2008Steadi-Newbies forum
Balancing procedure for a Glidecam V-16 stabilizer rig
18 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
DisputedParticipants disagreed and reached no conclusion. Read the findings as positions, not as an answer.
What the thread found
- The V-16 and V-20 models are functionally identical except for the springs in the arm.
- Static balance should be established first by adjusting the gimbal position on the sled post to achieve a drop time of approximately 2-3 seconds.
- Fine-tuning of front-to-back and left-to-right balance is accomplished using an allen wrench to adjust the stage while the eight brass thumbscrews are loosened, then tightened again after adjustment.
- Monitor post should be positioned in the last forward hole of the bottom plate to increase inertia in the pan axis.
- Battery should be gaff-taped to the rear of the bottom plate as far back as possible without overhang to maximize pan inertia.
- All components must be secured with tape so they do not shift during operation, as even minor movement affects balance.
- Dynamic balance is achieved by moving the total weight on the bottom plate forward or backward and compensating through stage adjustments.
- Gimbal placement distance from the lens affects how much sled movement translates to lens movement, with closer positioning (7cm or less from gimbal to stage bottom) generally preferred for normal shots.
- Dynamic balance testing should begin with perfect static balance verified against a vertical reference point, with the spin initiated using only thumb and forefinger against the gimbal bottom to avoid introducing wobble.
- Dynamic balance is relevant to all panning speeds, not just fast pans.
- Smaller rigs like the Glidecam V-16 may lack full adjustment capabilities needed for optimal dynamic balance.
Depends on
- This was an older rig that had been used in an educational setting with added monitor and battery at the bottom.
- The V-16 may have limited adjustment range compared to professional Steadicam models.
- Dynamic balance achievement depends on the specific accessories and their placement, which may be constrained by rig design.