Starting With a Magiqcam

[SadMax]

Okay...coming from a Varizoom Flowpod/Sportster...

I'm right-handed. The socket block on the vest is on the right. Now, with the Varizoom (block in the center) I would have the lower arm-segment to the left, the upper arm segment to the right. This feels weird with the Magiqcam...but then again, so does any other configuration...

Starting off with that reeeeaaaal basic question...which way should the arm-joints be, for a right-handed user?

[TomW]

The sled should sit between your center and your left arm for a rightie, with the arm wrapped across (but not touching) your chest. That is the standard position for operating any kind of full rig for a rightie.

Good luck with your Magiqcam!:)

[BirdBoy]

I am a rightie but shoot goofy foot. If you read about the reason Garret placed the sled on the left side is simply because he thought he could lift the rig better with his right (stronger) hand.

Shoot how ever you feel most in control, but learn with both sides too.

Steve

[SadMax]

Okay...let's see if I can describe what I am doing.

Lower arm-section leftwards across my body. Upper arm-section rightwards and forward.

Left hand grasping the padded handle between arm and gimbal, controlling forward-back-left-right-up-down, feedback through the
handle maintaining control over what the arm is doing.

Right hand below stage, thumb-and-index-finger grasp controlling rotation around the vertical and horizontal axes.

Does this sound like something approaching correct form?

This creature is way different than a little Flowpod...

[TomW]

Your hand should be very close to, and just below the gimbal bearing. That way it takes the most force to disturb the sled.

As to the arm position, just make sure that the sled will stay to one of your sides. Straight out in front of you isn't nearly as good. If the lower arm and upper arm aren't flat against your body because the arms are longer, it's fine. Just make sure that the camera ends up roughly between your shoulder and your neck.

Obviously this can be changed from shot to shot, as it should be, and the rig can be moved about by the arm-gimbal connection handle, but this is a good starting position.

[SadMax]

When my left hand is on the handle, and my right hand is on the sled, should the sled be toward my left side?

And, when my right a=hand is on the handle, and my left hand is one the sled, should the sled be toward my right side?

[steelej]

Karl, If you right hand is on the gimbal handle and your left hand is below the gimbal on the sled then the seld should be on your left side.

Probably a good place to check out good position is here:
www.steadicenter.com

There are a tonne of operator pictures, check them out and it may help. Also you should check out the gallery here aswell.

John.

[SadMax]

Thanks, steelej!