why is it that my glide cam works fine off the vest, but when I hook it up to my dual spring vest it doesn't work at all... how should I adjust the tension in my springs?
why is it that my glide cam works fine off the vest, but when I hook it up to my dual spring vest it doesn't work at all... how should I adjust the tension in my springs?
Is that you Roger C? I bought my 1D mark III from you back in 09, haven't had any problems since you helped me get it fixed under the warranty =) Great vid.. I'm playing with video now too
It seems the new DSLR's are a little easier to manage on these Glide-cams. We use a Fx1 with Glide-cam 4000 w/ arm and if its not perfectly balanced it can be awful shaky. Check out some of our videos up on our channel!
I can't seem to balance it correctly... It's still fairly wobbly... It's a 550D with 18-55mm stock lens. I follow instructions, but this video seems more useful than the actual manual that came with it, heh.
I seriously think that the glidecam series 2000 and 4000 are perfect for the semi pro. I'm using the 2000, and it's great for cams up to the weight of the HPX170. Honestly I don't find it hard at all to balancing the glidecam. I don't get why people then write a crappy review on B&H just because they cannot figure it out, if they purchased a steadicam which is more expensive they'd still not be able to adjust it.
I do this way differently than what you described. I almost have no drop time.
@rubent100 I have a 7D also, and until my 16mm prime comes I am stuck using my 28-135 stock lens. However, I have found a nice sweet spot and I only use 2 weights, one on each side. I have heard a lot of people talking about using 2 weights on each side, and it may just come down to what lens you have, but I have found just 2 works well for me. The key I think is to use as little weight as possible while still maintaining a good drop time. Mine is slightly over 2 seconds. Hope that helps.
nice tutorial. Just got Glidecam HD 2000 for my 7D. Your tutorial helped a lot, but i still feel it's not perfect. Can u tell how many weights u added on each side? I believe 7D is a bit more heavy than the 5D MK2. Please make some more tutorials if you can. Thanx!
Great video, I have a Canon XH A1 HDV video camera and pretty heavy and with the added weight plates and the glidecam, it is to heavy to hold very long. I had to get a vest with a stabelizer that holds the glidecam. It is rough to use.. Had you ever wore a body vest with a staelizer before?
... Use of lever - OMG - I didn't realise it comes out, and that is how it used. The Manfrotto manual simply says "The angle of the level on the ratchet level can be repositioned as required without effecting the lock itself". Maybe you should make some instructions of Manfrotto too.
I managed to hold the HD2000 + 5d mk II + 4 weights for 2 minutes before my arms died. How many shredded wheat do you eat? Do you use a vest in the fields? Which one?
@lensrentals Hi, I am a film student at university and I wish I could say the same... The bodypod we have at uni unfortunately doesn't have any suspension connected directly from the 'arm' to the bodypod (if that makes sense), making it impossible to move without your body movement accentuating the camera movement... I had to learn this the hard way on a film project (FCP's smoothcam did some damage control on this...).
@TUCKSHOPTONY U just gotta get used to it... I had the same thing on my first few days but then I got used to it and I was able to shoot 5-10 minutes without the arm... With the arm its about the same, but you get more stability, so I would go for shooting with the arm.
Use of two screws to hold the QR plate in place. This was a mite tricky as the only time two holes line up is when the centre and bottom hole of the Manfrotto QR is in place ... but the largest hole is too large to put a 3/8" screw in. -> I eventually used a 1/4" hole, and a M4 (4mm) bolt at an angle.
the glidecam "HD" version is much more workable than the older "PRO" version. being able to make quick adjustments up top makes the glidecame HD much better. i use the Pilot though. it is a nice rig but you its costs more so you get more. i think the Smooth Shooter vest is better than the Pilot vest though. by the way aviatorxpilot...a Steadicam Pilot rig with AA batteries can be had for a little under $4,000. dont know where you are coming up with the 8K.
i just got mine today. it'll definitely give your arm a workout. i got the arm brace with it too. a lot of people find it a tough challenge to balance it, but i had mine within the hour the first time i balanced mine. too bad UPS comes late where I am. didn't get to test it outside. I don't get off work until it's dark outside, so as usual, any new toy you get it's a curse that you'll be prevented from playing with it like you want to when it's brand new. i think i'm going to have fun with it.
i just got my glide cam i wish i could of had it when i did my short film!! man go to my page and check out the 100Shellz till death OFFICIAL TRailer to my short fil tell me if it would have helped me !!
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
Before tou buy a glidecam, make sure you do your research. This rig is inexpensive for a reason. It's crap! Did you see the telescoping post slides out all the way? It has no safety cable inside to keep the post from accidently falling out. imagine if you had a monitor and it slid out. Also the gimble is not adjustable. If it was, you wouldn't have to extent the post as much and you can use less weight. BUYER BEWARE!
Are you kidding me? Glidecam 1000. 2000 & 4000 are crap!!! Have you even tried a real Steadicam by Tiffen or an Aviator MX by VariZoom? Because if you have, you would be saying the same thing... CRAP!!!
No way! the barings in this rig suck, the stage is a pain in the ass. 8 freaking screws just to adjust the stage? Are kidding me? what about the fact that the gimble is not adjustable?
IT WORKS F'N FINE - my god just youtube the samples - I saw your test video - you don't have it even close to balanced right
It takes a few minutes to get right - of course it's not going to have the features of products costing a few grand, but it does what it advertises and is the best bang for the buck steadicam in existence.
I don't have a test video on line anywhere. I will agree that any stabilizer is better than none. But when your work as a Steadicam operator for a living, time is money. when you have to re rig for different shots be low mode or a different cam. it makes it eassier with the right equipment. I spent 1 1/2 researching these rigs and tried 5 or 6 brands. I been to the Varizoom and Steadicam factories. aaaaThe quality is unmatched. If you ever tried a Steadicam you'll know what I'm talking about.
I bought a Varisoom rig because the people that make them are ex steadicam engineers and machinist. And the price was right. Had I bought a pilot it would have cost $8K I bought 2 Aviators for $8400.oo Cash. they use the same parts as the steadicam.
Glidecam makes higher ends rig also. These rigs work great. All I saying is you get what you pay for. 2 weeks ago I spent 7 1/2 hrs with a 2 0r 3 min breaks in between shots. and my rig made a big difference. If I had used the Glidecam 4000, like the one I rented last year. I would of collasped with fatigue and cramps in my hand. (The Barings suck). BTW good Steadicam opr can make betwenn $1500- $2500 a day! Also I do this for fun and as a hobby. I build airplaanes for a living at Boeing.
Thank you very very much. Yesterday I bought the Glidecam HD4000 and I shoot some sequences without proper balancing. The footage is not to good as you can imagine. But today I found your tutorial and followed your steps. Yeah man now it works very very fine. Took a quick release plate like you did and now it's very comfortable to me. Now I am ready for some floating pictures. ;) Thank you, I gave you 5 stars!
EXCELLENT! Thank you. I've learned more from you then the jokers who wrote the user manual for the glidecam 2000 pro. I have gotten to a point of just returning the glidecam. I am using JVC gxhd3u camera and I can't seem to get the drop time right. Everything else is balanced. Maybe my camera is too light for the glidecam. Don't know. Thanks for a job well done.
Great stuff props
Thaikid13 2 days ago
Thank u!
PunchlineVideoCo 1 week ago
Awesome! Thanks for the tips. Please keep them coming. Great work!
PunchlineVideoCo 1 week ago
"Now we know somewhere between all the way closed, and all the way open, is our sweet spot." NO WAY!
Jojojojof 2 weeks ago
Me: Siri, how do i balance my Canon 7D on a glidecam 2000?
Siri: "I dont know"
Me: "this is literally impossible"
3Bproductionz 4 weeks ago
Comment removed
jcut471988 1 month ago
Hello sir! is this the GlidecamHD 1000, and how do i know what version is appropriate for my DSLR cam? Canon 7d that is.
kellyakakells 1 month ago
nice
gaspoweredcamel 1 month ago
you know your glidecam mister! nice and thanks;)
sCiprianFilm 2 months ago
You did a nice, concise job of explaining this.
hawaiifilmschool 2 months ago
The Glidecam 2000 pro sucks... lol. That is fast to set up. The older one can take days lol
westcoasthaase 3 months ago
are you using a green screen in this video?
TheBananaRebel 4 months ago
thats kooool,looks like its floating
sunnyGsss 10 months ago
@sunnyGsss but it really does float:)
sCiprianFilm 2 months ago
where are the "future lessons?" hehe
ryanp777 10 months ago 9
are you tilt shifted in this?
inhaleforthose 10 months ago
@inhaleforthose it's bokeh. you get that from having a wide aperture.
hhanslie 4 months ago
i really liked ur tutorial....where is part 3?
pishvafar 11 months ago
so whats better the merlin or glidecam?
888kabe 11 months ago
@888kabe you dont see movie makers useing a merlin do you?
AndrewTheMacGyver 11 months ago
Good advice Dave, thanks
oxforduniversity 11 months ago
why is it that my glide cam works fine off the vest, but when I hook it up to my dual spring vest it doesn't work at all... how should I adjust the tension in my springs?
keenanmartens 11 months ago
why is it that my glide cam works fine off the vest, but when I hook it up to my dual spring vest it doesn't work at all... how should I adjust the tension in my springs?
keenanmartens 11 months ago
Great instuctions
gok00000 1 year ago
Is that you Roger C? I bought my 1D mark III from you back in 09, haven't had any problems since you helped me get it fixed under the warranty =) Great vid.. I'm playing with video now too
nataatma 1 year ago
It seems the new DSLR's are a little easier to manage on these Glide-cams. We use a Fx1 with Glide-cam 4000 w/ arm and if its not perfectly balanced it can be awful shaky. Check out some of our videos up on our channel!
ViRealStudios 1 year ago
I'm currently trying to balance Nikon d90 with my new Glidecam 2000HD, however as for now it seems hardly possible.
I have no idea how to stabilize it in order to receive the effect as the person in the above tutorial. I/m using 1 weight on each of the side.
HELP!
Thanks!
Witalis from Poland
ownstyles 1 year ago
waiting for the next lesson ;-)
nore68 1 year ago
I can't seem to balance it correctly... It's still fairly wobbly... It's a 550D with 18-55mm stock lens. I follow instructions, but this video seems more useful than the actual manual that came with it, heh.
WelschVideo 1 year ago
oh man this was a fantastic tutorial thanks i am from Brazil in south america and i really liked this tutorial from down here ..
claudioagmfilho 1 year ago
sir can i use a sony DCRHC38 camera on this?
davidtejones 1 year ago
Thank you for this posting. Well done! :-)
cmMerlin 1 year ago
I seriously think that the glidecam series 2000 and 4000 are perfect for the semi pro. I'm using the 2000, and it's great for cams up to the weight of the HPX170. Honestly I don't find it hard at all to balancing the glidecam. I don't get why people then write a crappy review on B&H just because they cannot figure it out, if they purchased a steadicam which is more expensive they'd still not be able to adjust it.
I do this way differently than what you described. I almost have no drop time.
StuartHaight 1 year ago
super
13germany 1 year ago
I have a 7D with small 50mm, my drop time is real fast like 1 second with 2 counter weights. Anyone have a nice setup for the 7d and this lens?
rubent100 1 year ago
@rubent100 I have a 7D also, and until my 16mm prime comes I am stuck using my 28-135 stock lens. However, I have found a nice sweet spot and I only use 2 weights, one on each side. I have heard a lot of people talking about using 2 weights on each side, and it may just come down to what lens you have, but I have found just 2 works well for me. The key I think is to use as little weight as possible while still maintaining a good drop time. Mine is slightly over 2 seconds. Hope that helps.
BradmBallew 1 year ago
nice tutorial. Just got Glidecam HD 2000 for my 7D. Your tutorial helped a lot, but i still feel it's not perfect. Can u tell how many weights u added on each side? I believe 7D is a bit more heavy than the 5D MK2. Please make some more tutorials if you can. Thanx!
mhshah7 1 year ago
Great video, I have a Canon XH A1 HDV video camera and pretty heavy and with the added weight plates and the glidecam, it is to heavy to hold very long. I had to get a vest with a stabelizer that holds the glidecam. It is rough to use.. Had you ever wore a body vest with a staelizer before?
odewepe 1 year ago
... Use of lever - OMG - I didn't realise it comes out, and that is how it used. The Manfrotto manual simply says "The angle of the level on the ratchet level can be repositioned as required without effecting the lock itself". Maybe you should make some instructions of Manfrotto too.
I managed to hold the HD2000 + 5d mk II + 4 weights for 2 minutes before my arms died. How many shredded wheat do you eat? Do you use a vest in the fields? Which one?
Best Regards,
Antony
TUCKSHOPTONY 2 years ago 4
We use Glidecam's BodyPod a lot. Its cheap and lightweight and gets the job done.
lensrentals 2 years ago
@lensrentals Hi, I am a film student at university and I wish I could say the same... The bodypod we have at uni unfortunately doesn't have any suspension connected directly from the 'arm' to the bodypod (if that makes sense), making it impossible to move without your body movement accentuating the camera movement... I had to learn this the hard way on a film project (FCP's smoothcam did some damage control on this...).
mrpsb7 2 weeks ago
@TUCKSHOPTONY U just gotta get used to it... I had the same thing on my first few days but then I got used to it and I was able to shoot 5-10 minutes without the arm... With the arm its about the same, but you get more stability, so I would go for shooting with the arm.
JaksProductions 1 year ago
@TUCKSHOPTONY Get an arm brace! Easy to make yourself. and cheap to buy
SwissDHD 3 months ago
Very useful video - Glidecam should pay you.
Slow-release - haha exactly what I was thinking.
Use of two screws to hold the QR plate in place. This was a mite tricky as the only time two holes line up is when the centre and bottom hole of the Manfrotto QR is in place ... but the largest hole is too large to put a 3/8" screw in. -> I eventually used a 1/4" hole, and a M4 (4mm) bolt at an angle.
Best Regards,
Antony
TUCKSHOPTONY 2 years ago
Great tutorial, thanks much!!!
Are the models similar enough for this to be applied to the 2000 as well?
cgxphoto 2 years ago
Where could you find this in the UK?
steph29 2 years ago
Thank you for tutorial!
vadimaction 2 years ago
Very good tutorial, thanks
SuperHD1080P 2 years ago
the glidecam "HD" version is much more workable than the older "PRO" version. being able to make quick adjustments up top makes the glidecame HD much better. i use the Pilot though. it is a nice rig but you its costs more so you get more. i think the Smooth Shooter vest is better than the Pilot vest though. by the way aviatorxpilot...a Steadicam Pilot rig with AA batteries can be had for a little under $4,000. dont know where you are coming up with the 8K.
formattester6 2 years ago
I meant to say Flyer LE... which is the Steadicam equivalent to my VariZoom Aviator MX rig.
aviatormxpilot 2 years ago
@aviatormxpilot yeah the Flyer is a big jump in price! thanks for the clarifcation dp
formattester6 2 years ago
Tanx for a well done tutorial, but I miss one thing..
how do you achieve dynamic balance?
Cheers /M
ansemms 2 years ago
i just got mine today. it'll definitely give your arm a workout. i got the arm brace with it too. a lot of people find it a tough challenge to balance it, but i had mine within the hour the first time i balanced mine. too bad UPS comes late where I am. didn't get to test it outside. I don't get off work until it's dark outside, so as usual, any new toy you get it's a curse that you'll be prevented from playing with it like you want to when it's brand new. i think i'm going to have fun with it.
pksmb1120 2 years ago
i just got my glide cam i wish i could of had it when i did my short film!! man go to my page and check out the 100Shellz till death OFFICIAL TRailer to my short fil tell me if it would have helped me !!
daylyts2009 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Before tou buy a glidecam, make sure you do your research. This rig is inexpensive for a reason. It's crap! Did you see the telescoping post slides out all the way? It has no safety cable inside to keep the post from accidently falling out. imagine if you had a monitor and it slid out. Also the gimble is not adjustable. If it was, you wouldn't have to extent the post as much and you can use less weight. BUYER BEWARE!
aviatormxpilot 2 years ago
It's not crap, it works fine, you just aren't patient with it
psynema 2 years ago
Are you kidding me? Glidecam 1000. 2000 & 4000 are crap!!! Have you even tried a real Steadicam by Tiffen or an Aviator MX by VariZoom? Because if you have, you would be saying the same thing... CRAP!!!
aviatormxpilot 2 years ago
Have you even tried a glidecam? I had no problem getting steadishots, tilting, 360ing etc.
Sure a pro steadicam would work better, but a glidecam doesn't cost 5-10K and is portable. And works just fine.
psynema 2 years ago
No way! the barings in this rig suck, the stage is a pain in the ass. 8 freaking screws just to adjust the stage? Are kidding me? what about the fact that the gimble is not adjustable?
aviatormxpilot 2 years ago
IT WORKS F'N FINE - my god just youtube the samples - I saw your test video - you don't have it even close to balanced right
It takes a few minutes to get right - of course it's not going to have the features of products costing a few grand, but it does what it advertises and is the best bang for the buck steadicam in existence.
psynema 2 years ago
I don't have a test video on line anywhere. I will agree that any stabilizer is better than none. But when your work as a Steadicam operator for a living, time is money. when you have to re rig for different shots be low mode or a different cam. it makes it eassier with the right equipment. I spent 1 1/2 researching these rigs and tried 5 or 6 brands. I been to the Varizoom and Steadicam factories. aaaaThe quality is unmatched. If you ever tried a Steadicam you'll know what I'm talking about.
aviatormxpilot 2 years ago
I bought a Varisoom rig because the people that make them are ex steadicam engineers and machinist. And the price was right. Had I bought a pilot it would have cost $8K I bought 2 Aviators for $8400.oo Cash. they use the same parts as the steadicam.
aviatormxpilot 2 years ago
again, you're comparing it to products costing 10x as much and beyond.
Some videographers don't have the cash to be solely a steadi op for a living and the Glidecam gives you what you need just fine.
psynema 2 years ago
Glidecam makes higher ends rig also. These rigs work great. All I saying is you get what you pay for. 2 weeks ago I spent 7 1/2 hrs with a 2 0r 3 min breaks in between shots. and my rig made a big difference. If I had used the Glidecam 4000, like the one I rented last year. I would of collasped with fatigue and cramps in my hand. (The Barings suck). BTW good Steadicam opr can make betwenn $1500- $2500 a day! Also I do this for fun and as a hobby. I build airplaanes for a living at Boeing.
aviatormxpilot 2 years ago
Where did you see a video of mine any ways?
aviatormxpilot 2 years ago
on your channel
psynema 2 years ago
I don't have a single video on you tube. send me a link of this video
aviatormxpilot 2 years ago
what quick release plate is that, I can not find one at all? Thanks in advance, and thanks for the video as well.
ferlonjrTV 2 years ago
MANFROTTO 577 Quick Release System
florex78 2 years ago
Thank you so very very very very much, you are a wonderful help. Thanks again !!!!!!!!!!
ferlonjrTV 2 years ago
It looks like you are on a cruise ship. are you?
anyways.... GREAT video! You are very knowledgeable. I will returnto this video when i get mine.
5 Stars!
SonnarProductions 2 years ago
Thank you very very much. Yesterday I bought the Glidecam HD4000 and I shoot some sequences without proper balancing. The footage is not to good as you can imagine. But today I found your tutorial and followed your steps. Yeah man now it works very very fine. Took a quick release plate like you did and now it's very comfortable to me. Now I am ready for some floating pictures. ;) Thank you, I gave you 5 stars!
Greetings from Austria!
GreatAsmaluzy 2 years ago
I was going crazy trying to balance my camera. I followed your instructions and now. Wow! EXCELLENT tutorial. 5 stars. Thank you.
AnnexF 2 years ago
great tutorial
noirsociety 2 years ago
EXCELLENT! Thank you. I've learned more from you then the jokers who wrote the user manual for the glidecam 2000 pro. I have gotten to a point of just returning the glidecam. I am using JVC gxhd3u camera and I can't seem to get the drop time right. Everything else is balanced. Maybe my camera is too light for the glidecam. Don't know. Thanks for a job well done.
yaryar03 2 years ago
i think this covers the issue on balancing. Got mine today and it rocks!
MarcoStarink 2 years ago
where to find a quick release and the mounting tripod sir?
amankerstudio 3 years ago
Yes, that is the 5D II.
Roger Cicala, Lensrentals
lensrentals 3 years ago
Is this Canon 5d Mark II ?
charliemvd 3 years ago
it is a good start to train balancing, nice tutorial.
charliemvd 3 years ago