I was warm, however, sweating even, as I was wearing a Smooth Shooter vest, piloting my Z5 on a Glidecam 4000Pro, wearing snowshoes, and doing my best to keep from planting my rig and my face in the early-season drifts of crusty snow.
Did I mention that it was night?
I already was aware of the admonition not to tighten the post clamp for the lower section too much, especially in cold weather. So no problems there.
However, when I got back inside, and placed the sled onto its mic stand base, the sled and post slipped down an extra couple inches, but the yoke and gimbal stayed put.
Eh wot?
Ah....yes. Aluminum expands and contracts at a different rate than steel. The press fit of the gimbal is compromised by the contraction of the aluminum post due to the cold!
One of the comparisons of a Glidecam to a Steadicam sled is that the gimbal of the Steadicam can be repositioned to allow for more precise dynamic balance. So...if I can figure out a clamping system (hose clamps? Yuck) to keep the gimbal from moving out of position when I don't want it to, I can benefit from this new-found gimbal adjustability by simply placing the sled outside for 20 minutes or so, fine-tuning the balance, and then tightening the clamps when satisfied.
Thoughts?
Anyone else have much fun with snowshoes?
Thanks,
Gene
Edited by Mizamook, 22 November 2011 - 01:34 PM.
