I 'm about to buy an XL-2 and want to remove the shoulder pad to facilitate mounting on a rather complex tripod setup. I searched the forum, but ominously couldn't find any discussion. Can anyone offer advice about removing the shoulder pad?
Canon says:
1. You may be able to remove it, but you won't get it back on.
2. Along with the screws, there is some kind of glue that holds it in place.
3. Removing it also removes some kind of microphone jack (which is fine with me, but will there be bare wires hanging out?)
4. Removing the pad may void the warranty. (So what else is new!)

Any information is appreciated.

Steve Siegel
seiurusinc@yahoo.com

As far as I know, the shoulderpad contains all the cables for the XLr jacks, aswell as the Jacks themselves. It seems the pad is screwed on, and I would assume the "padding" is glues in around the Mic box. However, I would reccomend against removing it if possible, as it will most likely void your warrenty, and probably permanatly damage the cam.

I have had my XL2 on a mitchell gear head and crab dolly, and that's about as sophistimacated (love that word) as tripods get. No way to work around removing the pad?

Matt