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Glide Cam Balancing Help!

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C.A.V.
Posts: 1706 - Karma: 1,644
i just got a glide cam 4000 pro for xmass, having trouble balancing it, and suggestions? such as how many weights ect..
Dec 25 2012 3:38PM
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p.hawks
Posts: 2832 - Karma: 581
Balance you cam on a pencil for both axis'. Where they intersect is the center of gravity. Mount it on the plate so that the center of gravity is as close to the center shaft as possible. For weight, start with the column all they way in add a plate on each side, then check the drop time. Extend the column as needed, and if you get to the end, push it back in and add another plate to each side and repeat. Check YouTube also. Most people suggest a 3 sec one, but I have heard of many people using shorter times for filming skiing.
Dec 25 2012 3:51PM
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C.A.V.
Posts: 1706 - Karma: 1,644
thanks!

when i do the 3 second drop test my camera goes super fast and its more like one second, what do i do to fix that?

Dec 25 2012 4:06PM
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p.hawks
Posts: 2832 - Karma: 581
less weight/bring the column in/put more weight on top. Also make sure your camera is exactly how you will have it when you are shooting, like lens focussed, card in etc., as this stuff can actually affect it
Dec 25 2012 4:21PM
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C.A.V.
Posts: 1706 - Karma: 1,644
i have a t2i with a rather large lens, 17-40 WA , so i need to add counter weights to the top of it?

Dec 25 2012 4:33PM
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p.hawks
Posts: 2832 - Karma: 581
yup, or somewhere on the platform, that is if the sled is too heavy when empty/with 1 plate on each end. The 4000 pro has a range of 4-10 pounds, so you want to be at at least 5lbs to be able to balance it properly
Dec 25 2012 6:14PM
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BA.berger
Posts: 300 - Karma: 300

Glidecam Tutorial from Cristina Valdivieso + Jon Connor on Vimeo.

Dec 25 2012 6:18PM
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C.A.V.
Posts: 1706 - Karma: 1,644
ahha i watched this video right after i made this thread, i am still having trouble getting it to balance, i added 3 of the large washers to the to adding a decent amont of weight might add more if thats the problem
Dec 25 2012 8:42PM
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Mkvackay
Posts: 1903 - Karma: 5,460
should've gotten the 2000
Dec 25 2012 8:57PM
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C.A.V.
Posts: 1706 - Karma: 1,644
my parents got it for me for xmass and didn't know so I'm stuck with it cuz they got it refurbished from them so i can't return it.. should i add for weights to the top plate?
Dec 25 2012 9:05PM
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C.A.V.
Posts: 1706 - Karma: 1,644
so i got it pretty balanced.. how the hell do you turn with it , i walk straight fine but i can't turn it
Dec 25 2012 9:40PM
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p.hawks
Posts: 2832 - Karma: 581
have you read/watched anything about how to use a glide cam? like how you guide it?
Dec 25 2012 9:54PM
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C.A.V.
Posts: 1706 - Karma: 1,644
haven't had to much luck finding it, mind finding me a link to a video or instructions on it? thanks
Dec 25 2012 10:20PM
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p.hawks
Posts: 2832 - Karma: 581
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHXzbFZAklw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0i7ViEwlyI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfvTENcocTI

watch all three of those beginning to end. Some stuff may seem redundant, but just watch them, all the information should be in there
Dec 25 2012 10:46PM
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C.A.V.
Posts: 1706 - Karma: 1,644
thanks defiantly helpful! didn't know it was gonna be a two hand operation
Dec 26 2012 9:14AM
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p.hawks
Posts: 2832 - Karma: 581
when you're skiing, don't be afraid to grip it a little tighter, the wind loves to play with them, especially lighter setups
Dec 26 2012 10:06AM
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C.A.V.
Posts: 1706 - Karma: 1,644
used it today skiing for the first time and loved it, a little heavy, but what ever, whats the best way to start recording? when i hold it with one hand it always sways a little then i hold the pole and its fine
Dec 26 2012 8:01PM
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p.hawks
Posts: 2832 - Karma: 581
I think eheath said somewhere that his grip is much closer to a death grip than the one shown in those tutorials. You just want to grip it tight enough to prevent the wind from catching it, but loose enough to let it still do its job. The best way to tell is by practice. and it is normal for it to sway, because when you press it, there is more force on top and the system becomes unbalanced and then tries to get back to equilibrium. Just a quick pinch should bring it back, and you should be set to go, so just start recording like a second early. A remote would be cool, but not at all necessary
Dec 26 2012 9:42PM
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slc_utahboiii
Posts: 1755 - Karma: 1,441
/threads
Dec 28 2012 7:33PM
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