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Goofy


Stephen Press

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I fly goofy. I can go regular but I just find goofy more comfortable. Yesterday I had a shoot with a new client and they wanted me to use their new V16 Glidecam. As far as I can tell it doesn?t do goofy. Am I missing something? Is there a simple way to get it more to what I?m used to? Or do I just need to get with the regular crowed?

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Could someone clarify what goofy and standard is? I know they are foot positions in snowboarding and skateboarding, but I cant seem to make the link to steadicam myself :lol: :blink:

 

"Standard" in the case of Steadicam would be operating with the Steadicam on the left of the body. To qualify that: The socket block extends to the operator's right, connecting the arm to the right side of the operator's body. The arm extends to the operator's left where it holds the sled. The right hand is used on the gimbal handle, the power hand. the left hand is used on the gimbal on the post, light touch, the finesse hand.

 

"Goofy" is exactly the opposite. Socket block to the left to connect to the arm which extends to the right. Left hand is power, right is finesse.

 

Naturally, the placement of the operator's feet is opposite as well, like those crazy snowboarders whose ranks I hope to someday join.

 

Brian }-)~

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Oh.

 

I fly goofy then. I did have the arm on the right side but as I am right handed, I thought it made sense to use my right hand to control the gimbal, and my real arm kept banging into the steadicam arm, so I moved it and I was much better with it on the left...

 

Are there any real problems with this?

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Peter,

 

Please check out page 16 of Chris Fawcett's excellent paper "Steadicam Posture," which can be down loaded from his web site here: http://steadivision.com/steadipos2.pdf

 

Not only does he explain the origins of the term "goofy foot," he discusses your dominant hand as well as your dominant hemisphere. Good stuff!

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Its James Elias's fault, He (probably) set the flyer at broadcast live up that I used and then bought, ive never tried it any other way, ive only operated the merlin with arm n' vest standard.

 

Don't blame me, Peter! lol. All the ops we had on the stand were goofy hence why the rigs were set up goofy.

 

Always helps to practice both ways.

 

Regards

- James

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Jess your not the only one ;) I have an upgraded zero "g" red edition.

 

Oh and I fly regular. I am really happy, that I have the choice to swap sides. It must be frustrating to be forced into a different work flow, because the equipment "just are like that".

 

-Nils

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I did use my rig in the end. (The client was a bit shocked at how much faster it was to set up and balance the Actioncam to his shiny new Glidecam) ;)

We didn?t have time for me to get back in the groove with regular.

I have to admit when I started I tried to keep practicing both but the longer I operate the more set in my ways I?ve become. :blink:

How is the zero G working out? I would love to upgrade one day.

Edited by Stephen Press
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How is the zero G working out? I would love to upgrade one day.

 

I really like the rig so far. It is build very well, quick to setup and is rock solid. I'm still adjusting the vest everytime I put the rig on; I've been told and see it takes time to get it just right. The only issue I've run into is alittle bit of sound from the springs in the lower arm. It takes some finese to set them up the springs perfectly straight and when they aren't you get the springs to sing abit.

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The Zero "g" is a great piece of engineering and a really solid performer. It is a joy to work with and the build quality is beyond anything in its price range. My favorite parts is the simplicity of the design and the upgrade abilities of the rig.

 

I had some issues with vest adjustments and comfort in the beginning. They disappeared when I followed Brian's guide and it is very comfortable now.

 

-Nils

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  • 9 months later...
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Hi guys, thanks for all the useful information and apologize beforehand for the amateur question. I noticed in the Actioncam literatures online that the rig is always set up for goofy. I'm having trouble adjusting it to regular. Is there a manual online somewhere because I can't find it on their website?

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