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Balancing Glidecams

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50in07
Posts: 3070 - Karma: 1,471
I just got a Glidecam 2000 Pro for Christmas to go along with my T2i and I just can't seem to get it balanced properly. I've played around with it for a while and I've watched some tutorials and I just don't know to start with the weights. If somebody could tell me about how many weights I should put on each side to start out and sort of help me through the process that would be great. I know it's gonna be different for every camera and lens but I just want somebody to point me in the right direction. My T2i has a Tamron 18-250 and a battery grip.
Dec 27 2010 11:57PM
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family_vacation
Posts: 6200 - Karma: 7,840
I'm using a t2i with a heavy nikon lens.

I use two weights, one on each side of the bottom. I get them both pretty centered, and i really crank them down. The real balancing is from the top section. It's just trial and error. The most helpful thing is to balance off of a flat surface like the manual says to do.
Dec 28 2010 12:21AM
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gordie.
Posts: 2014 - Karma: 84
the manual is very confusing. here's a really quick, simple guide.

-put on two or what you think would be a close guess of weights on both sides.
- attach your camera to GC, place on flat surface. lift up.
- notice direction it is turning/tipping.
- loosen all 4 adjustment screws (not the QR locking screws) and make small adjustments of where the camera plate sits on the GC. Note: this is for HD-2000. GC 2000 pro is similar, but I believe you don't use screws to change the camera plate location.
- when GC can be picked up and remains flat for a long while, do a drop time test
- Hold GC 90 degrees sideways, with the handle remaining upright. let it fall back to straight up and down. it should take a few seconds, about 1.5-3. if faster, shorten slide length. if still too fast, take off weight. if too slow, lengthen slide length. if still too slow, add weight.
- adjust distance of weights from the centre, this controls how slowly the GC will rotate and angle. you may actually want to do this one earlier as well. it's not a critical adjustment for me though
- make sure it still is properly balanced, test on a table again and adjust accordingly.

hold it steady with your right (or left hand if left handed) and balance/turn with your other hand. I've attached an old camera strap to my Camera plate so that I can let it hand slightly when not filming.


Hope that helps
Dec 28 2010 12:26PM
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gordie.
Posts: 2014 - Karma: 84
me underlines went wonky
Dec 28 2010 1:45PM
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