I saw this mentioned in the Z7 thread... it works great! I got mine in today and played around with it. Will play with it more at a wedding today. The only thing I don't like about it is I can't comfortably use the viewfinder, but the LCD is in a great position.

Here is the mfr site: http://dynamicmotionvideo.com/

Product is the CB-105

I bought mine on Ebay from them... oh, its relatively cheap too! Only $65 + shipping! His ebay id is rlg64.

OH, I easilly attached a spare bogen 501 quick release plate adapter or whatever its called to allow easy removal just like glidecam and such.

Hi Jerome,

That product looks good. I'll be interested in reading your feedback.

I bought the Tiffen Steady Stick SS3C:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/210200-REG/Davis_Sanford_SS3C_Steady_Stick_Compact.html.

This is another item I bought, expecting to use a lot, tried it once at home, and put it back in the box. It does what it says, however for shooting travel videos, I spend little time shooting and much more time walking, so it is easier to simply carry it.


Thanks!

John

I bought this because of the benefits of shoulder mounting. Between this, my hands, tripod, and glidecam, I think I have enough stabilizers to suit my needs.....

One major reason I bought this is the simplicity and convenience. No straps, belts, or anything to hinder movement, operations, and the fact it "looks" better than most designs IMHO.

I wish I could post footage of the wedding I'll shoot tonight, but they bought the "don't use for promo" add-on. :) and :(

Can't wait to get the rainslicker!!! Thanks!

I bought this because of the benefits of shoulder mounting. Between this, my hands, tripod, and glidecam, I think I have enough stabilizers to suit my needs.....

One major reason I bought this is the simplicity and convenience. No straps, belts, or anything to hinder movement, operations, and the fact it "looks" better than most designs IMHO.

I wish I could post footage of the wedding I'll shoot tonight, but they bought the "don't use for promo" add-on. :) and :(

Can't wait to get the rainslicker!!! Thanks!

Good luck with shooting the marital bliss tonight, Jerome!

You should receive the Rain Slicker mid week.

Thanks again,

John

I saw it mentioned also and almost ordered one.
It looks good to me, but i was afraid it didn't balance properly with an shotgun and wideangle attached.
So, the question is, does it balance properly and how does this thing feel after an hour, or two, shooting? Is it easy to control the focus/iris ring/the zoomrocker etc.?
I'd like to see some footage and some pictures of the rig in action.

Having spent the day Saturday wandering the streets of Singapore's Chinatown, Arab-town and Malaysia-town, hopping into and out of a couple cabs and wading through crowds at open air markets, here's some thoughts on rigs. I don't do weddings so your mileage may vary.

I used a Spiderbrace and a Lowepro Street & Field harness with shock cords and carabiners to hook the brace (not the camera) onto the shoulder straps of the harness. When hands free, the brace rests flat on my chest with the shoulder arm pointing up and the two handles resting on my hips. This works sitting and standing. It looks wierd and you have to get used to the stares but all things considered, it's about as compact as an infant carriers.

With a small LANC controller on the handle, I can quickly draw the rig up to the shoulder or tuck the shoulder rest under the arm pit and shoot with the right hand on the camera handle and the left completely free to use the controls. the shock cords distribute the weight to my shoulder/back while the shoulder brace in the arm pit adds stability. If I want to, I can push the camera away from the body and have it strictly suspended by the shock cords.

The whole rig detaches with two carabiners and sits upright on the ground, table, or taxi seat.

CAVEAT. I've only had one day with the rig and I know some modifications I'll make when I get home. Fundamentally tho, I was pleased at how the rig takes the weight so my hands are free to operate the camera controls. LOVE THAT IRIS RING ON THE A1!!!

I saw it mentioned also and almost ordered one.
It looks good to me, but i was afraid it didn't balance properly with an shotgun and wideangle attached.
So, the question is, does it balance properly and how does this thing feel after an hour, or two, shooting? Is it easy to control the focus/iris ring/the zoomrocker etc.?
I'd like to see some footage and some pictures of the rig in action.
I just got in from the ceremony only wedding. I used it on some establishing shots (not much to shoot because it was NOT decorated much)... The church nazi's only let me shoot from the balcony, so I left 1 cam up there and went down to the doors to the santuary during the last prayer. I zoomed in FULL to get the kiss and all the recessional with the shoulder mount. THEN I got a nice suprise, the B/G greeted EVERY row as they walked out... probably about 20 minutes of this. It was rather stable and I'm happy with it. ALL controls were easy to use and it wasn't ugly, nor cumbersome.

With the bogel quick release assembly attached it was a matter of removing from tripod and attaching to shoulder mount (what 15 seconds max till I had it on my shoulder???) It did feel like a shoulder mount camera--balanced well and was happy with it.

Now, if you need a WA lens, you'll probably need the optional weight that is on his site. It doesn't balance perfectly as it is just a tad front heavy, but I'm cool with that. With a WA lens and anything else, you'll need more weight in the back.

There is a video on the ebay page where he has them listed (in each listing) so check that out as it will show demo footage. I can't show footage from this wedding because they bought the "100% rights and not use as a promo" add-on. Weird, but added more profit :)

Here's his instructional video:
http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j249/Rodney41/?action=view&current=cb105instLg_Prog001.flv

Jerome,

I'm not able to find them on Ebay (via the links on their website), do you have a tip where I can find them. Looks great!

Robert

Jerome,

I'm not able to find them on Ebay (via the links on their website), do you have a tip where I can find them. Looks great!

Robert
http://cgi.ebay.com/For-Panasonic-DVX100-HVX200-DVC30-DVC80-operators_W0QQitemZ360028465616QQihZ023QQcategoryZ23780QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/For-Canon-GL1-GL2-XL1-XL2-operators_W0QQitemZ320223206455QQihZ011QQcategoryZ23780QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/For-Sony-HVR-A1U-HVR-Z1U-PD170-VX2100-users_W0QQitemZ360028962717QQihZ023QQcategoryZ23780QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

IT doesn't matter what cameras he has them listed for.. its the same product.

Thanks, these links worked well!

Another impulse buy, but it looks better than many I've seen. Some have handles, which means you can't easily control the camera while holding them. I like the look of this, as it's balanced from the start. I'll post a review once I've had an opportunity to try it out. Sigh, first I bought the FireStore FS-C, now this!

Uh,
using a monopod with swivel head, a belt, some belt buckles, and canon org shoulder strap, one can make body mount for A1.
Need fluid head?, unless your lumbar is out of fluid, lol, (limited panning thus)
:)

hahahaha, point is well taken, Jerome, lol.
The A1 is rests on the pod, stabilized by the shoulder strap and gravity. one doesn't have to "hold" the camera. lifting is easy by releasing the quick release buckle at the neck of the pod; also, pod rests on the belt by a loop,=>taking the system off the body is in split second.
Anyway, it wouldn't look as "pro" as brand name systems, lol.

Doesn't that pole hurt?

I had a few supports on my XHA1 and I settled for the DVrig. The design is very good. It mounts the XHA1 infront of you and you can use the VF or LCD and the support is spring loaded It takes alot of weight off you.And the support goes to the side to your shoulder . This way it is position perfectly and I don't need to twist my body to fit the mount. The mount fits to my body.

I added a Lanc control to one of the handles for zoom and still have one hand for the focus . I can go and shoot with this for a few hours and no problems with my arm or shoulder.Tried it on a few weddings and I'm glad I have it.

I had the Manfrotto Fig Rig and it is good but you can't use it the hold day or let alone an hour. The Merlin is small and it holds up to about 3.kg. Which means that you might have a hard time balancing it when you add a BP 970 battery, mics ,rods ,matter box or even with the Canon WD-72 wide angle lens. You cannot use any of the and Lanc control on it. Pretty much auto mode with it.

I tried the cavision ones too. but the mono pod is not spring loaded and the design is too straight hence you twist your body abit to fit the rig.

Doesn't that pole hurt?

Ha ha! Bet it attracts a few predictable comments from bystanders (no pun intended).

I've been using cheap tripods with (their) legs unextended as a brace when needed. The trick is to catch two of the legs in your belt as a sort of bipod.
OK, it doesn't look too sophisticated as the redundant third leg tends to stick out at the front and look a bit rude, but it's more comfortable and stable than a monopod. Also it can be lifted off in mid shot if necessary for instant emergency high angle shots when you notice some clot is about to walk between you and the subject. (Ever tried filming a Disney parade - as soon as it starts people swarm in front of your lens).

However, now that I'm using an A1 I'm looking for proper stabilisation too.

I was inspired by this thread. i grabbed the neck strap from the XH-A1 (previously unused...) and made the loops the right size to slip tightly on the main tri-pod support , which detaches from the legs with a twist of a knob, and then turned the camera sideways on the head so that the bar for tilting the camera becomes a side support grip. i grip the main pole with my right hand, the side support with my left, and put the neck strap around my neck (attached to the pole just below the head). i chased and terrorized my dog for about a half hour with the camera and found many combinations of gripping positions for different heights and movements, and it was smooth. i can adjust the strap up and down the pole, but it doesn't slip while in position. it was also fun to get really creative with well supported movements!
while i'm sure there are way better, counter-balanced support systems, this one was FREE, and best of all, i leave the strap attached to the tri-pod and can go from tri-pod to running around in about 10 seconds!
my dog is not so enthused...

I've rigged up something similar to Tung Pham and Colin McDonald. Basically I use a harness that is sold for binoculars that doesn't hang on my neck but goes around my shoulders, and attach a pouch to it. An old tripod centre column stands in the pouch and I mount the camera on that. With a neck strap from the camera for security, I can use the camera reasonably comfortably on a rocking boat.

The tripod centre column isn't as long as Tung Pham's monopod, nor as bulky as Colin's "bipod" (and I have tried that method in the past).

is he going to sell any more CB 105????

is he going to sell any more CB 105????
Yes... he's working on a shopping cart setup for his site. Send him an email at the address on his site.

I got this one:
http://www.varizoom.com/products/supports/vz1shooter.html

Not bad for the price, and it helps me keep shots steady while letting me do other things with my left hand.

I got this one:
http://www.varizoom.com/products/supports/vz1shooter.html

Not bad for the price, and it helps me keep shots steady while letting me do other things with my left hand.
It finally hit me why several people post what they are using... you can read the post title a couple different ways. Basically I was suggesting a shoulder mount device that:

A) lets you keep your hand on the camera where it needs to be and not a handle
B) full control and balance and
C) Price... its cheap, but not cheaply made.

http://www.advance-pro.com/downloads/whatsnew/HVR-s270_z7_m35.pdf

lol, ladies and gents,
it's not if it's cheaply made or not, but it's about being optimum functional.
I wonder how long the girl in the VZ1 kit can hold her arm out like that.
Check out page 18 from above link to Sony's product, you will find a cheaply made kit can be as good as brand name kit in any respects.
let your genuine wonder do the work...lol

My thoughts about the rig in the photo too - having tried a rifle mount for stills work some years ago.

Your rig from page 18 is far more practical. Anything that carries the weight passively (ie the weight is on your shoulders or hips) means you can carry it effectively for longer - just using your muscles when you need to.

Sorry to sound like a broken record, if anyone has heard me rattle this device off before, but nothing beats the DVMulti Rig (www.dvmultirig.com), nothing.

You name it you can shoot it. If you want to go all hands on the camera, then you can just keep the DVMR in shoulder support mode with the 2 section support pod, fold the side handles in, and use both hands on the camera. The support pod will take the weight off of your hands and place it on your hands and the shoulder support will give you the feel and usefulness of a shoulder camera.

I shoot with a Sony FX1 and the DVMR and using the support pod to shoot in various configurations (Fig Rig (handles up), handheld (Handles down), low mode (place the rig on the floor), shoulder mode, and even mount it on a tripod if needed (which is rare anymore). I use a LANC remote on the left grip (this is the only grip that never changes configuration (except maybe up or down), and still have no trouble making control adjustments on my camera.

The only position that I can't shoot well, would be a high overhead boomed shot, like I can get by using a monopod leaned out over a crowd. I can stand on a step stool and get elevated even higher and boom slightly, but not as dramatic as using a monopod in this situation.

But I can shoot very smooth panning, dutch tilts,, reveals, static (very steady), low angle walking (no need to flip in post) and more with no issues at all. And even better I can shoot all day long 12+ hours and the only thing hurting on me are my feet.

Nice !

Looks like one of these little robots on Mars !!! :)


Please, take a look at this :
http://www.spiderbrace.com/prdemo.html

Please, take a look at this :
http://www.spiderbrace.com/prdemo.html

I love that bit in the middle of the video where the guy stands in the middle of the road without seeming to check behind him for traffic. I always expect him to get flattened by a truck. I think he needs a safety buddy like the steadycam ops have.

Well My CB105 Arrived yesterday, the quailty is nice But it is Heavier then
I though it would be. I adapted it last night with a manfrodo 328 quickmount
plate and bracket so I can get it off the mount and onto the tripod pretty quickly. As far as stability goes it seems to work just fine and it certainly does take the weight for the camera off your forearm, but you need to have a stout shoulder, If your used to hiking a small kid around on your shoulders then you will be fine, padding is high density foam and quite comfortable. What I do Like about it over the spiderbrace is I am still Both hands On the camera so control access
is better and using the Manual zoom ring is much more natural then with the spiderbrace but as mentioned at the begining it is somewhat heavier then the spiderbrace, my Take for the price
its a good deal.

From my short tests yesterday with it Iam looking forward to giving it a longer workout, Iam using it with my Canon A1 and bought the extra
balance weight but I don't think I am gonna need it even with the added Mic and camera mounted light on , maybe if you had a large Matte box on the front of the camera you might need it but I figured I would get it just in case.

I received my CB 105 recently. It is a good piece of equipment. However, it is designed for someone who will be shooting from their shoulder all day. Unfortunately, I do not. Due to it's size and weight, it is great for that application but not great if you are not going to be shooting in this matter.

Well My CB105 Arrived yesterday, the quailty is nice But it is Heavier then
I though it would be. I adapted it last night with a manfrodo 328 quickmount
plate and bracket so I can get it off the mount and onto the tripod pretty quickly. As far as stability goes it seems to work just fine and it certainly does take the weight for the camera off your forearm, but you need to have a stout shoulder, If your used to hiking a small kid around on your shoulders then you will be fine, padding is high density foam and quite comfortable. What I do Like about it over the spiderbrace is I am still Both hands On the camera so control access
is better and using the Manual zoom ring is much more natural then with the spiderbrace but as mentioned at the begining it is somewhat heavier then the spiderbrace, my Take for the price
its a good deal.

From my short tests yesterday with it Iam looking forward to giving it a longer workout, Iam using it with my Canon A1 and bought the extra
balance weight but I don't think I am gonna need it even with the added Mic and camera mounted light on , maybe if you had a large Matte box on the front of the camera you might need it but I figured I would get it just in case.

I just got mine this morning, and I second your opinion. It does feel pretty comfortable and yes, I do have 19months old son, and i work out everyday, so i am good. :)
I need to find better (and faster) way to switch from CB to my sachtler dv62d tripod, though.
good product. best part is that, as you said, i can use both hand!

I need to find better (and faster) way to switch from CB to my sachtler dv62d tripod, though.
Find a quick release adapter such as one of these to work with your tripod head.... that will make for a quick change out.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5566-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_3273_3273_Pro_Quick_Release.html