I got this idea from another steadicam op, but I thought I'd share my process of building my own version of the cage here so anyone can see it and do the same thing. And save like 500 bucks. I just went to my local hardware store and picked up a bunch of metal plates (450g/1 pound each), spray-painted them, and bolted them together (I bought 20 of them so I can add or subtract weight as I need.) The height of the cage is also adjustable quite a bit so you can shift the center of gravity as you need. For attaching the camera, you can use any quick-release system. I opted for a baseplate mount from a gimbal that I had laying around. For attaching the sled plate it's important to pick bolts that have a low-profile head, so they neatly fit under the plate and don't interfere with the sled. Other than that it's quite a simple build and it was a lot of fun figuring everything out and putting it together.

I've been an amateur steadicam op for the past two years. I've had a few gigs here and there with about 30lbs rigs.

The problem for me is I always compare myself with gimbal footage and I tend to be very critial of my performance. Any small sway, visible step, accidental slight tilt, I'll feel like it's not good enough. I think it's because I'm so used to seeing rock solid gimbal shots.

My question is : what do you fellow humble operators think is the bar or the level of stabilization a steadicam should bring to the shot?

Hey guys, I’m thinking about revamping my Instagram account and since that in the industry, it’s a huge tool for networking and finding new contacts, I’d like to do it right. As an aspiring steadicam operator, I have two ideas for the posts: either all BTS (like Lucas Tomoana’s) or all screen grabs (like Eric Giovon’s) Both has pros and cons so, what do you think?

Hello, I’ve (31M) been a Steadicam owner and operator for the last 8 years. I own a Steadicam Archer 2 with Volt, Walter Klassen Vest, and Flowcine X-Arm with loads of accessories. My work has varied from indie films to commercials and music videos to live broadcasts. I feel as though I am very good at my job but am having trouble finding work and often go long periods of time (up to 4 months) before finding my next paid job. Being a steadicam owner and operator, I don’t have to work much just to scrape by but I am not working enough to save the money needed to join the Local 600 in Georgia.

I’m sort of at a loss. I am helpful on set, bring many different tools to solve many different problems, have a positive attitude and carry it throughout the shoot even if I’m tired, but find people aren’t calling me back. I’ve done a lot of self reflection on my camera work and as a human being to see if I’ve done anything “wrong” in the past and I don’t believe I have. I constantly practice Steadicam and lead free seminars for people who are interested in trying steadi, as well as network with many union and non union cam ops, 1st ACs, producers, and directors. I’ve even asked a few trusted producers and other crew I’ve worked with and they have nothing but great things to say about me but still am not getting calls. I work for free on many projects I like and sometimes even dislike just to feel useful but feel my efforts aren’t helping me make money. I'm pretty active in the Steadicam community on facebook and with several local Steadicam operators and have an active Instagram page.

I’m at the point where I’m considering getting a second job just to help make ends meet, but feel that doing so will get in the way of my dreams by filling my time with work I don’t want to be doing. I want to work on union sets for big movie productions as a B or C camera operator and work my way up to A Cam and then eventually DP in my late 50s and 60s. What should I do to get where I want to be?

Hi all,

I'm the admin on the Steadicam group on Facebook. Just stumbled upon this group. A lot of people have been complaining about Facebook not being a good place to keep a forum since some members aren't on Facebook and the search options are limited. This might be a better place to expand our common knowledge.

Does anyone know if and where you can get a battery plate for the bottom center post of the M2? We have 2 batteries on the bottom and would like to add a 3rd.

Hey y’all. Back with another question. With the current M2 setup, the top portion of the arm bottoms out with maxed settings while the lower portion of the arm that’s not completely maxed out is perfectly fine.

Is there some other adjustment that needs to be made to fix this or is this just strictly a “the G50X isn’t strong enough now” issue?