"Just a few inches lower" post

[James Leonzio]

This may be common knowledge for most, but is there an arm post out there that allows for lowering your setup just a few inches, without inverting the gimbal handle? I have the standard f-bracket from Steadicam which is great for true low mode, but it's a little awkward to use when you want to stay in standard mode, but just lower your setup a few inches (to get the lens around chest level).

 

Any suggestions?

[Nic Owens]

Hey James,

What arm and sled do you own? You should just be able to adjust the arm tensions so the rig rides lower.

Nic

[Jens Piotrowski SOC]

This may be common knowledge for most, but is there an arm post out there that allows for lowering your setup just a few inches, without inverting the gimbal handle? I have the standard f-bracket from Steadicam which is great for true low mode, but it's a little awkward to use when you want to stay in standard mode, but just lower your setup a few inches (to get the lens around chest level).

 

Any suggestions?

 

use the J bracket....

[chris fawcett]

Hi James,

 

Inverting the yoke handle in conjunction with your bracket is probably the most convenient solution.

 

If you have an Ultra or an LX vest (might apply to any front-mount vest), you can disassemble the lower section and reassemble it so the spar is on the outside of the waistband instead of on the inside. This allows you to get the block a little lower, though having it that that low is not ideal. The further the stabiliser arm-mount is from your own arm mount (your shoulder), the more likely it is to compromise boom range.

 

All the best,

 

Chris

[James Leonzio]

Hey James,

What arm and sled do you own? You should just be able to adjust the arm tensions so the rig rides lower.

Nic

 

I've got the Archer2 w/ g-40 arm.

 

Yeah, I know I can let a little tension go to make it ride a lower. IDK, I guess I just like having the arm be in the middle of it's travel and having the gimbal handle at a nice comfortable height.

 

Sounds like the F bracket is the way to go. I'm sure I'll get accustomed to it.

 

While we're on the topic, anyone know a good place to buy some riser posts? Something not too expensive?

[Peter Abraham]

Hey James !

 

I used to use the old J Bracket to get what you want, Low High Mode. You should be able to do it with the F Bracket. Here's how. Leave your rig balanced in normal mode.

 

1. Put the F Bracket into the handle.

2. Slip the arm in.

3. Mount up. The handle will turn upside down, angling up and away from the stage. The 32" boom range has not been altered. You have lowered the median height by about 7". ( That's a very rough estimate. )

 

Depending on the length of the camera body, when switching you may hit the handle against the stage. Try it out before you're on set. It's a wonderful way to fly. In 1989 I shot 23 60 second spots called When I Grow Up. Every shot of very spot was Low High Mode Steadicam.

 

Just try it before the day, and know the angle of declination away from the centerpost so you know how you need to operate to get the shots you need.

 

Best

Peter Abraham

Dir. of Technical Services - Steadicam®

GM Steadicam Workshops Program

The Tiffen Company

 

pabraham@tiffen.com