Setting up and using the Glidecam HD2000: Part 1

Had a chance to interview Tom Howie, VP of Sales and Marketing for Glidecam at NAB last month and he was gracious enough to share, in great detail, the proper way to set-up and fine tune the Glidecam HD 2000 (or any Glidecam HD) during the interview.

During the process he candidly answers questions that I've seen floating around the forums relating to the use of not only the Glidecam products but all similar devices.

Here's a (very ;-) rough cut of the part of the interview that directly relates to setting up, fine tuning and actually using any of the Glidecam HD units. After the setup instruction he shares some interesting tips and exercises to help us get ready to shoot successfully with the rigs.

I cut a lot out and split it into 3 parts but it's still 38 mins long (total) so grab a cup of coffee and settle back for an in depth look at the proper way to set up and start using the Glidecams according to Tom and Glidecam..

btw: Schy Gleason, our cameraman on the interview had to shoot from out in the aisle at NAB which as you might guess is not an optimum place to be at anytime. So please excuse any bounces or sudden position/focus shifts as he was constantly struggling for space.

Shot in available light at ISO 640 on a Nikon D7000, GenusTech shoulder rig and Bravo follow focus. Recorded on Zoom H4N and painlessly synched with Dualeyes (Thank you Singular that was a lot of pieces to sync ;-).

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• glidecam
• nikon d7000
• review
• tips help tutorial

[Fibr3Optix]

I need a quick release plate like that that is compatible with a Manfrotto 501 fluid head.

[rickasnoff]

@Fibr3Optix B&H always has them...even Amazon though that's really Adorama and takes a lot longer...

[Del8Traceur]

I have a problem. When i start running with Glidecam he turns to the left. Doesn't matter how I hold the handle it's going to left site. I tryed many options and still same. I will be grateful for any suggestions.

[rickasnoff]

@Del8Traceur Del...try this: get the camera/rig balanced as per the videos then while holding it steady rotate the camera to 3-6 and 9 o'clock positions...does the camera stay balanced? if not then you might need to adjust the bearing. It's not that hard and if you contact Tom through the Glidecam forum and he'll send you instructions how to do it.

HTH...Ric

[Del8Traceur]

I was asking about wings in the bottom should be widely or narrowly what is the difference ? when glidecam is more steady ?

[rickasnoff]

@Del8Traceur I use mine wide as it stops/slows down the swinging action you can get on fast moves...it can be side to side or front to back as we discuss in the video

[mcphatstudios]

Manual focus guys, manual focus. The hunting of your AF gives me a headache..

[minischloob]

THANK YOU SOOO MUCH!

[TentativeTitlePro]

This video really helped me out. Thanks a ton.

[rickasnoff]

@Del8Traceur the platform goes "narrowly" same direction as your lens...bottom wings can go either way