2024From a Facebook group: The Steadicam Group
Socket block mounting height on arms and back vests: navel height versus belt line, and adjustment criteria.
DisputedParticipants disagreed and reached no conclusion. Read the findings as positions, not as an answer.
What the thread found
- Socket block mounted at navel height typically positions it where the right forearm naturally rests during operation.
- Mounting lower at belt line can improve comfort for the operating hand but transfers more hip movement to the arm, which may complicate steering.
- The Exovest features a lateral offset mount (Arm Repo Mount) that displaces the socket block away from the central post to prevent elbow collision.
- For back vests, socket block height should remain roughly constant; only extreme operator heights (very tall or very short performers) warrant adjustment, with the boom range handling the rest of the compensation.
- Mounting height depends on lens height, operator body size, and hand comfort during steering.
Depends on
- Operator height and arm length
- Lens height and camera package weight
- Personal comfort preference and steering technique