just wondered if anyone has managed to properly balance the HV20 on the glidecam 2000 pro? Im struggling as the camera is too light.

any ideas?

Cheers
Fergus

Get your self a Bogen sliding quick release plate like this:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=5566&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

fergus, you want to add weight to the top of the sled. as john said, a quick release adapter would be perfect since you'd want that on there anyway. xlr adapter, microphone, light, rods system, mattebox, etc. are all possible options. glidecam also has weight plates specifically for this purpose, but i can't recall if i got my set with the glidecam or they came with the smooth shooter.

Ok thanks guys

Do you know if I can buy the release plate from the UK?
If not I can order from B&H. Forgive my ignornace but what is the purpose of a quick release adapter? How does it work? Will I attatch it to the top of the glidecam and then the cam on top of it allowing me to take the plate off without readjusting the glidecam? (that would be nice once its balanced!!)

The thing about the plate I suggested is that it actually does slide...
you slide it on or off and then crank the lever on the side to tighten it in place.

You will probably make a mark on the plate and the unit itself so you know where to lock it down.

This will give you the ability to make some fore and aft adjustments without having to loosen up the screws on the Glidecam itself.

There are other quick release plates out there to choose from of course.

I believe that a quick release plate like the Bogen is absolutely essential with the little Glidecams, especially where the extra weight is welcome such as with the HV20. The fore-aft and side-side adjustments on the 2000 and 4000 are really cumbersome, both in the amount of work involved in locking/unlocking and the lack of precision when adjusting which is critical with a lighter weight stabilizer.

Also, many stabilizer users are unaware that while side-to-side balance is generally set for the rig to remain perfectly level (and hopefully does not need to be re-adjusted), the fore-aft balance is generally tweaked for each and every shot to make framing easier. Having the quick release setup will make it much easier to achieve this.

Fergus,

Have you tried Speed Graphics.

http://www.speedgraphic.co.uk
http://www.speedgraphic.co.uk/prod.asp?i=7538&1=Manfrotto+577+Sliding+Plate+Adaptor

James

Thanks James

Is that exactly the same one as the one at B&H? They are out of stock at the moment but I will check back in a few days. Otherwise I could always import from the states as its about the same cost with delivery due to the strong pound!

I've found another at Park Cameras.

http://www.parkcameras.com/ProductDetails/mcs/productID/5504/groupID/16/categoryID/86/v/3522d300-c31d-45a8-aa0d-c866b206cabb

In Stock at:

http://www.fotosense.co.uk/Manfrotto_357_Universal_Sliding_Plate.asp?productID=1797

Thanks James

is this: http://www.fotosense.co.uk/Manfrotto_357_Universal_Sliding_Plate.asp?productID=1797&tabID=&a=1&full=true

the same as: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=5566&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

The foto sense picture seems to have two lots of screws?
Is it just the plate or the adaptor as well?

Thanks again

That's the same setup with additional (spare) screws--wish they sold it like that here for the same price as those screws are not cheap as spares! Naturally you only use the screw or screws that you need and store the rest. Incidentally Manfrotto even provided for that as well--the two threaded ports you see on the side of the the adaptor are meant for storing the spare tiedown screws.

Ok thanks Charles

Think I'll go for one of these. Will it screw directly onto the glidecam?

Yeparoonies.

Great thanks - one last question(!) Does anyone know how much the plate/adapter weighs? Will it provide enought extra weight to allow me to balance the glidecam say using two single weights at the bottom?

Thanks again