Beau Cuizon

Found this picture of an unidentified Steadicam op while reading an article about the making of the movie, "Masters of the Universe", an old Dolph Lundgren fantasy actioner based on the He-Man cartoon of the early eighties...if you're a child of the eighties, like I am, and you're interested in reading the article, you can find it here...http://www.slashfilm.com/masters-of-the-universe-oral-history/ It's kind of a small pic, but that's all there was...I tried to look up who it might be on IMDB, but there's no specific listing for steadicam op....just an interesting piece of nostalgia for you all...

Hi All, Just a question for those who are working on sets...film, television, or otherwise... What is your relationship like on set with your directors and DP's? I'm just curious as to how those positions see you and the rig...are you allowed to contribute ideas, and such, or is it more along the lines of just "dance, monkey, dance!". For you veterans, have you seen a change from years before, to now, in terms of how you're being utilized, or what is expected of you, as in operational abilities, or even equipment? Always interested in what you all have to share... Thanks! Beau

Are Glidecams similar to Steadicams? Yes. But like I was mentioning earlier, you'll definitely notice the difference in some things small, and some things not so small. In principal, they are similar devices that demand you perform similar actions to get similar results. It's like cameras...you know when you start out, you don't really notice the differences...all of them appear to be "the same" at first glance. One camera's viewfinder is larger or smaller, the buttons are laid out different from model to model...and it's not a big deal until you develop a feel for what you like and don't like. Or what the individual models can and can't do well. In Glidecam vs/ Steadicam, I feel like it was close enough in build quality and design to start out with.... But that's just my opinion...Hope this helps!

Thomas, I've actually installed a "industry standard" socket block on my V25 arm, when I had it: The part circled in red, and socket block was from a Gold Series Arm that I also owned. That Gold arm was was too stiff for lighter camera packages, but I liked my Gold Vest better, so I switched the socket blocks so I could use my V25 with my Gold Vest. As you can see, it is possible. I asked Mr Thomas Howie at Glidecam about acquiring just the part circled in red, along with some washers/thrust bearings, and this was his reply: "Unfortunately, we do not sell just this part as it is machined into the pre-arm – we only offer this as an upgrade – which is $1795.00 and you would need to send you arm in for this to be done." I'm not sure what he meant when he said the part is machined into the Pre Arm. I was able to remove the hinge pin, retaining screw, washers and thrust bearings in the Gold Arm, and install them into the V25 with really no problems, along with that part circled in red (which needs to be there in order for you to use the industry standard socket block)..Needless to say, I thought it was too expensive for me, so I stuck with my solution. It was a pain to install and remove it from arm to arm, but it was better than paying $1795, for me. You can see it working here on my old Gold vest. As far as I can remember, Glidecam USED to make a "Fork to Industry standard" adapter...and they still may. It's listed on the Adorama website. Search for : Glidecam V-Series Adapter, for Connecting V-Series Arm to Gold Vestit's listed at $749. Anyways, hope this helps!

Thanks for the clarification. Also, ditto on the gimbal !

My first rig was a Glidecam X45/V25 arm combo. Also had a Gold Series arm at one point, and ended up with an EFP Blue Spring. The thing about the higher end Glidecams (in my experience) was that they are competent rigs. They are built relatively well, and they work like they're supposed to. I liken it to comparing cars...your PRO/XCS/et al. is like a Bentley/Rolls Royce. Bespoke, high end, spare no expense. Real craft-work made by craftspeople for craftspeople. Steadicam would be like Mercedes AMG, BMW M-class cars. Proven, slick, does what you want it to, how you want it to, when you want it to, and still very high performance. Glidecam is like a Honda, or Toyota. It has just want you need, none of what you don't, and maybe missing some stuff you wish it had. The X45 sled I had was like a fat V25. And oddly sized, but solid, aluminum 1.75" post (V-25 has a 1.5" i think), 3 HD-SDI inputs/outs, plus 4 (2-pin) lemos for power out, but strictly 12v. I believe it's the same with the V25. I liked it because the sled was short (in length..which is the way I preferred to run it) and it had plenty of video in and outs. You could get dynamic balance, as the battery hanger allowed fore and aft adjustments, as well as 180 degrees up or down for the battery mounts themselves. Top stage was solid, with x-y adjustments and fore/aft adjustments set with self-locking worm gears. The gimbal was pretty good. When I bought it, I had to re center it, but it was simple to do. Tedious, but simple. Seemed smooth in all axes, no major problems. The post had kipping levers for locks, which worked okay as "no-tools" locks. Sometimes, depending on payload, it was better to just use the hex driver to tighten everything down. There are index markings on the post, but no "mechanical" indexing..that is to say, the lower stage, once unlocked, can freely rotate around it's vertical axis, so that you have to manually set its orientation to the upper stage by feel, or by eye. At least I had to, because the printed markings on the post for orientation indexing didn't match. That's one thing that really bothered me. QC! I believe that the V25 sled is similar. The V-25 arm was like a...it's kind of like the EFP arm I had, but it didn't have the weight capacity or the build quality. It was, however, smooth, well-behaved, and light. It's a 3a design, though, so you get all the quirks of a 3a type arm. The other thing is that if it's a standard V25 you're looking at, Glidecam has a proprietary (which is to say non-standard) socket block and socket block adapter system...it's still 4 way adjustable, but you won't be able to use vests or mounts with industry standard sockets/adapters. Heaviest rig I flew was for broadcast...HPX2000 with an old NuComm TX...sled/camera was probably 40-45lbs, and that V25 arm seemed slightly over the limit. The Glidecam V25 vest was...meh. It's competent. Very basic. All velcro straps. It works. Not a lot of support, or adjustments but it's light weight. No emergency release, if you need or want that kind of thing. That's been my experience with Glidecams...hope this helps!

SOLD!

Just a note -- there IS some wear on the top of the block...but overall it is in fine shape. You can see the winged wingnut here...

Some pics of the new hardware, installed

No love for the Masters Series vests?? PRICE DROP $2025! :)

Bump -- I installed the "new style" ladder strap buckles and receptors...no pics, but I can make some if you need to see.

FS: Master Series Vest, in very, very good condition. The last piece of my steadicam kit. I actually got this off of eBay, at a store that hosted government auctions. They were selling all kinds of old scientific research hardware, and old, and I mean really old camera equipment, from government agencies. Why a government agency had a steadicam vest? I can't say. Anyways, got the vest, checked it out, and it's basically almost new. There's some scratches on the plastic waist band, and a little wear on the center spar from adjusting, but the pads are firm, fat, and fresh, and the velcro is sticky. No wear or cracks in the shoulder buckle areas or buckles themselves. (a little wear from what I assume to be someone putting the sled in the rest position over the left shoulder) This one had the old-style ladder straps, but I have some new-style replacements I can put on, which seems a little more "clicky" if you will...socket block is clean, and looks virtually new. One of the wing nuts on the the socket block is missing a wing,..you can see it in the pic above..but that's about it. Some writing in sharpie can be seen on the bridge plate and on the shoulder straps -- I assume it was for inventory purposes...it was a little dusty from sitting in some closet, but this looks like a nice example of a Master Series Vest. I didn't even get to put it into service... $2250 obo plus shipping. Let me know if you have any questions! beau800@gmail.com, or PM me!

SOLD! Thanks for your interest and inquiries.

Sale Pending....

Hi Chris, There's a couple of standing offers on the rig, so right now, I'd have to say no..if no once comes through, then we'll be able to discuss this possibility. Will keep you updated. Thanks!

Drivers -- There's actually one more T-handle hex driver (not pictured) that works all the post locks/screws Zoom Control Dovetail Cables

EXTRAS: Pelican 1650 Only shipped once Has dualie wheels -- all good. There's a dark spot on one of them...thats from when I ran over a gecko in the parking lot at work. Pelican survived. Gecko, not so lucky. Yuk.

Jarrett, Thanks for the note -- yeah I'm sad to see it go. But I'm glad I got to put it all together and fly it for a short while. You took great care of that EFP arm. It's funny -- something about that old design...or maybe it was Mr. Luna's magic...but that EFP arm was so very tame, and well behaved..and when you work it into tough situations (as my noob skills sometimes forced it into), it doesn't complain, it just performs. Might sound odd, but sometimes I wondered if I was leading that EFP arm, or it was leading me! In any case, thanks for your help, and generosity, I really appreciate it!

BOLAND 8.4 PROS: Large display. Clear. Lots of inputs/outputs. HD-SDI, component. Fan control. CONS: Large body. Almost too large, in my opinion. Native 800x600. 4:3 screen means 16:9 image will be scaled to fit. 30 watts power consumption. I'm pretty happy with this Boland. It's real bright. Rated at 1400 nits, so in direct sunlight, it's certainly useable. Put a shade on, and it's all good in the sun. Inside, no problems. It's too bight at 75% inside, in my opinion. I take it down to 50% or less, in the studio. Comes with a clear lexan screen protector, so the screen condition is immaculate. There are some fans in this bad boy that whip up a noisy storm, but the good news is, this version of the 8.4 has a fan control, which brings it down to a whisper. 4 pin power, or AB plate. Does have custom yoke mounts on the side of the monitor...and I do have the yoke that goes with it (also a custom piece) but it needs custom yoke locks, which I don't have.

Steadicam EFP Arm PROS: Classic example of a bullet proof design. Last maintained by Mr. Robert Luna (2014). Blue springs (20-45 lbs capacity). Smooth, silent, workhorse. CONS: Classic 3a limitations. Not iso-elastic (if you're into that kind of thing). I purchased this arm (#350) from Mr. Jarrett Morgan, who last had it serviced in Summer of 2014 by Mr. Luna. It's exactly what I needed it to be, and when I needed it to work it did, flawlessly. It is capable of performing at a much higher level than my experience level will allow me to operate it. Hate to see it go. But hopefully someone will give it a new life, and a good home!

Glidecam Gold Series Vest: PROS: Lightweight, quick release system, ladder straps for adjust ability. CONS: Back portion of vest not as supportive as Steadicam vest...its basically just pads with webbing sewn on to them. Some people have complained of poor riveting. I liked this size, fit, and weight of this vest. The padding isn't too much, or too little. The ladder straps allow a range of adjustable. The front spar is certainly rigid enough for the kinds of payloads I have been working with (video...broadcast and commercials). Some people have complained in the past about poor riveting, but so far, that has not been my experience, luckily. Has some home brew cross-back straps too.

X45 Here's a few comments on my experience with the sled: PROS: Very compact. Extendable post (21" to 43" I believe). 1.75" diameter, aluminum center post. Adjustable battery hanger (up, down, in and out) Drop in dovetail plate. 3 HD-SDI video lines. (4) 2-pin Lemo Powers outputs (12v only). Very straight forward and simple. CONS: "No Tools" locks are really just kipping levers. Not clamps. Post is indexed by numbers, but centering top and bottom stages can be a pain, because there's no mechanism to keep them from drifting...battery hanger works, but adjusting for dynamic balance can be laborious, because in order to telescope the hangers in and out, you must also release the tilt locks on the batter hanger itself, so your batteries are swiveling free (up and down). Kind of hard to explain, but...it's just inconvenient. Monitor bracket is scissors type...which makes adjusting inconvenient at times. The 1.75" post is a strange size, so finding out-of-the-box accessories is almost impossible. 12 volt only. Not for film work. Overall, the sled worked well for me. The gimbal seems smooth and solid..and while I'm not experienced enough with other rigs to compare, I've never had problems with friction, or centering, or balancing. The three HD lines were great, and since I like running a short sled, this X45 fit me just right. It does get tall if you need it to, thought. Doesn't have all the bells and whistles of some other brands, but it's a good piece of kit. Would be nice for someone looking to step up into a bigger rig. Native V-mount battery hangers, but I have AB to V mount adapters on her. With that on board, you get 4 D-taps on the batter hanger to power what you need.

Hi All, You know when sometimes things happen, and you didn't plan for them to happen? That's what happened. So now, I'm selling my X45/EFP rig. Here's some highlights: Glidecam X45 Sled Steadicam EFP Arm (#350) Boland 8.4 DayBright HD-SDI Monitor -- with fan control (1400 nits, I believe it was) Transvideo Cinemonitor iiia SD backup monitor (sd only) Transvideo Frameline Generator for Cinemonitor (sd only) Glidecam Gold Series Vest Glidecam Low Mode Brackets (2) Various Hex Wrenches, and Screwdrivers (see pics) Glidecam Docking Bracket Libec ZC-9EX Canon/Fujinon Zoom Control (2) Mega Flex HD SDI cables -- 12 and 24 inches, from Media Blackout (1) Hyperflex HD SDI Cables -- 24 inches, right angle connectors, from Media Blackout (2) Cinecoil BNC Cables, right angle connectors, 10, and 20 inches. (2) 2-pin Lemo to XLR 4-pin (2) 2-pin Lemo to DC Pelican 1650 with dualie wheels/pluck foam insert. Rig is clean, in good shape, with low miles. I'd like to sell this package as a whole, if possible. It would be nice to hand her off to someone who's just starting out, or who needs a bigger rig. But, I'm open to discussion/offers for pieces. I'm attaching pics, with some comments on pros and cons of the whole setup. Get it now for $9250 + shipping. Or best offer.... :) PM me, or mail me, beau800@gmail.com.

Peter, just our of curiosity...how common was it to have steadicam on a show like the olympics, during this time period...say the mid to late nineties? What were the technical hurdles you had to deal with?

SOLD! Yay!