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Introducing the VSB1
Video Camera Shoulder Brace
The VSB1 video camera shoulder
brace was designed for handheld video cameras such as the EX1, Z1U, etc. Since these video cameras
were not designed to rest on your shoulder, it's hard for most people to get
use to holding the camera out in front of you and keep it steady. This
is especially true of some of the newer small AVCHD video cameras.
The idea behind the VSB1 video
camera shoulder brace, is to allow you to hold the video camera with your
right hand, while resting the padded shoulder brace on your shoulder to help
stabilize the camera.
This configuration allows you to
have your right-hand on the camera's grip where it's supposed to go, giving
you access to the camera's zoom and record functions.
Your left hand is then used to
adjust the focus or other camera controls and to provide further stabilize
the camera. As shown in the picture to the top right, this
videographer is placing their left hand under the camera to balance the
weight of the camera, while being able to adjust the focus. The photo below
shows the videographer using his left hand to support the camera.
A few people have commented that
with heavier video cameras, such as the EX1 and Z1U, when you hand hold them
they feel like they are pulling to the left. With the VSB1 you can
eliminate this by configuring it to rest on your left shoulder.
Click Here for Directions to reverse mount the VSB1.
This way when you hold the video camera with your right hand, when it
leans left the shoulder brace will support it.
Unlike other shoulder braces,
the VSB1 has been designed so you can mount the camera on a tripod without
removing the shoulder brace. You can go from tripod -- to handheld
instantly. Simply attach your quick release tripod plate to the VSB1
using the tripod mounting holes. These mounting holes work with most
tripod mounting plates. (The distance between the tripod mounting hole
and the camera mount hole is 3 3/4".) You are also free to connect the
tripod plate to any of the threaded holes on the right side if you so
choose.
The VSB1 is fully adjustable, so
you can shoot using the camera's viewfinder or LCD monitor. You can
move the camera from side to side, which is ideal for people who shoot
using their left eye. Plus, you can adjust the position of the camera
forwards or backwards to fit each individual.
The extra holes can also be use
to mount other accessories, such as lights or shotgun microphones, as shown
in the demo video above.
The VSB1 video shoulder brace requires no tools to assemble. There are
just 4 thumb screws, two to attach the U-Bracket to the shoulder bar and two
nylon thumb screws to attach the accessory box.
If you need some type of printed instructions, click
here and print the page.
The VSB1 has an accessory box
for external batteries, mic receivers, or counter weights.
Why would you want to add counter weights? Two reasons: First, it's not the
weight of the camera the matters for comfort, it's where the center of
gravity is located that makes the difference between comfortable shooting
and early fatigue. And second, a heavier camera/mount combo provides more
mass and therefore more stability.
The bottom of the accessory box is open, with 4 nylon rods going across the
bottom of the box to prevent your wireless mic receiver or battery from
falling out. The open bottom allows you to run cables out the bottom
and prevents dirt or dust from collecting in the accessory box.
The accessory box inside dimensions
are:
2 3/4" x 4 3/4" x 4 3/4"
There is no tools need to assemble the
VSB1. We are using thumb screws for the camera positioning and nylon
thumb screws to attached the accessory box. The nylon thumb screws can
be put on finger tight and they won't work loose.
It's a simple solution for an
experienced professional shooter who wants to get the best looking video and
comfortable hand-held shooting at the same time.
The VSB1 weights less than 40
oz. and it made from Aircraft grade Aluminum. The padded part of the
shoulder brace is approx. 1/2" thick providing a very comfortable fit.
The VSB1 Video Camera Shoulder Brace is
Made In the USA by Studio 1
Productions.
Looking for a Zoom Controller for
the
Sony PMW-EX1? We got them!
Sony PMW-EX1
Zoom Controller
1 Year
Warranty, 20 Day
Return Policy.
Should you
need them, here are the
Assembly Instructions for the
VSB1 Video Shoulder Brace
(Click Here)
Tip: Adding Weights.
Several people have asked us what kind of weights to use in the accessory
box. We recommend diving weights. Check your yellow pages for
any dive shops in your area. The weights are lead and easy to drill
through. By adding a hole in the weight you can secure it to the
accessory box or just lay it in the bottom.
Tip: When I use the VSB1 my
camera is so heavy that it leans to the left when I am holding the camera.
The solution is simple. Follow the directions
(Click Here) to reverse mount the VSB1. This way the shoulder bar
will rest on your left shoulder and thus keeping the camera from leaning to
the left.
Tip: The strap on the
camera where you put your hand through to hold the camera should fit as
tight as a glove. This give you better support of the camera.
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