User Manual

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the SLED angled so that the side of the BASE PLATFORM and CAMERA are either diagonal, or parallel
with the front of your torso. This type of SLED alignment allows you to have the SLED even closer to
your body, thereby reducing fatigue. You will of course need to walk or move at an angle if you wish to
use this type of SLED alignment, while the SLED and CAMERA are moving in a forward direction from
their point of view. You can even turn the SLED around, and shoot with the CAMERA looking over your
shoulder even though you are walking forwards, or if you wish you can walk forwards and shoot sideways
etc. You will probably have to rotate or adjust the orientation of the either the CAMERA, or the
MONITOR for over the shoulder shots etc. Whenever you reposition the direction of the CAMERA on
the CAMERA MOUNTING PLATE, or whenever you alter the position of any item on the SLED such as
the MONITOR or WEIGHTS, then you will most likely need to readjust the SLED's HORIZONTAL
BALANCE and possibly even the SLED's VERTICAL BALANCE.
NOTE: Also important is the position or angle of the GIMBAL HANDLE in relation to the end of the
SUPPORT ARM's FOREARM. As a reference in learning the best angles to use your GIMBAL
HANDLE, you should think of the GIMBAL HANDLE as a hand on a clock, with the 12 o'clock position
being the location of the SLED's CENTER POST given that the GIMBAL HANDLE was pointing
straight out in front of the FOREARM. If the GIMBAL HANDLE was in the 6 o'clock position then it
would be pointing at the SUPPORT ARM's ELBOW HINGE.
For most shooting situations you will want to angle the GIMBAL HANDLE so the SLED's CENTER
POST is at, or between the 12 and 3 o'clock positions. It is these positions which will allow you to hold
the ARM close to your body and still have the SLED positioned comfortably. When moving through a
narrow doorway it is often best to set the GIMBAL HANDLE at the 3 o'clock position.
It is possible to shoot smooth shots with your GOLD SLED with the GIMBAL HANDLE at a wide
variety of angles, but the above mentioned positions are generally best for most shooting situations. After
you get accustomed to using the Glidecam GOLD SLED you will inevitably find GIMBAL HANDLE
positions that work best for you.
Operating the Glidecam GOLD SLED for extended periods of time can easily tire your arms and/or back
etc. If fatigue sets in while shooting you should either place the SLED as close to your own body's center
of gravity, so that the weight of the system is easier to carry, or you should park the SLED on the
DOCKING BRACKET and then rest between takes. If you are not near the DOCKING BRACKET and
feel the need to put the SLED down, then try to place the SLED onto a work table etc. If you have to
place the SLED on the ground, then be sure to bend with you legs and not your back. And again, when
placing the SLED on the ground be extra careful of your back. Remember that you can set the "KICK-
STANDS" on the BASE of the SLED in their open position when the SLED is resting on level, or near to
level ground.
NOTE: EVERY TIME YOU USE THE GLIDECAM GOLD SLED ALWAYS LOOK THE
SYSTEM OVER COMPLETELY BEFORE YOU ACTUALLY USE IT. THE REASON FOR
THIS PRE-SHOOT INSPECTION IS TO UNSURE REASONABLE SAFETY FOR BOTH THE
OPERATOR AND THE EQUIPMENT. WHEN INSPECTING THE SYSTEM LOOK TO SEE IF
ALL THE CLIPS THAT HOLD THE SUPPORT ARM TOGETHER, AND THE VARIOUS
CONNECTORS, FASTENERS AND STITCHING ARE ALL IN PROPER WORKING ORDER.
ONLY WHEN YOU ARE SURE THAT THE SYSTEM IS WORKING CORRECTLY SHOULD
YOU THEN USE THE GOLD SLED. AGAIN, THIS PRE-SHOOT INSPECTION SHOULD BE
DONE EVERY TIME YOU USE THE GOLD SLED.
When handling and operating your Glidecam GOLD SLED should always avoid violent moves. Violent
movements could cause damage to the GOLD SLED or cause your camera to pull loose off the CAMERA