Steadicam opinions?

[Mark Britton]

I have the jacket low so that the waist section rests on my hips, which helps a lot.

This is vital, no matter what vest is used. You want the weight primarily borne by your hips. Get the lower vest strap so that it's sitting the weight on your hips, and snug it up so that it's comfortably tight.

It's possible to pinch nerves with a maladjusted back mount vest, so listen to your body if you feel numbness in your legs. Stop immediately and try something different. Vests and preference for front mounted vs back mounted is a very personal thing. Everyone's body is slightly different, and what works well for one person, may not work at all for another (this isn't directed specifically at back mount vests, it applies to front mount as well!).

Also, I got asked the question a lot "Doesn't your back hurt from all that Steadicam(R)?". Simply put, your back shouldn't hurt. Some muscle fatigue in your lower back is normal, especially at first, but there should be no sharp or shooting pains. If you're experiencing actual pain, again, stop. Get some pointers or some coaching to check how you're configuring your vest, your posture and your technique.

If your back is healthy, and you're settling a majority of the weight on your hips, you'll be in good shape. When you are starting out, do not train past the point where you start feeling fatigue. Stop when you feel your muscles start to strain and tire in your back and quadriceps. Don't push too hard, especially if you have sore muscles after. You are engaging muscles that may not be accustomed to the load, give them time to adjust and strengthen.

Apologies if it I went off in lecture mode, mention of back mount vs front mount caused me to re-live some experiences where someone that didn't know that the pain wasn't "normal" did some damage to themselves before they got some help. I shall retire quietly to my corner now...

 

[Trevor Meeks]

Really excellent advice, Mark. Thanks for stepping in and sharing that... it's important stuff that not a lot of people think about or even know when starting out.

 

[Edward Blythe]

+1 Mark. Easy to bugger yourself up in these things.

Training goes beyond wearing the vest - get into some yoga or other flexibility and strengthening exercises. Always warm down.

 

[Philippe Van Horebeek]

No, but consensus seems to be that back mounted is more long term comfortable.

It is a personal thing, an individual choice ! Posture is the main issue !
Proper training and coaching is a key element, so is the right knowledge.
I recommend reading the following interesting paper about the issue, written by Chris Fawcett, before you start picking up a rig.
Hope that can be of any help

http://steadivision.com/media/steadipos3.pdf

 

[Paul Russell]

I bought the Steadicam Operator's Handbook. It's very comprehensive.

There's also this guide by the late Ted Churchill.