2017Center Post forum
Using split shaft collars to replace the standard bottom stage on a Steadicam center post
What the thread found
- A split shaft collar can be attached to the internal bottom post of a Steadicam to mount a custom stage in place of the factory bottom mount.
- Converting to a rod-based system with shaft collars increases flexibility for monitor and battery positioning compared to the fixed factory stage.
- The rod and custom plate approach adds weight to the bottom of the rig, which reduces the maximum camera load capacity.
- A rod-based system prevents the hinged arm technique of positioning batteries near vertical and extremely low, which limits the ability to lower the sled's center of balance.
Depends on
- This modification reduces maximum camera load capacity.
- The change prevents using certain battery positioning techniques available with the stock hinged bottom arm.
- The experience described is from an amateur learning Steadicam operation, not professional productions.
- No quantified performance metrics are provided for the trade-offs involved.