which Shoulder Pad - and also which Arms/Handles?

[Les C.]

I've got a Zacuto Studio Baseplate for Scarlet and Epic Cameras #Z-ESSB

http://store.zacuto.com/Studio-Baseplate-for-SE.html

with an O-Box WM and an O-Focus DM Photo on the rig currently.

I'm starting to think about a shoulder pad and arms/handles?

I've never really used a shoulder rig before, so I'm a bit clueless as to the desirable features.

I doubt I'll shoot handheld very much, so my goal isn't a rig that I can use for hours at a time, but something functional for some quick usage.

For the Shoulder pad, I've had the Zacuto Z-SP1 suggested:

http://store.zacuto.com/shoulder-pad...inch-rods.html

and I noticed a shoulder pad that looks like it swivels (would that be a good thing?)

http://www.berkeysystem.com/store/sh...ht-rail-block/

For the handles, the Shape Quick Handle Rod Block has been suggested

http://www.abelcine.com/store/Shape-...dle-Rod-Block/

I'm curious if there is a handle that could interface with the standard whip connector on the O-Focus DM - and it seems like it would be very useful to have a start/stop capability for the other handle.

I'm certainly open to suggestions. Thanks!!!

[stu aull]

lovin' my SHAPE rig-

Stu Aull
SX199
Alaska

[Josef Gatti]

I'm also interested in shoulder pads - it's the last bit to my lightweight rig needed. Stu, interesting way of mounting the shoulder pad to the easy riser. I'm trying to do the same thing, was that the best way you discovered to mount one? I'm all ears on options.

This one is pretty cheap, and looks like it would do the trick - http://www.shoot35.com/products/shou...rpadframe.html

[Les C.]

lovin' my SHAPE rig-

Stu Aull
SX199
Alaska

Stu - That looks very comfortable!!

1. It looks like the shoulder pad might put the camera up about an inch or so above using the Zacuto shoulder pad. And your double rod block also raises you up quite a bit.

Is having the camera higher an issue at all?

2. In Shape's picture of the shoulder pad, they have a knob on the short end. Have you somehow used that to attache a battery?

http://www.shapewlb.com/upload/publi...640X480-v1.jpg

3. Can you set the camera rig down on a flat surface, without anything propping up the end, without damaging the shoulder pad or causing any other issues?

4. I've never used a shoulder pad before, so ... dumb question, but ... it almost looks like it's designed to face forward with the shorter end? Any issues with having it aligned with the short end at the back?

[Matt Gottshalk]

Stu, how are you mounting that Pix240?

[Les C.]

1. I notice that it looks as if the Zacuto shoulder pad moves freely on the rods, so that unless something is there to stop it, it can move as far as the rod allows (and I guess, off the end?).

Is that a problem, or are their rod attachments where one can restrict the range of movement?

2. The Zacuto shoulder pad is pretty flat, whereas the Shape shoulder pad, is very curved and looks like it has more padding.

What works best in the real-world?

3. Anyone have other alternative pads?

[Uli Plank]

I really like the Allstar shoulder mount. The pad is a t the right angle and has good padding.

[stu aull]

Stu - That looks very comfortable!!

1. It looks like the shoulder pad might put the camera up about an inch or so above using the Zacuto shoulder pad. And your double rod block also raises you up quite a bit.

Is having the camera higher an issue at all?

2. In Shape's picture of the shoulder pad, they have a knob on the short end. Have you somehow used that to attache a battery?

http://www.shapewlb.com/upload/publi...640X480-v1.jpg

3. Can you set the camera rig down on a flat surface, without anything propping up the end, without damaging the shoulder pad or causing any other issues?

4. I've never used a shoulder pad before, so ... dumb question, but ... it almost looks like it's designed to face forward with the shorter end? Any issues with having it aligned with the short end at the back?

1. the double block clearance is adjustable, obviously, and I have it set so it clears the TRIPOD PLATE on the bottom of the camera, so I just slide the handle and pad off the rods and right to the tripod! Bit more height I suppose but irrelevant with the BOMB, and certainly no worse than my old betacam...

2. knob removed, mounted a V-plate to mount the battery plate (x) on instead... The v-mount piece is made now (I modified mine about a WEEK before this came out...) by ViewFactor. Designed as a remote mount for the REDMOTE, but supports battery no problem. Can quickly snap battery plate to either the camera OR the shoulder pad. To be BETTER balanced I would use an intermediate plate/extension to lower the battery back further on my shoulder. Easy to mock up.

3) tipsy as shown, since pad has curved edges...

4)?? wouldn't work because padDING is angled to curve of shoulder

Matt:
PIX MOUNT: 9" Noga arm with quickrelease on PIX-end. Noga stays with the camera when packaged. Sweet, flexible...

Stu Aull
SX 199
Alaska

[stu aull]

I've now ordered TWO 12 INCH CF rods for lower/rear shoulder pad section. This will allow me to slip the camera back-and-forth more than current 8" set.

Stu Aull
Alaska

[Trishul Thejasvi]

Anyone looking for a cheap option, i can recommend this simple solution from filmtools

http://www.filmtools.com/camera-comf...shion-com.html

i used it quite a lot with the RED on a recent documentary shoot, as well as a music video, and the advantage was being able to quickly remove the camera from the tripod, and immediately shoulder mount it with no need to modify the setup.. there are probably better more reliable options, but this is a good one for those without assistants and are running and gunning.. and can be very comfortable, i find with other pads, they still dig in a bit, the only issue with this is getting the camera in a suitable position, the material can be 'slippy', am considering sewing some leather or rubber onto it.

but for the price, you can't beat it