2007Operating forum
Using fabric strips to dampen motion of lightweight camera rigs
19 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- A short strip of medium to heavy weight fabric like Duvatine or Felt attached to the bottom of a lightweight camera rig can reduce unwanted movement and make the rig easier to control.
- The fabric strip is typically 6 inches long and attached with velcro or elastic straps at the front and back, allowing it to hang down and add air resistance without significant weight.
- The stiffness of the fabric material is important—it should resist fluttering but not be weighted, so it responds to air flow in a controlled way.
- The length and presence of the fabric strip can be adjusted based on conditions; it can be shortened or removed for whip pans or strong winds to maintain balance.
- The method takes approximately 20 minutes to construct.
Depends on
- The approach was reported by one user as working for their specific situation; no other confirmation provided.
- Excessive wind conditions are problematic and require shortening or removing the fabric.
- The fabric settling after rapid pans or in wind may slightly affect balance, requiring technique adjustment.
- Not applicable to all camera rigs, only useful for lightweight models with control difficulties.