I just got a Steadicam JR last week and was looking forward to learning how to use it. I haven't gotten that far, as I have found no "cookbook" as they call it, that tells me the basic settings for the Canon GL2 I'm using. The video and the manual constantly refer to this "cookbook", referring to a page on the company's website. That page specifically mentions that it has no settings at this time. Google searches brought up zip. No "cookbook" came in the box with the Steadicam JR.

There are far too many variables to deal with in balancing a camcorder on the Steadicam JR to just start in without some guidelines to go by. I'm hoping that somone on this forum will be able to help me with settings for the GL2 before I go completely bonkers from frustration.

Thanks!

Hi Shari
There are no settings for the JR cookbook, vut the JR lite cookbook can be read at http://www.steadicam.com/steadicam_jr_cookbook.html
That said, the cookbook is a starting point. Did you get the instructional video with your JR - It features Garrett Brown (the Steadicam creator) showing you how to balance up a camera - it's really motivational and really shows you what to do!
Have faith, it takes a while to setup a heavy camera, but once done the JR is great fun to use!!

Hi Graham,
Thanks so much for your quick reply. I hadn't seen that website, and am grateful for the information. Since the GL2 and the XM-1 weigh pretty much the same (1224.72 g and 1250 g respectively), I have a good starting point.

Yes, I do have the video, and have followed it to the letter - until it asked me to write down settings I couldn't find! That stopped me cold - until now.

Again, thanks very much for your help. I'm sure I'm going to enjoy using the Steadicam JR.

Best wishes,
Shari