chris fawcett

You’re welcome!

Hi Nicolas, Tiffen used the back-mount capability of the Exovest for the 3rd arm section. It made sense to connect that 3rd section to the back to keep it out of the way. We tried various back-mounting options for 2 section arms, but consensus was that there was no benefit to back mounting. The extra weight out back helps counterbalance the weight of the Steadicam out front, so you don't feel 'those' muscles as much, but the result is that you're carrying more weight through your joints. I prefer to build back muscles rather than increase load on those joints. The weight of the Steadicam is where it is, out front. Connecting that load to the rear of the vest, doesn't change that. It just makes you heavier and wider. Now, some top operators prefer it, so their experience is different; but personally, I don't see the benefit of back mounting a 2-section arm. Maybe that's why you don't see many Exovest back-mounting options these days. Hope this helps! Chris

And you can reconfigure the vest to goofy so there’s no interference with the waist latch. https://steadivision.com/media/Exovest Manual.pdf

Hi Job, You can mount the bridge plate on top of (covering) the lower pivot. I hope that’s low enough! All the best, Chris

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1809596/Tiffen-Steadicam-Fawcett-Exovest.html?page=8#manual

Understood.

Marc, I appreciate your reply! However, If this is interfering with your work, it’s a serious issue and deserving of your frustration. I hope we can sort this out quickly. I’ll let you know what I hear back. You are based in LA? Chris

Hi Marc, Obviously this should never happen. I forwarded your post to the engineers at Tiffen. I’d like an answer too. All the best, Chris

Great!

You’re welcome! Let me know if it works :)

Hi Sopon, First release the over-centre latch, then slide the rods out, and clean them and the inside of the lock with alcohol. Then tighten the nut on the inside of the latch by ⅛th of a turn. If that’s not enough, try another ⅛th if it still slips, call, FaceTime, or WhatsApp me on +31623918492. All the best, Chris Fawcett

Hi, I’ll be happy to help you out with this. We can arrange a video call. I just messaged you my number. I’m on Central European Time. All the best, Chris

Patrick, Let us know how it goes. Chris

Hi Patrick, I agree that the Zephyr vest is great. When Garrett is demoing at a workshop, he always picks up a Zephyr vest. As for the lumbar pad, I don’t think it’s going to have any effect on the working of the vest, but if it feels good, do it! Opinions about support belts differ I side with the argument that if you have a healthy back they just make it weaker, it’s really something you wear under medical advice All the best, Chris

Hi Tim, This link is working for me: http://steadivision.com/info/tips/index.html#img=exovest.pdf But I’ll mail it to your address too. All the best, Chris

Hi Javier! Let me know how it goes. All the best, Chris

Hi Javier, Contact Tiffen Steadicam directly. If you’re in the US, try the Burbank factory; if in Europe, try Pinewood. They should send you the screws you need. If you have any trouble reaching them, you can contact me directly. All the best, Chris

Hi Daniel, If you ask a vest designer for an opinion on that subject, you'll get a biased one, but here we go! Wherever you connect the arm to the vest, the weight of the Steadicam is still out front, so let's first rule out any differential there. Connecting the arm to the back of the vest does not magically transfer the weight into your back. Although the Exovest can be front or rear mounted, I use mine almost exclusively front mounted. The exception is when I'm using a 3rd arm section. The extra section has to go somewhere, and rear mounting provides the perfect solution of creating space. The main difference in feel between front and rear mounting, in this case (as it's the only one I'm really familiar with) is that there's less torque bending your body forward, but that's because you now have some extra counterbalance weight out back. That might feel nice, but I'd rather build up a little back muscle than subject my hip, knee, and ankle joints to carrying around the extra weight that rear mounting entails. Apart from the extra weight, there's the extra girth to deal with too. You're always going to be wider with a back mount, and there are often going to be situations when that's a liability. However, and most importantly, comfort and confidence in the equipment is paramount. Whatever works for you is the right system. All the best, Chris Chris

Hi Stefano, There is only one version of the Exovest. In the first weeks of production, we changed several details, and immediately offered these changes as free upgrades. I believe we tracked down all the vests that were shipped prior to the changes, but it's possible—though pretty unlikely—that some owners didn't bother with those upgrades. There have been two further changes since then. The shoulder latch used to have a Delrin grip. This was switched to an aluminium grip, which was lower profile. The pads were also improved, though only marginally, and you'd only notice the difference if you work in extremely hot or cold conditions. Both these changes are offered for sale through Tiffen. Neither is essential, but they make for nice improvements. The structure, and underlying function, of the Exovest is unchanged since its inception. If you are on the cusp of buying a used one, I should be able to identify any variations if you can send me photos. The older shoulder-latch grips are glossy black, and about 1cm thick; the new ones are about half that, and are clearly metallic. The old pads are black, with a closed mesh against the body; the new ones have a dark grey, open mesh. chris@steadivision.com All the best, Chris

Hi Henry, Since nobody else is weighing in. I designed a vest that works front or rear mounted, so maybe I can answer your questions, or at least give you my perspective on them. DM me and we can arrange a call on the subject. Chris

Hi Caitlin, I understand your dilemma. Vests are such a personal choice. I do suggest you try the Zephyr again. It’s got more built-in adjustability than many vests because of the shoulder Velcro, yet it’s rigid enough for up to G50 loads (IMO). I’ve noticed that it’s Garrett Brown’s go-to vest for workshop demos, yet it is usually the best fit for smaller ops. If you get one, I’ll be happy to help advise you how to alter it—should that prove necessary. Meanwhile, it’s worth holding out a little longer for your perfect Ultra vest, if you can. Try the Facebook groups that deal in buying and selling Steadicam gear. Wishing you the best of luck, Chris

Hi Caitlin, Zephyr vests can be adjusted to be really small, and you can also alter them yourself by shortening the front spar and the waist strap. All the best, Chris

Hi Nick, I’m happy to hear that. If you need anything else, feel free to contact me at any time. All the best, Chris

Hi Nick, Clearly this should not happen. Even if you did bump the vest, bits should not fall off it—sorry for that. If you send me your address, I’ll have some new screws shipped out to you. That joint with the circular plate is there so you can confirm the vest to the shape of your shoulder girdle. There’s an explanation of how to do that in the manual, and there’s a video on my website, link below. Once the vest is the right shape for your body, and the shoulder latch closes easily, all 8 screws holding the shoulder section should be tightened and sealed with Loctite 222. if you’ve any further questions, I’ll be happy to arrange a video call with you. Please contact me at chris@steadivision.com Here’s a link to the Exovest videos The one you’re looking for is Sizing the Exovest You’ll find other videos about working with the vest there too http://steadivision.com/info/tips/index.html All the best, Chris

Hi Robert, Thanks for your interest in the Exovest. There are a few videos here explaining what the Exovest is and how it works. I hope they answer your questions. If not, let me know, and I’ll try to help further http://steadivision.com/info/tips/index.html All the best, Chris