cheap shoulder rig at DVinfo.net

Bob Gates · July 24th, 2009, 01:21 PM

I am a pure amateur at video, having bought the 5D for my still photography, but the quality of the images for "home movies" was so great that I got hooked. I bought the Hoodman Hoodloupe and modified it with the Chinese folding viewfinder bracket and added a Rode Videomic . But I needed an inexpensive way to increase the stability. I bought this shoulder mount off ebay for $35:

Video Camera/Camcorder Hands-Free Pad Shoulder Support - eBay (item 300331183706 end time Jul-24-09 17:28:19 PDT)

I put an arca swiss style quick release plate on, and I modified it with a simple flat aluminum bar and a handle for added control. You can adjust the two arms to get the viewfinder right where you want it. What's also nice is that the chest support holds the camera when I am not shooting, but I can lift if off with the handle when needed. I don't use the strap that came with it.

Here are some pics:

Bob Gates Photography- powered by SmugMug

Bob Gates
Bob Gates Photography- powered by SmugMug

Yang Wen · July 24th, 2009, 01:38 PM

Looks like it's made from plastic? Should we trust the durability of the construction? Would hate to have the camera snap off and fall down...

Also, doesn't the whole rig move up and down with each breath you take?

Bob Gates · July 24th, 2009, 01:47 PM

Yes, plastic, but very beefy and well made. The knobs to tighten are large and easy to tighten down, and the bolts are very sturdy too. This is not going to come apart.

As I said, I lift it off my chest with the handle, which helps with the breathing problem. You can adjust the stomach support, which helps raise or lower the unit, and can have it on your chest rather than your stomach, which also reduces the movement from breathing. I find I can get really steady footage (not walking or moving around, which is a skill I haven't mastered yet).

I would love to be able to afford a Redrock or Zacuto rig, but I really have no money for video equipment, and this works well for my needs.

Zsolt Gordos · July 24th, 2009, 02:39 PM

Bob, it does not matter cheap or expensive as long as you feel comfortable with it and can take nice shots.
I have a very similar thingy among my more pro accessories and for certain situations I use it. Just like the Spiderbrace which is not considered serious by many, yet for me it is the best light travel rig so far.
Dont worry, take good shots and have fun!

Bob Gates · July 24th, 2009, 03:09 PM

Thanks Zsolt, I am having fun! I just looked up the Spiderbrace, and if I had known about it I might have tried that first.

Steve Wolf · August 1st, 2009, 11:00 AM

Try the VZ 1Shooter, and you can buy it cheaper elsewhere: VariZoom Camera Stabilizers & Supports, monitors, Zoom controls, Camera Stabilizers & Supports, Batteries, Monitor Kits Phone:512-219-7722

Peter Jordan · August 4th, 2009, 10:51 PM

I've been using one of these professionally for years, including with the 5D2.

The main part of the rig has been flawless, but I did have the extension brackets break off while holding a PD150. Luckily, I was also holding the camera at the time. But I wouldn't trust them for a second.

I mount the 5D on a quick release straight to the main rig, without the extension brackets. Much more solid that way.

Jon Fairhurst · August 4th, 2009, 11:19 PM

The main beam of the VZ 1Shooter looks pretty low.

I made my own rig from aluminum. Measured from the bottom of the part that goes over my shoulder, I have the camera raised 7-inches with a 3-inch offset to the left. Using the Hoodloupe, I can stand upright with my head in a neutral position, and my eye lines up just right.

My rig isn't very adjustable, but I don't plan for my neck and shoulders to change shape for another couple of decades at least! :)

Chris Barcellos · August 5th, 2009, 01:04 AM

Jon's Right. Make your own. Here are examples of some I have made, some with footage.

YouTube - My Rig by Chris Barcellos

YouTube - Prototype Shoulder Brace For Canon 5D Mark II

Handheld With the Canon 5D Mark II on Vimeo

July 24th, 2009, 01:21 PM	#1
Bob Gates New Boot Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Syracuse, NY Posts: 20	cheap shoulder rig I am a pure amateur at video, having bought the 5D for my still photography, but the quality of the images for "home movies" was so great that I got hooked. I bought the Hoodman Hoodloupe and modified it with the Chinese folding viewfinder bracket and added a Rode Videomic . But I needed an inexpensive way to increase the stability. I bought this shoulder mount off ebay for $35: Video Camera/Camcorder Hands-Free Pad Shoulder Support - eBay (item 300331183706 end time Jul-24-09 17:28:19 PDT) I put an arca swiss style quick release plate on, and I modified it with a simple flat aluminum bar and a handle for added control. You can adjust the two arms to get the viewfinder right where you want it. What's also nice is that the chest support holds the camera when I am not shooting, but I can lift if off with the handle when needed. I don't use the strap that came with it. Here are some pics: Bob Gates Photography- powered by SmugMug Bob Gates Bob Gates Photography- powered by SmugMug

July 24th, 2009, 01:47 PM	#3
Bob Gates New Boot Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Syracuse, NY Posts: 20	Yes, plastic, but very beefy and well made. The knobs to tighten are large and easy to tighten down, and the bolts are very sturdy too. This is not going to come apart. As I said, I lift it off my chest with the handle, which helps with the breathing problem. You can adjust the stomach support, which helps raise or lower the unit, and can have it on your chest rather than your stomach, which also reduces the movement from breathing. I find I can get really steady footage (not walking or moving around, which is a skill I haven't mastered yet). I would love to be able to afford a Redrock or Zacuto rig, but I really have no money for video equipment, and this works well for my needs. Last edited by Bob Gates; July 24th, 2009 at 03:36 PM.

July 24th, 2009, 02:39 PM	#4
Zsolt Gordos Major Player Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Budapest, Hungary Posts: 414	Bob, it does not matter cheap or expensive as long as you feel comfortable with it and can take nice shots. I have a very similar thingy among my more pro accessories and for certain situations I use it. Just like the Spiderbrace which is not considered serious by many, yet for me it is the best light travel rig so far. Dont worry, take good shots and have fun! __________________ Sony XDCAM EX1r, Canon 5DMkII, Røde NTG2, Røde NT1000, Røde Stereo Videomic, Sachtler DV6 SB on Gitzo 1325V, Steadicam Merlin, Omnitracker, Hackintosh 3.5Ghz Quad 8Gb RAM

August 1st, 2009, 11:00 AM	#6
Steve Wolf Tourist Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Turlock, California Posts: 4	VZ 1Shooter Try the VZ 1Shooter, and you can buy it cheaper elsewhere: VariZoom Camera Stabilizers & Supports, monitors, Zoom controls, Camera Stabilizers & Supports, Batteries, Monitor Kits Phone:512-219-7722

August 4th, 2009, 10:51 PM	#7
Peter Jordan New Boot Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Palo Alto CA Posts: 21	I've been using one of these professionally for years, including with the 5D2. The main part of the rig has been flawless, but I did have the extension brackets break off while holding a PD150. Luckily, I was also holding the camera at the time. But I wouldn't trust them for a second. I mount the 5D on a quick release straight to the main rig, without the extension brackets. Much more solid that way. __________________ Localfilms.org

July 24th, 2009, 01:38 PM	#2
Yang Wen Major Player Join Date: May 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 991	Looks like it's made from plastic? Should we trust the durability of the construction? Would hate to have the camera snap off and fall down... Also, doesn't the whole rig move up and down with each breath you take?

July 24th, 2009, 03:09 PM	#5
Bob Gates New Boot Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Syracuse, NY Posts: 20	Thanks Zsolt, I am having fun! I just looked up the Spiderbrace, and if I had known about it I might have tried that first.

August 4th, 2009, 11:19 PM	#8
Jon Fairhurst Inner Circle Join Date: May 2006 Location: Camas, WA, USA Posts: 5,513	The main beam of the VZ 1Shooter looks pretty low. I made my own rig from aluminum. Measured from the bottom of the part that goes over my shoulder, I have the camera raised 7-inches with a 3-inch offset to the left. Using the Hoodloupe, I can stand upright with my head in a neutral position, and my eye lines up just right. My rig isn't very adjustable, but I don't plan for my neck and shoulders to change shape for another couple of decades at least! :) __________________ Jon Fairhurst

August 5th, 2009, 01:04 AM	#9
Chris Barcellos Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Elk Grove CA Posts: 6,838	Jon's Right. Make your own. Here are examples of some I have made, some with footage. YouTube - My Rig by Chris Barcellos YouTube - Prototype Shoulder Brace For Canon 5D Mark II Handheld With the Canon 5D Mark II on Vimeo __________________ Chris J. Barcellos