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T3i too light for glidecam?

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steezyjibber
Posts: 15967 - Karma: 11,026
I know the T3i is a popular camera among NS'ers, and the glidecam is a popular accessory, so I'm hoping I can find someone who can help.

I want to use the glidecam 2000 pro w/ my t3i & 18-55mm lens. I want to simply put the glidecam on the t3i with no extra mics or anything. This is for 2 reasons:
1. It'll mostly be used for skiing, where I don't usually need audio.
2. The audio that I do have is phantom powered, and I don't want to put my juicedLink on the glidecam.

So basically what I'm asking is, has anyone figured out how to make this work? I've read online that the t2i is quite possibly too light for a glidecam, so i'm almost figuring the same for a t3i. I've tried putting no weight on the bottom but that doesn't quite work. The top is actually a little too heavy. But then I add a tiny bit of weight (like basically two screws) and the thing is too heavy. Wtf? What am I doing wrong?

Anyone who will take a minute to help me out - MUCH APPRECIATED
Sep 29 2013 11:20AM
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luke.smart
Posts: 614 - Karma: 1,730
I own a hd 200 with a 60d which works fine with 2 weights on each side. 60d isn't that much heavier than the t3i so It could possibly work with one weight on each side.

This video shows that it works fine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ey0ZWOWJKKs


Sep 29 2013 11:53AM
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luke.smart
Posts: 614 - Karma: 1,730
haha 2000**
Sep 29 2013 11:54AM
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CrotchKiller
Posts: 9037 - Karma: 6,943
Add weight to the top. It's 100% possible, i used to do it as I'm sure many other people have
Sep 29 2013 11:57AM
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the.hoffman
Posts: 1372 - Karma: 283
Get a quick release plate. It doesn't fit perfectly on the 2000, but if you screw it in hard enough and use it somewhat carefully, you're good to go. It adds a bunch of weight to the top of your glidecam and makes it easier to balance with a light camera.
Sep 29 2013 12:10PM
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steezyjibber
Posts: 15967 - Karma: 11,026
thanks for the input so far guys

i actually go have a manfrotto 577 QR plate. i got so frustrated with it that i said fuck it, i don't even want to try to use this thing. but it might be my only option.
Sep 29 2013 12:11PM
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CrotchKiller
Posts: 9037 - Karma: 6,943
whats so frustrating about it?
Sep 29 2013 12:18PM
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luke.smart
Posts: 614 - Karma: 1,730
I have a Manfrotto 577, works perfectly. If you were to buy a glidecam defiantly buy a 577 with it. Without it taking you camera off every time is such a hassle.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/577-Rapid-Connect-Adapter-Sliding-Mounting-Plate-501PL-compat-Manfrotto-3433PL-/171068323621?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27d4777725
Sep 29 2013 12:19PM
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steezyjibber
Posts: 15967 - Karma: 11,026
The one screw that you can use to tighten the QR plate just doesn't seem to be enough. I mean it's not horrible, but I wish i could get it even tighter.

And then the whole issue with the little knob to loosen the camera off the plate is just a pain in the ass
Sep 29 2013 12:30PM
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Mag
Posts: 8155 - Karma: 14,809
Put tape in a square around the hole you're putting the qr plate through, put a couple layers there, then it'll tighten more than you're able to.
Sep 29 2013 12:42PM
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CrotchKiller
Posts: 9037 - Karma: 6,943
go buy a shorter screw or use tape like magnus said. As far as the knob to loosen the plate. just get it close and then tighten it with an allen key, on the side of the knob. you should be able to get it so just a quarter turn loosens and tightens the plate perfectly
Sep 29 2013 1:51PM
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jkauffman22
Posts: 2592 - Karma: 1,150
I didn't read any of the comments but you can buy an extra glidecam weight plate for the top for about $15 on b and h. That's what I did for my gh3
Sep 29 2013 3:17PM
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eastcoastfilmer
Posts: 66 - Karma: 342
I use my T3i with a GlideCam xr2000

anyone who is looking into a glide cam or has one should also use the manfrotto quick release
Jan 13 2014 8:03AM
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Lou.
Posts: 1787 - Karma: 3,876
A legit metal quick release plate should do the trick
Jan 13 2014 9:05AM
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Bhroscoe
Posts: 145 - Karma: 524
it should work fine. Honestly, the take their recommended weight with a grain of salt. I just picked up a gh3 and i think it weights less than the t3i but it works fine.
Jan 13 2014 4:10PM
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