G-70

126 threads in the archive

Based on 126 threads · 30 cited

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The G-70 is a Steadicam® arm that operators put at about 75 pounds of payload, though that figure comes from operator estimates and unverified web specs, not official data 6. It plugs into the WK Vest connector without a Pin Block swap, but it won't drop onto a VZ Pro gimbal because its posts are 3/4 inch and the gimbal takes 5/8 1 2. Tune ride and lift first when it bounces, and if you're weighing a G-70X, an upgraded G-70 performs very close to one 17 28.

The questions 8

Will my G-70 fit my vest, gimbal or sled?6 threads · latest 2013

In short

Vest: yes, the G70 connector and the WK Vest connector work together without a Pin Block swap 1. Gimbal: not straight out of the box, because the G-70 has 3/4 inch posts and the VZ Pro takes 5/8 inch 2.

How the pros do it

On the vest side, the G70 arm connector and the WK Vest connector are compatible without a Pin Block swap 1. For a back mount, reverse the kickback link to optimize the arm angle 1.
To reconfigure the G-70 bracket, pull the pin and align the mating parts into one of two positions 3. The 'in' position works better with the mounting armature and socket block set up for back-mounted vests 3.
Repositioning the bracket is the same operation as switching between regular and goofy stance 3. The kickback reversal advice applies to standard riders, and the goofy-foot setup stays unchanged 1.
Check your socket block size, because smaller rigs use different socket blocks than full-size systems 4. Don't put a full-size socket block on a smaller vest, since it exceeds that platform's weight limits 4.
For gimbals, Tiffen part number 800-7204-03 is the adapter between the G-70 and 5/8 inch gimbal connections 2. On the VZ Pro its post length may be too short, and the thread didn't settle on a fix 2.
For sleds, arms and sleds connect through pin or dowel interfaces that can be machined to different diameters for compatibility 4. Tiffen and CP arms have some incompatibilities with certain vests, but solutions exist 4.

Caution

Full-size socket blocks on smaller vests exceed the weight design limits of those platforms 4. Non-approved component combinations may not be covered by the manufacturer's warranty if something gets damaged 5.

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How much payload can my G-70 arm carry?6 threads · latest 2012

In short

Operators put the G70 at about 75 pounds maximum, versus roughly 77 pounds for the PRO arm 6. That comes from operator estimates and unverified web specs, not official manufacturer data 6.

How the pros do it

Treat about 75 pounds as the top end for a G70, and don't plan to sit right at it 6.
Weigh the whole package, not just the camera body, because a full sliding baseplate instead of a lightweight bracket can max out a G70 with a Panavision Platinum 7.
A G-70 can carry a Platinum but has little headroom beyond a fully rigged camera, so keep extra accessories to a minimum 7.
If you're near the limit, hard-mount the rig where you can, since hard-mounting heavy rigs puts less strain on the arm than flying them 8.
Run a test day before production to sort out rigging and balance problems 7.

Caution

Extended arms carrying loads over 18 kilograms can put extra strain on the arm post and rod ends 8. Don't push a G70 to its limit on a job without testing first 7.

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How do I repair or service my G-70 arm?6 threads · latest 2012

In short

For squeaks, put a little fine oil or Teflon spray on the spring ends 9. For stripped top-part threads or worn bearings and cables, go to the manufacturer's customer service or service department 10 11.

How the pros do it

If the lower part of the first arm section squeaks after a fall or knock, apply a small amount of fine oil or Teflon spray at the spring ends 9.
ACF-50 oil is reported to stop squeaking and creaking on the G-70 arm with long-lasting results 9. That advice came from users, not manufacturer support 9.
If the screw threads in the top part strip, try longer screws of the same diameter and thread pitch so they bite into undamaged threads deeper in the hole 10. One case came down to screws that were too short for the hole depth 10.
Adjust lift and iso without pulling the arm off the vest and without tools 12. G-series arms were built for user disassembly and field maintenance, but the promised service manual never appeared 12.
Keep protective covers on the arm to guard against dust and water 12. The arm still performs well with rain and dust covers fitted 12.
For worn bearings or deteriorated spring cables, call the manufacturer's service department, which still supports repairs and parts on older arms 11. Customer service can also tell you whether the stripped top part needs replacing 10.

Caution

A squeak after a fall may be just dry springs or it may be damage, and the sources could not tell which 9. If you are unsure, have the manufacturer's service department check it 11.

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How do I adjust the spring tension and lift on my G-70 arm?5 threads · latest 2015

In short

Set base spring tension first, with the arm unloaded and both sections adjusted equally 13. Then set lift so both sections track together, and tune ride by backing the knob out until it locks and turning it in a couple of turns 14 15.

How the pros do it

Unload the arm, then loosen or tighten the bolts on both sections equally to set the weight window 13. The adjustment knobs only give 25 pounds of fine-tuning, so base tension comes first 13.
Use a low profile ratcheting hex tool with a 3/16 inch Allen bit for on-set tension changes 13. Keep the cables from twisting while you work 13.
To get the sections moving together, wind both spring tensions out to zero 15. Then add lift in small increments until both sections sit just below horizontal 15.
Check that both sections track and move together smoothly when you boom 15. The arm should work with minimal effort and without locking up or going over center 14.
Set ride by unscrewing the ride knob gradually while booming up and down until it starts to lock 14. Then screw it back in a couple of turns 14.
Expect the two controls to interact, so a ride change can slightly shift your lift setting 14. The G50 and G70 models have two separate knobs for adjustment 16.

Caution

Avoid twisting the cables during any spring tension work 13. Talk to a spring specialist before going beyond standard detuning 13.

Opinions differ here

The threads disagree on where the sections should sit 14 15. One puts them slightly above horizontal at 5 to 10 degrees 14, the other just below horizontal 15.

What changed

Earlier (2008) the sections were set slightly above horizontal at 5 to 10 degrees 14, today (2011) both sections sit just below horizontal 15.

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Why does my G-70 bounce or bump, and how do I fix it?4 threads · latest 2022

In short

G-70 bounce comes from ride and lift settings that don't suit your body, from the arm's design, or from technique 17 18. Tune ride and lift first, then check fasteners and socket block tilt 17 18.

How the pros do it

Adjust the ride and lift controls to match your body style and shooting technique, since that can cut the bouncing 17.
If the lower arm section swings too much, it is likely misaligned, so inspect all fasteners and verify the tilt setting at the socket block 18.
If the lift knob rotates during booming, adjust the locking bolt under the knob, because the right tightness keeps it in place 19.
Note that the locking bolt fix was confirmed only on a G50, so don't count on it fixing every G70 19.
If the knob problem persists, send the arm to the factory to tighten the adjuster and replace worn parts 19.
Work on your boom hand pressure, because proper pressure control is essential for smooth footage on slow moves 20.

Opinions differ here

The 2012 thread does not settle whether arm quality or operator skill matters more for bobbing 20. One side says some arms perform noticeably better on extremely slow moves 20, while the other says bobbing improves significantly with operator training and experience 20.

What changed

Earlier, in 2010, operators reported G-70 bounce and said newer production runs handled it better 17, today, in 2022, the Tiffen G-70 is described as lacking the smooth iso-elastic response of the G-70X 18.

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Can I use my G-70 on a back-mounted vest?5 threads · latest 2013

In short

Yes, the G-70 bracket has an "in" position that works with the socket block orientation for back-mounted vests 3. But back-mounted use loads the arm harder, so you should treat the arm and socket block as wear parts 21.

How the pros do it

Pull the pin on the G-70 arm bracket and align the mating parts into the "in" position 3.
Use the mounting armature and socket block oriented for back-mounted vests 3.
Fit a steel socket block rather than titanium, because the 2006 advice was steel for back-mounted vests 21.
Keep the arm from reaching far away from your body, since extending it raises stress on the upper arm and socket block 21.
Look at the 2013 MK-V PRO attachment method for socket block adapters on backmount vests, and note that a version for G70 and G70x style arms was only planned at that point 22.

Caution

Hinges and socket blocks have fractured in back-mounted vest and vehicle mount use, over several years and in both titanium and steel versions 23. Back-mounted restriction of shoulder movement may also send hard bumps into the socket block in some positions 21.

Opinions differ here

Several operators had arm failures after switching to back-mounted vests, and the upper arm bone and socket block are named as the weak points 21. Others ran back-mounted vests with arms for many years without problems, and the thread could not confirm whether the link is causal or coincidence 21.

What changed

Earlier, in 2006, steel socket blocks were recommended over titanium for back-mounted vests 21, while today, from 2008 reports, failures have occurred in both titanium and steel and newer hinges got thicker walls 23.

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Should I get a G-70, G-50 or another arm?5 threads · latest 2010

In short

Pick by payload. A G50 is rated 50 pounds and fits lighter packages 24, but operators who start light often upgrade to a G70 or PRO when jobs get heavier 25.

How the pros do it

Add up your real weight, because a typical sled with LCD, battery, focus receiver, servo and transmitter is about 18 pounds, which leaves about 32 pounds for the camera on a 50-pound arm 24. A Sony HVW-750p with Pro 35 adapter, prime, Arri bridgeplate and mattebox reaches about 30 pounds on its own 24.
Expect older, heavier film cameras to exceed 50 pounds, especially with extra batteries or DC-DC converters 24. Newer lightweight cameras fit a 50-pound arm more comfortably 24.
Check the sled limit as well as the arm limit 25. For example, the Clipper 324 top stage is rated 30-35 pounds 5.
Don't count on technique to make up for weight, because you can approximate G50 boom range by kneeling or using an apple box, but you can't easily compensate for capacity 25.
Compare G70 and PRO directly, because the G70 has about 32 inches of boom range against about 28 for the PRO, adjusts lift tension without tools, and is lighter on your body 26. The PRO needs a hex wrench for adjustments, but it has a lifetime warranty and sealed bearings 26. Its sealed springs come out and clean in under a minute 27.
Handle the arms at a trade show before you buy, because that beats forum posts or short trials 27. The gap between PRO or G70 and 3A-style budget arms shows up within minutes 27.

Caution

The manufacturer's warranty may not cover damage from non-approved configurations, such as mixing a Clipper 324 with a G-70 arm 5.

Opinions differ here

Participants disagree on how often the G50's extended boom range is actually needed in practice 25. On construction, one side says machined arms are inherently superior, while the other says a properly designed extruded arm like the G70 is adequate for its intended loads 26.

What changed

Earlier, in 2006, the G70 had only limited field testing 26, today, in 2010, operators group it with the PRO as a top-tier arm 27.

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Should I upgrade my G-70 or buy a G-70X?3 threads · latest 2019

In short

If there is a significant price gap, upgrade the G-70, because an upgraded G-70 performs very close to a G-70X 28. The G-70X only has small mechanical differences that give subtle gains 28.

How the pros do it

Price both options first, because an upgraded G-70 is a reasonable choice when the gap to a new G-70X is significant 28.
Know what the X-series changed: improved trunnion and bearing designs, geometry changes for isoelastic response, and stiction and hysteresis addressed 29.
Remember that the upgraded G-70 and the G-70X use the same bearing components, so vibration absorption should be equivalent unless the arm is damaged 28.
Ask about vibration transfer to the post on run shots, since it was reported secondhand on the G-70 and on an upgraded G-70X but not on new G-70X units 28.
Tune the ride control settings according to the manual, whichever arm you pick 28.
Expect to dial in the arm, because early G-70X testers found it butter-smooth but saw minor bounce in certain settings 30.

What changed

Earlier, in 2012, the G-70X was described as smoother, with less sticking and creaking than the G-70 30 29, today, in 2019, an upgraded G-70 is described as performing very close to the G-70X 28.

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Sources 30

All 30 sources

What operators found

Still argued about

Often in the same threads

Arm Post17, G-70X9, xARM4, Zephyr11, Master Series10, Low Mode9, Follow Focus7, Top Stage8, Artemis6, Hard Mount3, BFD5, Ultra Vest4

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