PD150 on a Glidecam 2000 PRO at DVinfo.net

James Connors · May 25th, 2005, 01:46 PM

Possibly more suited to the Support Your Cam forums, but those guys own scarily big rigs, whereas I know everyone here at least has a PD150.

My rig is generally a PD150 w/ the Sony 0.7x and a 960 (think thats the right model#) 8hour battery on the back.

I haven't had time to try recently, but I've had an impossible time trying to balance the thing, Ive read the manual multiple times, but still no luck. Does anyone else have a GC2K for their 150/170 , if so what combo of weights are you using at least? That'll hopefully give me a kick in the right direction.. drop time seems to be ok, but I just can't keep the thing steady... argh!

(Never knew how heavy the whole thing would be too, I need to work out more!)

George Ellis · May 25th, 2005, 03:46 PM

I flew my VX2100 this last weekend. I have 4 big washers on each side and the mast is about half down. You weigh a little more, but I would guess the same washers with a slightly shorter height.

James Connors · May 26th, 2005, 01:39 AM

Cheers for that, I'll start off with that as a base and see if I can get more joy out of it :) Thanks

Mark Von Lanken · May 26th, 2005, 09:03 AM

Hi James

I use a Glidecam 2000 with my PD-150. One thing that is different is that I use a Canon WD-58 WA lens, which is a little lighter than the Sony model. I also use a quick release plate, which adds weight as well.

I have the mast fully extended and I use 5 of the big weights.

Do you use your thumb and 1st finger on your left hand to help guide and steer the Glidecam?

Richard Lewis · May 26th, 2005, 02:47 PM

I spent some of today balancing 5 GC2000’s with nearly the exact same set up (PD170s)

You need 4 disks on each side and as has been said, the post is about half way.

Good luck,

-Rick.

Charles Papert · May 26th, 2005, 03:24 PM

James:

If the rig sits level when you aren't touching it, and the drop time is OK, it sounds like you either have a mechanical problem or an operating issue. If you have any way to post a short video of yourself doing a simple move with the rig, we would be able to critique your form and see if there is anything obvious that needs addressing.

James Connors · May 27th, 2005, 01:11 AM

Thanks for the replies, I'll see if I can get a chance over the weekend to try it again, and if there's still no luck I'll shoot a quick video with my other camera. Much happier behind the lens mind! :)

Cheers

May 25th, 2005, 01:46 PM	#1
James Connors Major Player Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Cardiff, UK Posts: 223	PD150 on a Glidecam 2000 PRO Possibly more suited to the Support Your Cam forums, but those guys own scarily big rigs, whereas I know everyone here at least has a PD150. My rig is generally a PD150 w/ the Sony 0.7x and a 960 (think thats the right model#) 8hour battery on the back. I haven't had time to try recently, but I've had an impossible time trying to balance the thing, Ive read the manual multiple times, but still no luck. Does anyone else have a GC2K for their 150/170 , if so what combo of weights are you using at least? That'll hopefully give me a kick in the right direction.. drop time seems to be ok, but I just can't keep the thing steady... argh! (Never knew how heavy the whole thing would be too, I need to work out more!)

May 26th, 2005, 09:03 AM	#4
Mark Von Lanken Major Player Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 910	Hi James I use a Glidecam 2000 with my PD-150. One thing that is different is that I use a Canon WD-58 WA lens, which is a little lighter than the Sony model. I also use a quick release plate, which adds weight as well. I have the mast fully extended and I use 5 of the big weights. Do you use your thumb and 1st finger on your left hand to help guide and steer the Glidecam? __________________ Mark Von Lanken www.VonWeddingFilms.com

May 26th, 2005, 02:47 PM	#5
Richard Lewis Major Player Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Manchester and Kent, UK Posts: 256	I spent some of today balancing 5 GC2000’s with nearly the exact same set up (PD170s) You need 4 disks on each side and as has been said, the post is about half way. Good luck, -Rick. __________________ Richard Lewis. Steadicam Owner / Operator

May 26th, 2005, 03:24 PM	#6
Charles Papert Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 6,810	James: If the rig sits level when you aren't touching it, and the drop time is OK, it sounds like you either have a mechanical problem or an operating issue. If you have any way to post a short video of yourself doing a simple move with the rig, we would be able to critique your form and see if there is anything obvious that needs addressing. __________________ Charles Papert www.charlespapert.com

May 25th, 2005, 03:46 PM	#2
George Ellis Trustee Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Suwanee, GA Posts: 1,241	I flew my VX2100 this last weekend. I have 4 big washers on each side and the mast is about half down. You weigh a little more, but I would guess the same washers with a slightly shorter height.

May 26th, 2005, 01:39 AM	#3
James Connors Major Player Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Cardiff, UK Posts: 223	Cheers for that, I'll start off with that as a base and see if I can get more joy out of it :) Thanks

May 27th, 2005, 01:11 AM	#7
James Connors Major Player Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Cardiff, UK Posts: 223	Thanks for the replies, I'll see if I can get a chance over the weekend to try it again, and if there's still no luck I'll shoot a quick video with my other camera. Much happier behind the lens mind! :) Cheers