Themis Gyparis

add the weight intelligently to help you get more inertia, move the lens relative to the gimbal... Mmm... Interesting. Could you please be more specific about this? I am not sure I understand exactly what you mean. Sorry I'm a newbie :)Anyway, many thanks to everyone, you have been very helpful and I'm really glad about this! I'll try adding weight and see what happens, just as long as you can explain more accurately about the "intelligent weight adding" Thanks a lot

Well, my arm is Glidecam's Smooth Shooter arm and the post is the 4000 Pro. Also, my camcorder is the JVC GY-HD 100. Would you suggest maximum weight and arm tension? Anyone with experience on that setup? And, mainly, arm at a few degrees upwards or downwards? Any suggestion would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a lot

What is the appropriate tension for an arm? I've heard different opinions, one of which claiming it should be bent downwards at about 30 degrees when post with camera is attached. Another opinion claims it should look upwards, but I've also heard this reduces inertia and causes less stability. Which of the above is right? Thanks in advance

I'll do just as you say, Charles. I am only afraid about this "less springy" that you mention. I guess you refer to the arm springs. Mine has only two and if I add more weight, the rig might collapse with e.g. only one spring. Are you suggesting one spring might be better for a camcorder like the JVC GY-HD 100 or did I understand wrong? Sorry for all these questions. They may sound silly but I've heard so many things and I am trying to reach the truth :) Also, any recommendations for a heavier but slightly affordable rig? Thanks a lot in advance

So, if I get it right, there will be some change in operation if I add some weight but it will still require delicate moves. Considering, I add a little less weight from the maximum than the arm can handle - and, of course, adjust spring tension and post lenght accordingly - would that have any "side-effects" on the arm's function? I mean, wouldn't an arm at it's max give worse results than another working at, say, 50% of what it can handle? As I read at the Smooth Shooter's manual, the arm can hold a maximum of 18 pounds. Do you think a few extra pounds would make a difference or give the exact opposite results? (I wish I had all that information earlier, I might have at least gone for Glidecam's V-16) Thanks a lot in advance

Hello everyone The very first impressions from shooting with my Smooth Shooter and Glidecam 4000 Pro revealed what I always had in mind about the rig, but couldn't do otherwise, considering the bigger cost of other systems. The system is too light and every little move makes a big difference. Trying many different shots, I came to the conclusion that I have to make very delicate moves if I want to get some nice shots. My question is the following: Are light rigs only suitable for light camcorders (my camcorder is a JVC GY-HD 100, that weighs only 7.3 lbs) or can these camcorders be as easily adapted and operated on a heavier rig? For example, would it be better if I attached my JVC on Glidecam's Gold System or Tiffen's Archer? Can such heavy rigs host such a light camcorder? And, finally, if this last one is not possible, is there a way to make the Smooth Shooter and 4000 Pro a little less "sensitive"? I know practice plays a great deal but any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a lot in advance

No problem, Charles. See? Even a newbie like me may have some useful information to offer to an experienced pro :) As soon as I get the extended post, I'll let you know the results and even post a picture if necessary. I also checked out Tiffen's Pilot and I have to confess it is much better than GC/SS but also much more expensive. A few months ago mine was $2,500 on B&H, including monitor batteries and Tiffen's - athough still affordable enough - is way up at $4.000, almost double the price. Anyhow, should I find some time, I'll arrange a demonstration with my local dealer - if I find someone who knows! A good choice, if you are not aware of it, is Sachtler's Artemis HD Pro, but way more expensive. If you haven't seen it, take a look atSachtler's page. I am sure you'll be amazed!

Well, Charles you are absolutely correct. I wouldn't expect to hear anything less from an experienced professional and, to tell you the truth, I may be a newbie but soon I faced the same problems that you mentioned. Indeed, balancing needs a lot of time as well as fine-tuning and the way it must happen can drive you mad sometimes. What's comforting is that the camcorder is light enough to allow some movements that help balancing for an amateur. I say that because when I tried to attach a heavier and bigger camcorder I barely did it. Also, you are right about the cost part. The price difference of the Tiffen rig was tremendous, so I didn't look into it at all, at least not for now. You see, I mainly wanted a rig to help me do some basic things at first, in order to learn basic operation and, in time, should all go well, I'll go for a better one. The problem with shooting at eye level is also very discomforting and was one of the very first things I noticed when I bought the rig. I was informed that there is a way to bypass that with a higher arm post. I am not sure what it is exactly because the guys at Glidecam didn't have a picture available, but I tend to hesitate, mainly 'cause I don't know how much more difficult shooting will be with such a change. Apart from the above, I am truly grateful for all the information each one in the forum provided. You see, here in Greece it is very difficult to find a guy at the reselling company with the appropriate knowledge in the area - they are salesmen and nothing else. I got lucky to contact a top operator here - and abroad as it turns out to be, you may have heard of him: Michael Tsimperopoulos - who is really kind enough to find some time and show me some stuff. Thanks for everything. I'll soon "annoy" you all again with new questions :)

No, no perfectly got it the first time! :) . By mistake I wrote down "left hand", instead of "right hand". Otherwise, why would I state to be happy since it's more convenient to me to operate the post with the left hand? Anyway, thanks for the advice, I'll do so. Any opinions on Glidecam's SS and 4000 Pro?

Hello Erwin Don't apologise for the history lesson. As a Greek I know well that history is something you can never put aside if you want to have a future. I saw your message and made all appropriate changes. I know you mean well but I am certainly NOT a spamer, just a newbie who wants to learn in order to operate in the best possible way. :) Anyhow, if I understood correctly, the goofy way is operating the post with the left hand. It's good to know because it works best for me, as I can minimize impact on the post, allowing more smooth moves of the post in any direction, while allowing my stronger right hand to handle the gimbal. That's if I understood it right. I have one more question, should you find the time to reply. What's your opinion on Glidecam's Smooth Shooter with 4000 Pro? I got to that solution not only because it was more affordable, but also 'cause talking with a number of pros they suggested it more for such a light camcorder as my JVC GY-HD100. What's your opinion? Of course, replies are very welcome from any other member in the forum. Thanks a lot in advance

Hello everyone I am new to the camera stabilizers area and in a few days about to start operating lessons with practically - lucky me - the best steadicam operator in Greece. I just have a question. I own Glidecam Smooth Shooter and 4000 Pro for my JVC GY-HD 100E camcorder. The factory "setting" places the arm from right to left, so that the post's operation is with the left hand. As fas as I've seen, though, most TV operators have their arm from left to right and operating the post with their right hand. Which position is better? I mean I've tried both on my rig and operating the post with my left hand works best for me. Does this hide a disadvantage I should be aware of or is it just a matter of operating convenience? Thanks a lot in advance :)