build steadicam, Glidecam and other camera stabilizers article

build steadicam, Glidecam and other camera stabilizers and camera platforms designed to isolate your body's movements and provide smooth, "floating" video as you raise and lower the camera while moving about.  Glidecam Industries (800-949-2089) or (508-866-2199) manufactures a range of products designed to fit different weight requirements. Wedding & Event Videography 's review focussed on the Glidecam 3000 because it supports cameras weighing up to 10 pounds, and because of its unique forearm brace and optional Body-Pod. If you're familiar with the Steadicam JR, you'll notice that Glidecam has a more vertical design, rather than the largely horizontal approach of the Steadicam JR. This provides some advantages over the steadicam.

For more Glidecam info please visit our web site www.glidecam.com  Why build your own steadicam?

Here's the Review:

By Mitch Ives

     Camera stabilizers, like the Glidecam, Steadicam JR (see the article by Jim Farrell in this issue), and others are camera platforms designed to isolate your body's movements and provide smooth, "floating" video as you raise and lower the camera while moving about.
     Glidecam Industries (800-949-2089) or (508-866-2199) manufactures a range of products designed to fit different weight requirements. We chose the "3000 Pro" ($599 list) for this review because it supports cameras weighing up to 10 pounds, and because of its unique forearm brace and optional Body-Pod. If you're familiar with the Steadicam JR, you'll notice that Glidecam has a more vertical design, rather than the largely horizontal approach of the Steadicam JR. This provides some advantages that are covered later.

System Assembly

     Setting up the Glidecam 3000 is a straightforward process, covered in considerable detail in the manual. By taking it one step at a time, and avoiding the urge to cut corners, we were able to successfully balance our Sony VX-3 in under an hour.
     Assembly consists of mounting the base plate to the column and then adding screws for the weight stacks. Next, the camera is attached to the 4.75" x 7" camera plate that mounts to the top of the glidecam with four brass screws, which also provide the fore and aft balance
     We found that the trick to balancing the Glidecam is to isolate and balance one movement at a time. It's also important to start with the camera already set up the way you attend to use it. That means having the tape stock and battery already in place.

Initial Balancing

     Starting with an excessive amount of weight on the bottom (split into two stacks), the firs step is to balance the camera platform. As you lift off of a level surface, keep an eye on the baseplate. If it is crooked in relation to the level surface, then it needs adjustment.
     If the baseplate is leaning to the left or right, loosen the four brass midplate screws (underneath the camera plate) and slide the plate in the opposite direction. If this will not balance the left-to-right tilt, move the camera to a different slot in the camera plate, and repeat this procedure. Once the baseplate is balanced left-to-right, you can start balancing the front-to-back axis, by loosening the four brass screws on the sides of the camera plate and it in the opposite direction. If you are unable to achieve balance, move the camcorder forward or backward on the camera plate and repeat the procedure.
     Once you have achieved proper balance, you will be able to lift the Glidecam off of a level surface and maintain the baseplate level to the surface while the central support post is in an upright vertical position. Tip: Moving the weight stacks on the baseplate, either forward, backwards, or into uneven stacks can assist in the L-R and F-B balance.
     TIP: Use those eight brass screws to provide fine balance adjustments if you change battery types or add or subtract accessories in the future.
 

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