2009General Discussion forum
Setting up and balancing a Steadicam rig on uneven ground during transport and on-location shoots
17 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- The balancing stand does not need to be perfectly level; only the horizontal post matters for balancing the rig, since the rig hangs from the yoke on the balancing pin.
- A rig can be balanced while being worn, and the operator's feet do not need to be on level ground.
- For transport, a built and balanced rig can be placed flat on thick foam rubber in a vehicle for protection.
- When transporting, removing the camera from the rig reduces stress and potential damage; the camera position can be marked with tape and a pencil line for accurate remounting.
- Batteries should be removed from the rig during transport for safety.
- On uneven terrain, the balancing stand can be stabilized by having someone hold it to prevent tipping.
- Digging small holes for the stand legs and using sandbags or soil-filled bags can help achieve near-level positioning in difficult terrain.
Depends on
- The methods described assume access to tools and materials like foam rubber, tape, or digging equipment depending on the transport or location scenario.
- The advice about digging holes and using sandbags is specific to remote wooded locations where such work is practical.
- Wearing the rig while balancing requires operator experience and stability.
Parts
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