Glidecam

**argento** · 04-30-2005, 04:04 PM

Hows the review going Marc? I'd be intrested in reading this one...

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**Marc Peters** · 04-30-2005, 04:07 PM

Not bad. It's taking a back seat this weekend as I'm working on a paying gig, but I've been practising and want to make sure I perfect the technique before writing copy!

**argento** · 04-30-2005, 04:18 PM

My mate bought one, and wasn't getting on very well at all with it - said it totally knackered him out! Then he bought a Glidepod for about £125 - and now he loves it! The footage he's getting is excellent, really nice and smooth, and he films WHOLE wedding days with it on....

**Marc Peters** · 04-30-2005, 04:24 PM

I wouldn't use it for a whole wedding even if I could! It's great for walking through crowds and set up shots, but you definately don't want to overuse it otherwise it loses its power.

**argento** · 04-30-2005, 04:37 PM

I guess your right, I haven't had a go, just watched his footage, and it did look supersmooth.

I look forward to the review. BTW - Will you be recommending somewhere to purchase it from?

**archie123** · 04-30-2005, 08:53 PM

There are now 3 distributors of Glidecam in the UK , CVP , CKE Distribution and Proactive.
All do mail order

**Alan Mills** · 05-01-2005, 10:26 AM

I've heard that you pretty much have to dismantleht whole thing just to take the camera off making it necessary to rebalance from the start the next time you want tot use it.

Surely this can't be right with Glidecams, can it?

It's a bit of a show stopper if you do.

I was interested inthe Glildecam 2000 until I heard this. I'd be interested in everyone's opinion of the matter.

I also recently heard about the Steadicam Merlin. Looks great but at $900 I think they are taking the piss personally.

**Marc Peters** · 05-01-2005, 10:33 AM

The cam is screwed to the top plate. To take it off, you have to release four thumbnails screws, which also act as a balancing mechanism. As such, when you take it off you'll be adjusting the dynamics of the balance unless you reposition the plate exactly when you put it back on.

However, you should really balance it every time you use it: the slightest change sets it off balance due to the nature of the beast. The most annoying thing is setting the balance up, then realising you either have the lens cap on, or the viewfinder closed. It's not really that much hassle to be honest - and no, you don't have to dismantle the whole thing.

**archie123** · 05-01-2005, 10:39 AM

Yes you do have to strip the thing each time but a good solution is to get a quick release mounting plate from Manfrotto about £25 ish which then stops the rebalance each time.
Also take a look at the Handyman 100 from ABC comes with quick release but you do need the extra weight kit for such as the PD170. A bit more expensive than the Glidecam but a very well made product.

**Alan Mills** · 05-01-2005, 10:53 AM

Originally Posted by archie123

Yes you do have to strip the thing each time but a good solution is to get a quick release mounting plate from Manfrotto about £25 ish which then stops the rebalance each time.

I just had a quick search of the Manfrotto site and can only find the actual mounting plate itself and not the bit it would quick release from. How would this connect to the glidecam? I'm missing something. Perhaps you could elaborate and provide links to the part(s) you mean.

Also take a look at the Handyman 100 from ABC comes with quick release but you do need the extra weight kit for such as the PD170. A bit more expensive than the Glidecam but a very well made product.

Unfortunatelly this piece of kit only accomodates up to 2.4Kg. Not enough I'm afraid.