with it. Yes, it is a two handed device. They call it your "guiding hand". You touch lightly with your fingers just under "the main bearing assembly or yoke."

Also, have your LCD fliped out when you're setting the balance. Also, be sure you have enough weight. Or not too much.

These things have two important issues:
1- take your time and do a good configuration
2- practice, practice, practice, as was said before

I love my 4000 with my heavier Panasonic cameras.