What the thread found

• The socket block on the Ultra 2 vest can be repositioned by moving the waist assembly from the front to the back of the center spar, though this requires longer fasteners.
• Lowering the socket block position reduces elbow interference with the camera support arm during shooting and allows more flexible positioning options.
• Moving the waist assembly to the back of the center spar, as done in Master Series vests, can cause the vertical spar to press painfully against the sternum when chest straps are tightened, resulting in less side-to-side support compared to having the spar inside the waistband.
• Trimming plastic from the waist panel can lower the socket block by approximately one-quarter inch without requiring structural modifications.
• Using a longer arm post to compensate for a lower socket block is not advisable with heavy camera loads, though a modest increase of about one inch may be acceptable for most work.
• A lower vest bridge position reduces the ability to fully utilize the lower travel range of a camera support arm's springs.
• Removing padding from the top of the vertical spar to prevent sternum pressure can lead to discomfort in the shoulders over extended shooting periods.

Depends on

• The discussion references hearsay about modification methods rather than firsthand documentation.
• One participant mentioned having contact with someone who performed the modification successfully but did not provide published documentation or specifications.
• Specific screw sizes and types required for the modification are not definitively confirmed in the thread.
• The ergonomic trade-offs discussed are based on individual experience rather than systematic testing.
• Whether the original Ultra vest design was factory standard or a custom modification remains unclear.

Gear in this thread

Master Seriescatalog

Parts

Arm Post

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