1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Glidecam Manuals
  4. Camera Accessories
  5. X-20
  6. Set up and operation manual

Glidecam X-20 Set Up And Operation Manual

Hide thumbs
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

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 2014 GLIDECAM INDUSTRIES,Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the X-20 and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Related Manuals for Glidecam X-20

Summary of Contents for Glidecam X-20

  • Page 1 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 2014 GLIDECAM INDUSTRIES,Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    4.2. Balancing The Horizontal Axis 4.3. Balancing The Vertical Axis 4.4. Using The Extension Post 4.5. Balancing The Vertical Axis While Moving 4.6. Handling your X-20 Sled 4.7. Connecting The Sled To The Support Arm 4.8. Operating The X-20 Sled 4.9. Shooting Styles 5.

  • Page 3: Introduction

    When used correctly the Glidecam X-20 System can move with such fluidity and grace as to be virtually indistinguishable from shots made by professional dollies, cranes and stabilizers.
  • Page 4 The Glidecam X-20 Arm is designed to isolate your unwanted body movements from the camera. The X-20 Arm will support the weight of your camera stabilizer (sled), camera, monitor, battery and any additional accessories and wiring. The Glidecam X-20 arm is designed to carry cameras from 10-20 lbs.

  • Page 5: Glidecam X-20 Arm

    When you pick up your camera stabilizer with your Glidecam X-20 Arm, you will want the arm to remain horizontal with the full load. You may prefer after some use that the arm remains slightly up or down from horizontal.

  • Page 6: Glidecam X-20 Vest

    #3 GLIDECAM X-20 VEST The Glidecam X-20 Support Vest is lightweight and comfortable, and can be adjusted to fit a wide range of operators. High endurance, dual density, EVA foam padding and integral T6 aluminum alloy create a vest that can hold and evenly distribute the weight of the system across the operator’s shoulders, back, and hips.
  • Page 7 Once the vest is on you should adjust all the straps so that the vertical plate is centered. Push down on the vest to place on your hips. Tighten all straps so that the vest fits tightly with enough room for you to breathe freely. The vest waist pad should be low enough so that it wraps around your hips but not so low that your legs shift the vest when you walk...

  • Page 8: Glidecam X-20 Sled

    #4 GLIDECAM X-20 SLED The Glidecam X-20™ sled holds any video or 12 volt film camera weighing up to 30 pounds. The X-20 Sled incorporates sophisticated engineering and precision machining to make it lightweight and strong. Three dedicated video BNC connections are located on the base and head assembly.
  • Page 9 **NOTE: Whenever you attach ANYTHING to the BASE PLATFORM, be it a BATTERY, or MONITOR etc. make sure that it is attached so that it can not shift or move in place when the X-20 SLED is in operation. If something that is attached to the X-20 SLED shifts during operation, it could throw the system out of...
  • Page 10 You can reduce the weight of your CAMERA PACKAGE in several ways. First, the Camera you choose to use with your X-20 SLED should be as light as possible. For instance, if you can choose between shooting with a Camera that weighs 26 pounds, and a Camera that weighs 18 pounds, then definitely shoot your footage with the 18 pound camera, given of course that the lighter Camera will be able to fulfill your projects needs.

  • Page 11: Mounting Your Video Or Movie Camera

    NOTE: If your camera comes with, or if you have, a quick release BALANCE PLATE for your camera, then attach the BALANCE PLATE to the X-20 SLED’s CAMERA PLATE first, and then simply attach your camera to the BALANCE PLATE.
  • Page 12 ( NOTE: do not over tighten, for in doing so you could pop out the metal threaded insert that is in the mounting hole of your camcorder.) Next place your assembled Glidecam X-20 SLED on the docking side of the docking bracket. Now carefully slide, or drop-in the combined CAMERA MOUNTING PLATE and CAMERA into the MID PLATE of the X-20Head.

  • Page 13: Balancing The Horizontal Axis

    Stand), or a Film Industry LIGHT STAND so that during the BALANCING procedures and operation of the Glidecam X-20 SLED you will have something to attach and park your X-20 SLED onto. The “C” STAND or LIGHT STAND should terminate with a standard 5/8” diameter STUD on its uppermost riser.
  • Page 14 BRACKET which is attached to the STAND that the BASE of the SLED does not touch the STANDS LEGS. The height of the STAND’s upper riser should be high enough to raise the X-20 SLED so that when the SLED is in its upright vertical position, its BASE does not hit the STANDS LEGS even if the SLED is tilted all the way forwards or backwards.
  • Page 15 SLED so it hangs freely on the DYNAMIC BALANCE AND DOCKING BRACKET. Remember, the X-20 SLED is only designed for camera packages weighing from 10 to 30 pounds. If your SLED is found to be top heavy at this point then, either your camera is too...
  • Page 16 If you find that you cannot get the LEFT to RIGHT AXIS balanced with this method then try remounting your camera to a different SLOT in the CAMERA MOUNTING PLATE. Try a SLOT either to the left, or to the right of where your camera is currently mounted. This will move the camera weight to a different point on your CAMERA PLATE.

  • Page 17: Balancing The Vertical Axis

    SLED’s CENTER POST remain vertical even if you are walking, running, or turning while the X-20 SLED is in operation. In other words, if the SLED is vertically BALANCED correctly, then the CAMERA will remain level, and the CENTER POST will remain VERTICAL unless you intentionally position the SLED otherwise.
  • Page 18 At this point you will need to carefully and gently shift the CENTRAL SUPPORT POST within the GIMBAL TUBE until the SLED hangs in NEUTRAL BALANCE. You will know when you have set the SLED in NEUTRAL BALANCE, because the CENTER POST will be HORIZONTAL, that is parallel with the floor given the floor is level, and the SLED will seem to suddenly float in a HORIZONTAL position.
  • Page 19 THE SLED ARC TEST: Another way of checking your SLED to see if its vertical balance is correct is to perform a sled arc test. To do this first make sure that your SLED is correctly connected to the DYNAMIC BALANCE end of the DYNAMIC BALANCE AND DOCKING BRACKET.

  • Page 20: Using The Extension Post

    #4.4 GLIDECAM X-20 SLED: USING THE EXTENSION POST The Glidecam X-20 SLED comes with an EXTENSION POST that allows you to expand or contract the overall length of the SLED’s CENTRAL SUPPORT POST. Changing the length of the CENTRAL SUPPORT POST effectively changes the CENTER OF GRAVITY of the SLED.

  • Page 21: Balancing The Vertical Axis While Moving

    In order to test the VERTICAL BALANCE of the SLED while you are in motion you will need to read the section called “HANDLING YOUR GLIDECAM X-20 SLED” before going any further. The reason for this is that you need to be all suited up with the SUPPORT VEST,X-20ARM, and SLED on to test the VERTICAL AXIS while you are in motion.
  • Page 22 Also, after adjusting the VERTICAL BALANCE you might have to go back and readjust the HORIZONTAL BALANCE again in order to obtain really fine balance of the whole system. This is not always necessary, but you should check the HORIZONTAL BALANCE again to make sure it is correct.

  • Page 23: Handling Your X-20 Sled

    SUPPORT VEST, for the VEST can restrict you body’s movements. HEALTH WARNING: Operating and handling your GLIDECAM X-20 SLED requires that you are in good health. If you are not in good health do not use the GLIDECAM X-20.

  • Page 24: Connecting The Sled To The Support Arm

    This height works quiet well for most people. NOTE: When you remove the SLED from the BRACKET you will suddenly feel all the weight of the X-20 SLED system on you. Be extra CAREFUL at this point. Having all this added weight on you can take quite a bit of getting used to.

  • Page 25: Operating The X-20 Sled

    The X-20 SLED can be used equally well by either left handed, or right handed operators. When you operate the Glidecam X-20 SLED you will need to use your RIGHT HAND to hold onto the curved GIMBAL HANDLE, and your LEFT HAND to hold onto the area just below the GIMBAL TUBE on the CENTRAL SUPPORT POST.
  • Page 26 This can be especially true with heavier cameras. It is possible to shoot smooth shots with your X-20 SLED with the ARM and SLED in a wide variety of positions, but the above mentioned positions are generally best for most shooting situations.
  • Page 27 SLED to be TILTED, PANNED, or ROLLED. NOTE: The main concern when shooting with the X-20 SLED is to be aware of your shooting frame’s HORIZONTAL ALIGNMENT. One of the main things which can make a shot look unstable is when the CAMERA appears to be tipping over to either its left, or right side.
  • Page 28 Also the BEARINGS are not sand and dirt proof, so avoid getting dirt or sand into them. The X-20 SLED is not arctic weather proof and if used in extreme cold the bearings could cease to operate. (See Bearing Maintenance)

  • Page 29: Shooting Styles

    #4.9 GLIDECAM X-20 SLED: SHOOTING STYLES For NORMAL SHOOTING, hold the GLIDECAM X-20 SLED with your GUIDING HAND at the point just below the CENTRAL BEARING on the GIMBAL TUBE as mentioned in previous sections. This placement of the GUIDING HAND will allow you to slowly or rapidly PAN or TILT your camera, while still producing smooth and shake free images.

  • Page 30: Other Camera Attachment Methods

    Glidecam X-20 System. Light oil may also be used (5-20 weight or 5-30 weight) if needed on the yoke and handle bearings.

  • Page 31: Warnings

    Storage - If you are going to store your Glidecam X-20 System for a long period of time then please store the unit upright in a dry or low to normal humidity area whenever possible. If you are unable to find an environment like this, then we suggest you store the unit in an air tight plastic container or bag.
  • Page 32 GLIDECAM INDUSTRIES, INC. For more information about GLIDECAM products and training please visit GLIDECAM on the web. www.Glidecam.com 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.com...

Table of Contents