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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

Filmtools Shoulder Cushion

Shawn Nelson

Shawn Nelson

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In a word...lifesaver!

I know it's been mentioned on here before, but it hasn't been given its due. Best $55 you can spend. Strap this on your shoulder and you can operate *much* more comfortably. Basically I remove the dovetail and place the camera baseplate directly on my shoulder. It gets the center of gravity that much closer to me (a vital two inches) and provides a very steady base. The shoulder mount makes it comfy, and there's enough cushion to actually dampen shoulder vibrations.

http://www.filmtools.com/camera-comfort-cushion-com.html

AbelCine sells it too, though I couldn't find it on their site
www.abelcine.com
 
I`ve seen Rodrigo Prieto using it and just recently found the site - I was surprised to see that it`s just 55 bucks. Will definately get it!
 
kalone said:
I`ve seen Rodrigo Prieto using it and just recently found the site - I was surprised to see that it`s just 55 bucks. Will definately get it!
Click to expand...

Was Prieto using it with Red?
 
can someone post a picture? you guys are using handles off the top mount rods? Do I understand that correctly? If you remove the shoulder dovetail at best it comes down maybe an inch and it seems the pad would offset that. I'm not being argumentative here, I just want to understand. It sure sounds interesting.
thanks for sharing either way, I was going to get this but someone said it tended to rotate so I just passed on it.
 
I think he meant the handle mount + the hande grips attatch to the 19mm/15mm Rods which attatch to your bridgeplate of choice.

Shawn, I've been thinking about checking this out. The only thing I wonder about is how long it takes to put on and get adjusted. I tend to move quickly and with 2 straps, it looks like it takes a minute to get it setup.

Pics dude!
 
This cushion has saved my collarbone more than once. Especially when I do a quick pull off the tripod with the baseplate hanging off the front of the shoulder dovetail. :angry03:
 
rgdfilmsRED said:
I think he meant the handle mount + the hande grips attatch to the 19mm/15mm Rods which attatch to your bridgeplate of choice.

Shawn, I've been thinking about checking this out. The only thing I wonder about is how long it takes to put on and get adjusted. I tend to move quickly and with 2 straps, it looks like it takes a minute to get it setup.

Pics dude!
Click to expand...

No pics/video yet, but first time adjustment is like 2 min, after that, I can have it on in 30 sec without rushing.
 
I did 2 days of handheld 2 weeks ago where I just had it strapped to the camera. That and Red handles off the front and it was VERY comfortable and balanced. I was amazed.

It did not want to sit straight when you put it on the floor though...
 
no.. i was talking about buying some handles and 15mm support and sling it down from off the top rods..
I personally operate from the mattebox or from handles that are close to the mattebox. I like my hands to be about level with the lens.
 
You know, FilmTools isn't the only place you can buy this...

How many of you guys have come into the shop and I showed you this? At least a dozen? You'd think someone would show a little love. ;-)

Since I'm not the biggest fan of the RED handles, the Comfort Cushion plus the Ugrip RED kit is a very attractive setup in my book. (And here it comes!) All available at Abel of course.
 
Hey Mitch, Filmtools is just where I found it. Those fellows you showed should have posted.

On that note, it ticks me off how many very pro Redusers have figured out a lot of little tricks but won't share them. I don't have that many good buying tips, but when I have one (such as this) I try to share it. We need to increase the S/N ratio here. I'll edit my first post to mention Abelcine has it too.
 
Hey Shawn, I was just teasing, although I appreciate the mention.

I'm reticent to be the one to tout some of the stuff we've done for people as it smacks of pure propaganda. I'd rather people took what we do and then report back honestly how they felt. If there is a time-tested solution available from our rental & sales experience or from my personal knowledge then I'm happy to answer a question. But I don't want to spout just to spout. I'll save it for when i think I've got something a bunch of you will really like.
 
Shawn Nelson said:
Hey Mitch, Filmtools is just where I found it. Those fellows you showed should have posted.

On that note, it ticks me off how many very pro Redusers have figured out a lot of little tricks but won't share them. I don't have that many good buying tips, but when I have one (such as this) I try to share it. We need to increase the S/N ratio here. I'll edit my first post to mention Abelcine has it too.
Click to expand...

This is America Shawn. Nobody shares..

:devil:

By the way, thank you for sharing this tip.
 
Mitch Gross said:
You know, FilmTools isn't the only place you can buy this...

How many of you guys have come into the shop and I showed you this? At least a dozen? You'd think someone would show a little love. ;-)

Since I'm not the biggest fan of the RED handles, the Comfort Cushion plus the Ugrip RED kit is a very attractive setup in my book. (And here it comes!) All available at Abel of course.
Click to expand...

Hey, Mitch, do you have the UGrip stuff in stock in NYC? I was just at Abel last week to buy this cushion (since I saw you mention that you guys had it), but I asked about any handles or handheld support available for my camera and the sales guy said that all you had were Zacuto parts.
 
Shawn Nelson said:
No pics/video yet, but first time adjustment is like 2 min, after that, I can have it on in 30 sec without rushing.
Click to expand...

Once you have it adjusted, you don't actually have to unclip it. Just slip your arms through it and you're good to go!

I've always found that the filmtools pad covers too small a surface area for me - it tends to slip off of my shoulder after a little camera adjustment. I've also found that it is too thick. For long term applications [aka if I owned one], I would slice it in half to make it thinner and more pliable.

With the filmtools pad, the best trick I've found is just to strap it to the camera rather than my shoulder. It prevents it from slipping, removes the requirement to don a separate pad and the size is more suited for that application.

I forget who manufactures them, but there are larger [surface area] and thinner pads out there. I'll take some pictures of mine on set tomorrow.
 
Brook Willard said:
Once you have it adjusted, you don't actually have to unclip it. Just slip your arms through it and you're good to go!

I've always found that the filmtools pad covers too small a surface area for me - it tends to slip off of my shoulder after a little camera adjustment. I've also found that it is too thick. For long term applications [aka if I owned one], I would slice it in half to make it thinner and more pliable.

With the filmtools pad, the best trick I've found is just to strap it to the camera rather than my shoulder. It prevents it from slipping, removes the requirement to don a separate pad and the size is more suited for that application.

I forget who manufactures them, but there are larger [surface area] and thinner pads out there. I'll take some pictures of mine on set tomorrow.
Click to expand...

The Filmtools one comes with two additional insert pads to make it half as thick if you want, without cutting.

Interesting idea to strap it to the cam, can you provide a pic?

I think the surface area is huge, can't imagine any bigger being any more useful.
 
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