Shoulder Mount reccs for Ex1

[Craig Seeman]

There’s a plethora of shoulder mount systems for the EX1. Sometimes it’s not which is better but which is better suited to your working method.

Some examples are:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/674695-REG/Sony_VCT_SP2BP.html
This interests me because I may need the “tummy” support and it looks to be unobtrusive on a tripod because it folds.

https://www.vortexmedia.com/SB_VSB1.html
Some like this but it needs a counterweight and sticks out too much on a tripod. Some people don’t like the “tummy” support because breathing can be an issue amongst other things so this would be an option for that style of shooting. This might feel more “traditional.”

https://www.redrockmicro.com/microShoulderMount/index.html
Scroll down to see it used specifically with EX1. Some don’t like the two handed approach and others find that more stable. The shoulder pad location pushes the camera forward so counterbalance may be important here too. It can be reconfiged to single handle and the pad placed under the camera (go through pictures) but I suspect that isn’t very easy to get on/off the tripod.

There are others but you can see the main style variations. Others seem to be variations on the above.

[Craig Moore]

Thanks Craig,

I saw the Sony one and wondered about the breathing component too. It looks like good potential. The vortex also looks slightly cumbersome for some reason. Like I’d whack someone with it or take out an eye.

The red rock looks good though esp s i like a free hand to manually work iris and zoom. I’ve also seen this from Cavision:
https://www.cavision.com/rods/RC1580DSPE.htm
that has a remote control as well and a single/dual handle option.

Ive spoken to a few EX1 owners and all have options but no definite winner. I’ve also seen some ppl using a tiffen steady stick to balance things out a bit.

Just try to see who has used what.

I appreciate the input

thanks

Craig

Spider Video
https://spidervideo.tv
XDCAM Ex1-R
MacPro FCP3

[William Urschel]

Please see following link: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/210200-REG/Davis_Sanford_SS3C.html#ReviewHeader

And my review of the elcheapo Davis and Sanford Steadystick – my review is under Bill from Austin, and the longest review there – I gave it five stars, despite quality issues – and it is still at the top of my list for best hand held support of EX1, and since then I’ve tried two others (I now have a bunch lying there!), and Steady
Stick is still best for me. I have the whole thing mounted on a quick release under Olof’s baseplate on the EX1. As you can tell,
I love it!

[Bob Mark]

I’m looking at this:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/98763-REG/Video_Innovators_125_S_800_Super_Pro_Shoulder.html/

I think the handle is adjustable. I don’t know about putting the camera down with it attached and it doesn’t seem to have a pin to hold the camera in place (one screw is not too effective). I tried another unit and it required too much counterbalance for my liking, even though I’m used to a Betacam. It’s hard to find the right balance.

Bob

[Craig Seeman]

Apparently Davis & Sanford have another version as well. Both claim 30lb payload. It seems to have a handle.

https://www.tiffen.com/displayproduct.html?tablename=davissanford&itemnum=SSPROSI2

Addendum – apparently this is not very good due to awkward attachment to the camera, unlike the one you mention which has very good reviews.

[Chris Babbitt]

I use this device with my EX-1, and have been quite happy. It is simple, solid, well-built, and above all, CHEAP. At this price, you can afford to try it out.
https://cgi.ebay.com/Camcorder-Video-Camera-Shoulder-support-stand-brace-/270617587680?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f0210afe0#ht_3122wt_1139

There is a bit of a “breathing” issue. If that bothers you, I have a slightly used DVTEC DV Junior Rig for sale, which uses the spring-loaded rod method.

https://www.dvtec.tv/id3.html

[Chris Babbitt]

The first link in my post doesn’t seem to be working. Just copy and paste this into your browser:

https://cgi.ebay.com/Camcorder-Video-Camera-Shoulder-support-stand-brace-/270617587680?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f0210afe0#ht_3122wt_1139

[Craig Seeman]

That’s similar to the “El Cheapo”
The problem I have with that is I can’t see an easy way to get that from tripod to shoulder. Some of us need to make that move quickly.

Sony allows for fast tripod removal.
Davis & Sanford uses waist to avoid breathing issue and it’s not much more than the El Cheapo tummy support variant.

[Chris Babbitt]

I have a quick-release adaptor on my shoulder-support, monopod and tripod, and can quickly move between all three.

[Craig Seeman]

For me, it’s not always easy to move from tripod to device if I have to pull a device out of the bag. Sony becomes part of tripod. D&S might require quick release but it looks much less cumbersome.

BTW it’s not that there’s a right/wrong better/worse it’s important to understand our work style and situation may drive the decision as to which device to purchase. This is why I look at these as categories.

In tummy support I’d compare the El Cheapo vs D&S. BTW the renown Phil Bloom did a promotional a while back for a company with an El Cheapo variant and he said he really liked it.

Basically it seems key difference in this class is
El Cheapo doesn’t need the use of a belt.
D&S uses waist instead of tummy to avoid breathing.

I really do miss the equipment trade shows in the north east because I really like to try on things before making a purchasing decision. You just can’t tell on the internet.