How To "Perfectly" Balance A Glidecam [1000-4000] Stabilizer

One of the biggest headaches of using a Glidecam system (besides dealing with the weight issue) is that it's a little tricky getting a "perfect" balance. This video will show you a few modifications you can make to the mounting plate so that you will always get a perfectly balanced Glidecam in less than 2 minutes.

Drop Time & dynamic balancing should have already been performed before working with theses modifications. For those reading this post who do want to start from scratch in balancing their Glidecam, I can highly recommend the following link on YouTube: youtube.com/​watch?v=X0i7ViEwlyI

Glidecam 2000
Sony HDR-FX7
NLE: Sony Vegas Pro 8

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Glidecam 2000
• how_to
• balance
• video
• camera
• steadicam
• stabilizer
• 1000
• 4000
• tutorial
• sony vegas pro 8
• sony HDR-FX7

[PAW6110]

9 months ago I answered this problem. Here's my reply: "Yes, but you'll need a tiny allen wrench to fix it. 1) with the camera mounting plate on the quick release mount, turn the lever as far as it will tighten, 2) use the allen wrench to untighten the lever's screw so that you can turn it back a little so it is not hitting the plate, then 3) retighten the screw. That should do it!"

[PAW6110]

In order to shoot the setup of the glidecam & camera actually being balanced on my custom designed stand, I had to use two bricks to hold it down. I didn't want to show them on the video for aesthetics. If you doubt the camera is actually being balance by itself, look closely at the video and you'll see the tiny movement of the entire rig on the stand.

[PAW6110]

Thanks for the info. The technology for shooting video just keeps on rolling along, and were it's gonna stop...nobody knows!

[PAW6110]

You are so right...it's a pain!!!

Sorry to say you have to do it every time before you shoot and sometimes if you whack it against something and you think it's out of balance. I'll take the time to check and see if it's still in balance. The modifications that I've suggested will help you do it much quicker though. I hope this helps. Enjoy!

[PAW6110]

I have the 2000 'cause I'm cheap and DON'T make my living off shooting video. Yes, there is a difference in the two units (basically how much weight they can carry & the price tag). I have the arm brace, but if you're going to be doing major shooting, then the vest will be a good investment (if you have the bucks). Of course, you're going to have to mount up like you're going into Mortal Kombat. I hope this helps.

[PAW6110]

In the USA TV channels don't stop broadcasting late at night, so we use gay 80's music to keep you awake. You didn't lose any sleep over this post, did you?

[ColtynSeifert]

your music is soooo gay!

[Dilandau88]

I have the same quick release as you, but the tightening switch can't turn when it's centered on the mounting plate. How do you manage this?

[alanbesedin]

Great advice. THANKS!!!

[crbatte]

This music is so smooth, especially when the sax kicks in.

[bodytemple]

What happened to the bottom that's just showing that the camera top sled is balanced but it can still be bottom heavy

[ChubbyWingsLive]

I've been able to get equally steady shots using my Cam Caddie Scorpion without the troubles it take to get the glidecam to work right. Cam Caddie only put me back $38 and it's been highly effective.