2010Steadi-Newbies forum
Bobbling and instability when walking with a Steadicam Flyer-LE and DSLR
16 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
- Arm tension that is too high causes the rig to bounce, and lowering the tension so the arm sections sit slightly below level can reduce bobbling.
- The operator's hand should maintain a light grip and keep the arm separate from body movement, allowing the arm to act as an isolated unit while the body bobs naturally.
- Disassociating the operating arm from body movement is more important than changing your natural walking gait.
- Adding weight to a light DSLR camera, such as a steel plate weighing around 5 pounds mounted under the camera, significantly improves stability and makes the rig easier to control.
- The vest and arm tension should both be checked for proper adjustment, as a loose vest or incorrect arm tension can cause unwanted movement.
- The upper arm section should track smoothly with the forearm section, and all adjustments should be made while standing in good posture with the rig balanced.
- Keeping a relaxed shoulder, elbow, and wrist with the lightest possible grip reduces transfer of vertical body movement to the rig.
Depends on
- Discussion involves a Flyer-LE with a DSLR, which is notably lighter than larger cinema cameras and may require different tuning.
- The specific tension settings for the Flyer-LE were not detailed in the conversation.
- Socket block adjustment was mentioned as a potential issue but not fully addressed in the thread.
- Some advice about arm position flying level versus above or below level differed between manufacturers and experienced operators.