GLIDECAM MANUAL Set-up and Operations Guide Glidecam Industries, Inc. 23 Joseph Street, Kingston, MA 02364 Customer Service Line 1-781-585-7900 Manufactured in the U.S.A. COPYRIGHT 2015 GLIDECAM INDUSTRIES, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION # PAGE # 1. Introduction 3 2. Glidecam Devin Graham Signature Series Parts And Components 6 3. Assembling Your Glidecam Devin Graham Signature Series 10 4. Attaching Your Camera To Your Glidecam Devin Graham Signature Series 18 5. Balancing Your Devin Graham Signature Series 22 6. Handling Your Devin Graham Signature Series 27 7. Operating Your Devin Graham Signature Series 28 8. Improper Techniques 31 9. Shooting Tips 32 10.
#1 INTRODUCTION Congratulations on your purchase of a Glidecam Devin Graham Signature Series The amazingly advanced and totally re-engineered Devin Graham Signature Series from Glidecam Industries represents the top of the line in hand-held camera stabilization. The lightweight and state-of-the-art Glidecam Devin Graham Signature Series hand-held camera Stabilizer will transform your hard to watch shaky camera footage into hypnotically smooth, professional footage.
The Glidecam Devin Graham Signature Series Stabilizers offer unparalleled controllability and ease of use, with their unique, rigid, yet dynamically adjustable, control and weight distribution surfaces. Setting up, controlling, and adjusting the system’s balance is now quick and precise. A unique and proprietary dynamic base platform can expand or contract. This allows you to easily adjust the system’s dynamic balance, or to increase the system rotational pan inertia.
Glidecam is Registered at the Patent and TM office. Copyright 2015 Glidecam Industries, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Camcorders and monitors not included. Specifications and Pricing subject to change without notice. All other Trademarks and Copyrights are the property of their respective owners.
#2 GLIDECAM DEVIN GRAHAM SIGNATURE SERIES PARTS AND COMPONENTS When you unpack your Glidecam Devin Graham Signature Series you will see that some Assembly is required. The contents of the Glidecam Devin Graham Signature Series box includes the following: (See Figure 1) MANUAL CENTER POST DOVETAIL QUICK RELEASE PLATE CAMERA MOUNTING PLATFORM EXPANDABLE BASE PLATFORM TELESCOPING POST HARDWARE BAG COUNTER WEIGHTS Figure 1 NOTE: The TELESCOPING POST comes inserted into the CENTRAL POST when shipped.
This is the DOVETAIL QUICK RELEASE PLATE for the Glidecam Devin Graham Signature Series that you will attach to your camera. (See Figure 4) (See SECTION 4 Attaching your camera on PAGE 18 for camera and DOVETAIL QUICK RELEASE PLATE mounting) Figure 4 NOTE: If necessary to remove the ROTATIONAL LOCK or CAMERA MOUNTING SCREW remove the DELRIN INSERT. Make sure and put the DELRIN INSERT back once the ROTATIONAL LOCK or CAMERA MOUNTING SCREW is removed.
This is the TELESCOPING POST removed from the CENTRAL POST. (See Figure 7) NOTE: There is no need to remove this unless removing your GIMBAL for cleaning. To remove the TELESCOPING POST from your CENTRAL POST, you will need to loosen and remove your TELESCOPING POST CLAMP. Figure 7 Shown are the COUNTER WEIGHT PLATES to be attached to the EXPANDABLE BASE PLATFORM. (See Figure 8) Figure 8 Shown in the bag is the HARDWARE set for the Glidecam Devin Graham Signature Series.
BLACK BOLTS FOR COUNTER WEIGHTS RUBBER WASHERS Figure 10 BLACK THUMB NUTS 9
#3 ASSEMBLING YOUR GLIDECAM DEVIN GRAHAM SIGNATURE SERIES First place the EXPANDABLE BASE PLATFORM firmly on a level surface. (See Figure 11) Figure 11 Next find the TELESCOPING POST and locate the THREADED INSERT which can be found in the bottom of the TELESCOPING POST.
Connect the TELESCOPING POST to the EXPANDABLE BASE PLATFORM by tightly screwing the TELESCOPING POST firmly on to the EXPANDABLE BASE PLATFORM. (See Figure 13) NOTE: Overtightening may cause damage to both the THREADED INSERT located inside the TELESCOPING POST and the EXPANDABLE BASE PLATFORM. Figure 13 At this point the first step of your Glidecam Devin Graham Signature Series assembly should be complete with the TELESCOPING POST securely fastened to the EXPANDABLE BASE PLATFORM.
Now find the four BLACK BOLTS and gently slip the RUBBER WASHERS onto the bolts. (See Figure 15) NOTE: Repeat this step for all four BLACK BOLTS. Figure 15 Now insert all four of the BLACK BOLTS with RUBBER WASHERS into the four slots located on either end of the EXPANDABLE BASE PLATFORM.
Next, take the COUNTER WEIGHT PLATES and slide them down on to the BLACK BOLTS until they are resting on the EXPANDABLE BASE PLATFORM. (See Figure 18) NOTE: The holes in the weights match the placement of the bolts. Figure 18 Secure the COUNTER WEIGHT PLATES by using the BLACK THUMB NUTS to prevent weight movement. (See Figure 19) Figure 19 Now, both COUNTER WEIGHT PLATE stacks should now be secured to the EXPANDABLE BASE PLATFORM with the BLACK THUMB NUTS.
Figure 21 The TELESCOPING CLAMP ADJUSTMENT KNOB should be aligned with the center of the EXPANDABLE BASE PLATFORM. To align the TELESCOPING CLAMP ADJUSTMENT KNOB simply rotate the entire CENTRAL POST into the correct position, and tighten the ADJUSTMENT KNOB. Also leave about one inch of the TELESCOPING POST showing below the TELESCOPING CLAMP.
At this point, your Glidecam Devin Graham Signature Series should have the CENTRAL POST and TELESCOPING POST aligned correctly on the EXPANDABLE BASE PLATFORM assembly. (See Figure 23) NOTE: The amount of COUNTER WEIGHTS will vary depending on your camera weight. Don’t worry about this too much, for later, you will set the number of COUNTER WEIGHTS to the correct amount required for your specific camera. Figure 23 Next, locate the THREADED INSERT which can be found in the top of the CENTRAL POST.
Rotate, and screw the CAMERA MOUNTING PLATFORM into the THREADED INSERT in the top of the CENTRAL POST. (See Figure 25) Figure 25 There are two ways to create this correct alignment. The first and easiest is to loosen the ADJUSTMENT KNOB on the TELESCOPING CLAMP and rotate the parts until correctly aligned, then simply re-tighten the ADJUSTMENT KNOB. (See Figure 26) NOTE: Remember to leave at least one inch of the TELESCOPING POST showing below the TELESCOPING CLAMP.
Figure 27 The second method to correctly align the parts is to use an Allen Wrench to loosen the “Screw” on the top part (See Figure 26) of the TELESCOPING CLAMP until you can rotate the parts so they are correctly aligned, then simply re-tighten the screw. (See Figure 27) NOTE: The second method of alignment is better because it keeps the TELESCOPING CLAMP ADJUSTMENT KNOB aligned correctly (See Figure 21).
#4 ATTACH YOUR CAMERA TO THE DEVIN GRAHAM SIGNATURE SERIES Now it is time to attach your camera to the Glidecam Devin Graham Signature Series’s DOVETAIL QUICK RELEASE PLATE. (See Figure 28) Figure 28 First, find the THREADED INSERT on the bottom of your camera. (See Figure 29) THREADED INSERT DOVETAIL QUICK RELEASE PLATE LOCK DOVETAIL SAFETY PIN Figure 29 Now, remove the DOVETAIL QUICK RELEASE PLATE from the CAMERA MOUNTING PLATFORM.
Now preferably sit down in a chair and place your camera (base side up) in your lap. Then place and center the DOVETAIL QUICK RELEASE PLATE on the back side of your camera. The back of the DOVETAIL QUICK RELEASE PLATE has an inwards bevel which should be facing the back of your camera while the front of the DOVETAIL QUICK RELEASE PLATE has an outwards bevel which should be facing the lens.
To find your camera’s center of gravity, place an ordinary pen on the table. Now, place your DOVETAIL QUICK RELEASE PLATE directly on the pen and let it rest gently. Move the plate (not the pen) back and forth until it is not falling forwards or backwards. Now that you have found the center of gravity, make note of the mark on the DOVETAIL QUICK RELEASE PLATE GUIDE SCALE MARKINGS. You will need it later.
Now that your DOVETAIL QUICK RELEASE PLATE is in the correct position, make sure it is locked with the DOVETAIL QUICK RELEASE PLATE LOCK located on the side of the CAMERA MOUNTING PLATFORM. NOTE: If your camera is in the way of the DOVETAIL QUICK RELEASE PLATE LOCK, you can pull the DOVETAIL QUICK RELEASE PLATE LOCK away from the CAMERA MOUNTING PLATFORM and move it’s position so it is easier to tighten/loosen. (See Figure 37).
#5 BALANCING YOUR GLIDECAM DEVIN GRAHAM SIGNATURE SERIES Before you begin the balancing process, check the following and make sure they have been done: Figure 38 1. Camera is securely attached to the DOVETAIL QUICK RELEASE PLATE and the DOVETAIL QUICK RELEASE LOCK is tight. 2. The Lens Cap has been removed. 3. Camera Battery and Recording Media are installed. 4. Flip out LCD into it’s operating position. (See Figure 38) 5. Telescoping clamp has been tightened and weights have been added. 6.
When testing for correct horizontal balance you need to make sure that you pick up your Devin Graham Signature Series from a flat surface (a table for example) and that you let the Devin Graham Signature Series hang freely as you hold it. (See Figure 39) If the Devin Graham Signature Series is balanced correctly, on it’s horizontal axis, then it will be level with the CENTRAL POST in a virtually perfect vertical position.
If the Glidecam Devin Graham Signature Series leans to the right, then you will have to turn the side-toside ADJUSTMENT KNOB counterclockwise. If the Glidecam Devin Graham Signature Series leans to the left from the operator’s point of view (See Figure 41) then move it to the right by turning the side to side ADJUSTMENT KNOB clockwise. Always secure and firmly tighten the DOVETAIL QUICK RELEASE PLATE LOCK after any adjustment. The side-to-side horizontal axis is shown correctly adjusted.
BALANCING THE VERTICAL AXIS Figure 43 Figure 44 Now that your Glidecam Devin Graham Signature Series is horizontally balanced, it’s vertical axis can now be tested and properly balanced.
To test the balance of the vertical axis, perform what is called the SLED ARC TEST.
#6 HANDLING YOUR GLIDCAM DEVIN GRAHAM SIGNATURE SERIES Before you operate and film with your Glidecam Devin Graham Signature Series, you will need to know how to handle the equipment. When handling your Devin Graham Signature Series you will use one hand to hold onto the handle and the other hand to gently guide the camera in the direction you wish to shoot. We call the hand that holds the handle, the “HOLDING HAND” and the hand that aims the camera for tilting and panning, the “GUIDING HAND”.
#7 OPERATING YOUR GLIDECAM DEVIN GRAHAM SIGNATURE SERIES The Glidecam Devin Graham Signature Series is designed to work correctly only when operated with two hands. (See Figures 48 and 50) If you try to operate the unit with just your “HOLDING HAND” (See Figure 47), the camera will most likely drift away from it’s original position. Without your “GUIDING HAND” in place, you will be unable to control the direction of the camera.
NOTE: Figures 52 and 53 show the Glidecam Devin Graham Signature Series being used in different ways. Figure 52 Operating your Glidecam Devin Graham Signature Series for extended periods of time can easily tire your “HOLDING HAND”. If fatigue sets in while shooting, you can try operating the Glidecam Devin Graham Signature Series with your other hand.
NOTE: Figures 54 through 56 show the Glidecam Devin Graham Signature Series being used in lowmode operation. NOTE: Figure 55 shows the DSLR Low Mode Mount (not included). Please visit our website at Glidecam.com to learn more. NOTE: Figure 56 shows the Low Mode FX Package (not included). Please visit our website at Glidecam.com to learn more.
#8 IMPROPER TECHNIQUES When shooting with the Glidecam Devin Graham Signature Series, do not grab the CENTRAL POST. (See Figure 57) This defeats the purpose and isolation that the THREE AXIS GIMBAL provides. Instead, handle your Glidecam Devin Graham Signature Series. (See Figures 48 and 50) Figure 57 Do not allow the handle of the Glidecam Devin Graham Signature Series to come in contact with the CAMERA MOUNTING PLATFORM.
#9 SHOOTING TIPS Use of a Wide Angle Lens Converter If you have a common consumer Camcorder you will probably discover that the widest focal length setting on it’s lens is not very wide. You might find that this wide setting is not adequate enough to give you the look produced by professional Hollywood dollies, cranes, and stabilizers. To achieve this kind of look you might have to place a WIDE ANGLE LENS CONVERTER (not included) on the front of your existing camcorder lens.
#10 OTHER CAMERA ATTACHMENT METHODS Creating a Gasket: If when attaching your camera to the DOVETAIL QUICK RELEASE PLATE you find that the bottom of your camera isn’t flat enough to allow a good solid attachment, try making and adding a paper/cloth or rubber gasket to the DOVETAIL QUICK RELEASE PLATE. (Try using a piece of a rubber dish washing glove.
#13 WARNING You should make sure that you’re very careful when using your Glidecam Devin Graham Signature Series at night or in low light conditions. Do not make the mistake of focusing so much on what you are shooting that you trip and fall over something, or wander into something dangerous like a swimming pool or automobile traffic. Be extra careful when shooting on stairs, uneven terrain, etc. These cautions pertain to daytime shooting as well.
GLIDECAM INDUSTRIES, INC. For more information about GLIDECAM products and training please visit GLIDECAM on the web. www.Glidecam.com or Follow us on Facebook.com/Glidecam Twitter.com/Glidecam Instagram.com/Glidecam GLIDECAM INDUSTRIES, INC. 23 Joseph Street Kingston, MA 02364 Phone: 1-781-585-7900 Phone: 1-800-600-2011 Fax: 1-781-585-7903 Website: www.Glidecam.
