2006Steadi-Newbies forum
Balancing and weighting solutions for compact camera rigs like the Flyer with DVX100 and similar cameras
20 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- Mounting the camera with a low-mode handle clamp and adding weight plates on top raises the center of gravity and can improve balance relative to the gimbal.
- Custom machined weight plates designed for specific camera setups can be fabricated by metal shops, with costs around 125 dollars for a cage structure.
- Weight compensation can be achieved using lead flashing secured with gaffer tape to the camera handle or rig.
- A five kilogram steel plate mounted between the dovetail plate and camera body provides effective counterbalancing for larger rigs.
- Adding small camera lights powered through the rig can provide additional weight needed for balance on lighter camera setups.
- Low-cost balancing solutions using inexpensive electrical plates and gaffer tape are effective when custom machined weights are not available.
- Operators without follow-focus systems may still benefit from weight compensation, though less heavily loaded rigs may require minimal additional weight.
Depends on
- Advice and solutions are specific to early 2000s camera models like DVX100, PD150, and Z-1.
- The effectiveness of weight solutions depends on the specific rig configuration and follow-focus equipment being used.
- Custom fabrication costs and availability may vary by location and vendor.
- Lead flashing and gaffer tape solutions are temporary fixes rather than permanent mounting systems.
Parts
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