Adam Vesely

Thought I would bump this thread to see if anyone had any light to shed on this vibration phenomenon that still plagues me, even with QR plate taken out of the equation. There is another gentleman on the dvinfo forum with the same issue here. Any comments?

Wow! That shot was VERY smooth! I think it must be the arm not absorbing the shock properly because while doing the stomp test the arm itself seemed to vibrate, as well as the center post and gimbal handle. I could actually feel the vibration a bit while very loosely gripping either the post or the gimbal handle. I did check the lower spar and it seems to be pretty solid, no play whatsoever when locked off. I've looked over the arm and all the screws are tight and there is no noticeable play by trying to twist the bones, so I don't have a clue what might be causing it. The only thing that has any play on the arm is each pin connection between sections, but since all 4 pins have a bit of play when the arm is not under load I figured that was normal. If any video of the actual equipment would be a help, just let me know and I can get it on here. Here is the video clip if you didn't see it. http://vimeo.com/3593617 Thanks for your guys' help! -Adam EDIT: Image stabilization is off.

Hi everyone, So, today I actually called Tiffen technical support about the harsh vibrations I'm getting while trying to run with my Pilot and was told the vibrations were due to the Manfrotto quick-release plate I am using. This afternoon, I tried mounting my EX1 directly to the top stage camera plate and still have the exact same vibrations. As a secondary test, I tried stomping my foot on the ground while standing still and lightly pounding the socket block with my fist as if you were pounding it on a table. It didn't matter whether my hands were on the rig or not, both of these tests produced noticeable vibrations and image jitters that lasted almost a second, even at the widest angle zoom. From these tests, it almost seems like the arm is the problem, but I can't see how. I'm not sure if my rig actually has a defect or if the rig was just not built to withstand the rigors of running. Is anyone else who uses a Pilot experiencing these same problems?

Jerry, I just received the new book yesterday and I read it for 6 hours straight. Thank you compiling this information into one source! It has been very helpful as I have not had the opportunity to take a Steadicam workshop yet. I was just about to sign up for the one in San Francisco and it filled up. There will be more I suppose. Thanks again! -Adam

Hi all, I have noticed an annoying jitter when trying to run with my new Steadicam Pilot and administered the Stomp Test with the camera zoomed in and see noticeable jitter. I have checked all my screws and everything seems to be A-OK. The only thing I found was that the pan ring part of the gimbal can be rocked ever so slightly by holding either side and pushing up on one side and down on the other. Alternating up and down forces back and forth produces an audible clicking sound from it shifting. Could this be my problem? If so, how can I fix it? -Adam Vesely

Does anyone who uses a Pilot with a Sony EX1 have any information concerning the Don Juan question above? -Adam

Thank you for your feedback and information. I will definitely try all of these things today. We really need rain here, but it is nice to have good weather to let me practice outside. -Adam

Hi guys, I purchased a new Steadicam Pilot VLB in October of last year. I have been practicing with it for the past few months and am worried I am practicing incorrectly and picking up bad habits. I am planning on attending a workshop in San Francisco in March, but in the meantime, I had some questions. I am using the IDX battery that came with Pilot VLB and an Sony EX1 camera with no other accessories. I have the sled extended about 4 fingers width and have 1 mid/end weights at each of the 4 positions. 1) First of all, I am operating on the left side as usual. I always thought my right lower back should be receiving the workout, but, it turns out my lower left is the muscle getting a workout... Is this a balance issue or am I leaning over without realizing it? When I put the vest on, I'm always checking to make sure it is on straight, but sometimes it feels like when I have the rig on that I have to lean slightly to make the spar vertical. 2) Also, in the manual it says to let the upper side-to-side adjustment screw out a bit, which I find makes the rig fly radically to the right. I instead have the bottom screw out a bit. Is that unusual to have to let out the bottom screw? I am 5'-11", weigh about 195 lbs. and have a bit of a stomach, so I also have my top screw for fore/aft adjustment out more than the bottom screw. 3) While practicing switches, I notice whenever I go to Don Juan, I find my shoulder in the shot if I try to keep the sled in the same position I have it in Missionary. Do I have the sled in the wrong position, or does the EX1 have a very wide lens? I am trying to angle my body 45 degrees toward the sled, but I have to have the sled uncomfortably far from my body or slightly behind and to my side to avoid having my body enter the shot. 4) I've tried running with the rig on a few occasions and always see a harsh jitter with each step whether I'm holding onto the gimbal or the sled post. I don't think it's my rig because my cousin has ran with the rig and these jitters aren't present with his operating. Even when walking I sometimes see an ever so slight "bob" in the image. If there is no obvious subject (like an actor) this "bob" becomes more apparent, even when moving slowly. If anyone has any insight on any of these issues, please reply, otherwise, I guess I'll find out at the workshop. :) Thanks! -Adam Vesely

I know this thread is fairly dead, but I had to post this video of the song "Something Changed" by Pulp. It has some really nice shots. The video quality is great too! http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=35wHTv6T678&fmt=18