Help with hand held F 900

[pablomadrid]

Ugh. The F 900 is so freakin heavy and then you add matt box and rods and down converter and two audio recievers and brick. We wieghed it and it's 36 pounds. I am shooting a seven week reality TV show that's 70 % hand held with lots of "MTV styled" zooms and dutched angles and all the rest. After two days I am ready to quit.

 

But I won't... The question is this: Does anyone know of a high tech gel pad that can be used on the shoulder to cushion the pressure this rig puts on the old shoulder? Something designed for handheld work.

 

I am currently using a thick gel cover for a bicycle seat. It works alright but has gotten permanetly smooshed down pretty thin. Not to mention it slides all over the place when I put the camera up. (And I don't even have a dedicated utility to help me with the camera 100% of the time.)

 

Any suggestions out there?

 

Thanks

 

FB

[pablomadrid]

Ugh. The F 900 is so freakin heavy and then you add matt box and rods and down converter and two audio recievers and brick. We wieghed it and it's 36 pounds. I am shooting a seven week reality TV show that's 70 % hand held with lots of "MTV styled" zooms and dutched angles and all the rest. After two days I am ready to quit.

 

But I won't... The question is this: Does anyone know of a high tech gel pad that can be used on the shoulder to cushion the pressure this rig puts on the old shoulder? Something designed for handheld work.

 

I am currently using a thick gel cover for a bicycle seat. It works alright but has gotten permanetly smooshed down pretty thin. Not to mention it slides all over the place when I put the camera up. (And I don't even have a dedicated utility to help me with the camera 100% of the time.)

 

Any suggestions out there?

 

Thanks

 

FB

 

Hello Frank,

 

You will probably know this option:

 

you can use Arri´s Stativo for handheld in Hd Cams too,

that includes a shoulder pad and you will shoot easyly

there is a photo in the link bellow with an arricam Lt.

but you can use it too with F-900

 

 

 

 

[Tom Hurwitz]

I have to say, after dozens of productions and days that seemed never to end with the same basic rig, that I agree with the pads-don't-help school of thought. Most hand-held aids just infringe on the flexibility of movement and run counter to the reason that you are hand-holding in the first place. I agree with the deep massage, and regular chiropracter adjustments. Learning some Yoga helps a lot for rebalencing your body as well. Also, practice and strength training (legs, abs, back, shoulder muscles), just as with any athletic persuit, go a long way.

.Just a couple of small hints: wearing a skin tight 'Underarmor' undershirt under your shirt, ends abrasion of your shoulder and wicks away sweat. Reduce the camera's weight using a lithium ion battery like Dionics - that can remove 7 big pounds or so. Harass the sound department to use newer and lighter receivers, or put them in a pouch on your waist (a bit more trouble to remember to unplug, but you lose up to 5 pounds). Over the hours, a few pounds less can really help.

[Simon Wyndham]

Easyrig. Easyrig. Easyrig. Easyrig. Easyrig. Easyrig. Easyrig. Easyrig. Easyrig. Easyrig. Easyrig. Easyrig. Easyrig. Easyrig. Easyrig. Easyrig. Easyrig. Easyrig. Easyrig. Easyrig. Easyrig. Easyrig. Easyrig. Easyrig. Easyrig. Easyrig. Easyrig. Easyrig. Easyrig. Easyrig.

[Tom Bays]

If all fails don't leave it on your shoulder if you don't need to and have someone help you take it on and off. Even be a spotter.

 

Don't straighten you legs if at all possible....Your joints will kill later if you lock those Knees.