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table of contents

SECTION # PAGE #

1. Introduction 3

2. Glidecam 2000 Pro Parts and Components 4

3. Assembling your Glidecam 2000 Pro 8

4. Attaching your camera to your Glidecam 17

5. Balancing your Glidecam 2000 Pro 20

6. Handling your Glidecam 2000 Pro 25

7. Operating your Glidecam 2000 Pro 26

8. Shooting Tips 28

9. Improper Techniques 29

10. Other Camera attachment methods 30

11. Professional usage 30

12. Maintenance 31

13. Warnings 31

14. Warranty 32

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PLEASE NOTESince the Glidecam 2000 Pro and the Glidecam 4000 Pro are basically the same, this manual onlyshows photographs of the Glidecam 2000 Pro being setup and used. The Glidecam 4000 Pro is just abigger and stronger version of the 2000 Pro. When there is an important difference between the twoproducts you will see it noted with a ***. Also, the words 2000 Pro will be used for the most part tomean both the 2000 Pro and the 4000 Pro.

#1 INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your purchase of a Glidecam 2000 Pro, and/or Glidecam 4000 Pro.

The Glidecam 2000 Pro is a lightweight, aluminum, hand-held camcorder stabilizing systemdesigned to allow you to walk, run, go up and down stairs and travel over rugged terrainwithout any camera instability or shake. When used correctly the Glidecam 2000 Pro canmove with such fluidity and grace as to be virtually indistinguishable from shots made byexpensive dollies, cranes and stabilizers. The Glidecam 2000 Pro is the most versatile anddynamic of all the consumer camcorder stabilizers on the market. It can shoot straight up anddown, or even sideways and still produce stable images.

Fluid tilts and pans, crane-like booms, dolly-type maneuvers, and the ability to shoot smoothshots from moving vehicles are all easily accomplished with the Glidecam 2000 Pro. Theoffset gimbaled handle-grip and enclosed bearing assembly allow your hand to move freely inseveral directions, while the horizontal yoke allows your hand and arm to move up and down,alleviating the bouncing, pogo-type action often associated with our competitors’ systems. Theupper camera platform moves back and forth, and side to side to quickly allow the balancing ofyour camera in relationship to the counterweights. By varying the amount of counterweightdisks on the base platform, the Glidecam 2000 Pro can support any compact, camcorder weighingup to six pounds, and the *** Glidecam 4000 Pro can support any camcorder weighing fromfour to ten pounds.

The Glidecam 2000 Pro requires practice and understanding to achieve professional lookingresults. We highly recommend that the user read this manual thoroughly before setting up andoperating the Glidecam 2000 Pro. Doing so will save you time, and will minimize the risk ofdamage to your camera, camcorder or the Glidecam 2000 Pro. It is important to perform andfollow the Set-up and Operation’s procedures in the proper sequence, so as to avoid bothfrustration and a possible accident.

If you have need of any technical assistance, you can call our Technical Support Line at1-508-830-1414, Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, EasternTime, USA.

We are sure that once you have your Glidecam 2000 Pro set-up and running, you will findyears of enjoyment with it.

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#2 - GLIDECAM 2000 PROPARTS AND COMPONENTS

Congratulations on your purchase of aGlidecam 2000 Pro. When you unpack yourGlidecam 2000 Pro you will see that it isnot completely assembled. Contents of theGlidecam 2000 Pro shipping box include;the MANUAL, CENTRAL POST withgimbal assembly, HEAD PLATE, MIDPLATE, BOTTOM PLATE, BASEPLATFORM, TELESCOPING POST,HARDWARE bag, and COUNTERWEIGHT DISKS.

TOOLS NEEDED: You will need bothStandard and Phillips Head Screwdrivers(not included).

This is the Glidecam 2000 ProCENTRAL POST with attached gimbalassembly. *** The Glidecam 4000 Prohas a longer CENTRAL POST.

Warning – Do not adjust or tighten thefactory settings on the gimbal, handle,and yoke. These parts should remainloose and move freely, just as they areshipped to you.

These are the pieces that makeup theHEAD ASSEMBLY of the Glidecam2000 Pro.

1) HEAD PLATE (shown left)2) MID PLATE (shown center)3) BOTTOM PLATE (shown right)

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TELESCOPING CLAMP

GIMBAL ASSEMBLY

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This is the HEAD PLATE for theGlidecam 2000 Pro. This is the plate thatyou’ll be mounting your Camera on.

*** The HEAD PLATE for theGlidecam 4000 Pro is different thanthe one shown to the left. The 4000Pro HEAD PLATE has 3/8” and1/4” mounting holes.

This is the MID PLATE.

This is the BOTTOM PLATE.

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This is the BASE PLATFORM.

*** The Glidecam 4000 Pro has a largerBASE PLATFORM.

This is the TELESCOPING POST.

These are the 14 COUNTER WEIGHTDISKS. (shown in bag)

*** The Glidecam 4000 Pro has 20COUNTER WEIGHT DISKS.

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This is the HARDWARE set for theGlideacm 2000 Pro.

(shown in bag in Photo #10)

(shown in full in Photo #11)

*** The Glidecam 4000 Pro has slightlydifferent HARDWARE. More weightdisks are provided, as well as 3/8”MOUNTING SCREWS and some 3/8”WASHERS.

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#3 ñ Assemblingyour Glidecam2000 Pro

First, Get the BASE PLATFORM and theTELESCOPING POST.

See photo #7 & #12 for the BASEPLATFORM & photo #8 & #13 for theTELESCOPING POST.

Note the threaded insert located in thebottom of the TELESCOPING POST.

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Connect the TELESCOPING POSTto the BASE PLATFORM by tightlyscrewing the TELESCOPINGPOST onto the threaded studsticking up from the center of theBASE PLATFORM.

At this point your Glidecam 2000 Proshould look like photo #15 which is withthe TELESCOPING POST attached tothe BASE PLATFORM securely.

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Now find a pair of bolts (example: ¼” x20 x 1") and attach RUBBER WASHERSas shown in the photo to the left.

NOTE: Different length bolts are providedso you can use the longer bolts for a tallerstack of COUNTER WEIGHT DISKS.

Now, insert the selected bolts withRUBBER WASHERS attached throughthe slots in the BASE PLATFORM asshown in this picture and repeat thisprocedure for the slot on the other side ofthe BASE PLATFORM.

At this point your Glidecam 2000 Proshould look like this photo.

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NOTE: This is the Monitor Mounting Hole

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Stack COUNTER WEIGHT DISKS andcenter them over the bolts on the BASEPLATFORM as shown in this photo.

NOTE: Different length bolts are providedso you can use the longer bolts for a tallerstack of COUNTER WEIGHT DISKS.

NOTE: Heavy Cameras require moreCOUNTER WEIGHT DISKS than dolight Cameras.

Place the two FENDER WASHERS overthe COUNTER WEIGHT DISKS stacksas shown.

Secure the COUNTER WEIGHT DISKSwith the BRASS THUMB NUTS asshown in this photo and repeat thisprocedure for the COUNTER WEIGHTDISKS on the other side of the BASEPLATFORM.

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Both COUNTER WEIGHT DISK stacksshould now be secured in place with theFENDER WASHERS and BRASSTHUMB NUTS as shown in this photo.

Now, insert the TELESCOPING POSTwith the attached BASE PLATFORMAssembly up and into the CENTRALPOST (the Central Post can be seen inphoto # 2).

The TELESCOPING CLAMP’S“Adjustment Knob” should be facingthe back end of the BASE PLATFORM,opposite the Monitor Mounting Hole. TheMonitor Mounting Hole should be in thefront of the BASE PLATFORM.

The TELESCOPING CLAMP’S“Adjustment Knob” should be aligned sothat it look like it does in photo # 24. Toalign the TELESCOPING CLAMP’S“Adjustment Knob” simply rotate the entireCENTRAL POST into the correct position,and then tighten the “Adjustment Knob”.Also leave about 1 inch of TELESCOPINGPOST showing below the TELESCOPINGCLAMP. Also, having the TELESCOPINGCLAMP’S “Adjustment Knob” alignedcorrectly, while not technically needed tomake your Glidecam 2000 Pro functioncorrectly, does make it easier to reach theKnob later when you use it.

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Monitor Mounting Holeshould be in front.

Telescoping Clamp’sAdjustment Knobshould be in back.

Telescoping Clamp’s “Adjustment Knob”shown aligned correctly.

Telescoping Clamp’s “Adjustment Knob”shown alignedincorrectly.

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Securely tighten the “Adjustment Knob”on the TELESCOPING CLAMP byrotating the Knob clockwise as shown inthis photo.

The “Adjustment Knob” should only behand tightened.

WARNING: DO NOT OVERTIGHTENTHIS KNOB.

At this point this is what your 2000 Proshould look like, which is with theCENTRAL POST and TELESCOPINGCLAMP aligned correctly on theTELESCOPING POST and BASEPLATFORM assembly.

The amount of COUNTER WEIGHTDISKS will vary depending on yourCamera weight. Don’t worry about thistoo much, for later you will set the numberof COUNTER WEIGHT DISKS to thecorrect amount required for your specificCamera.

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This is a photo of the THREADEDINSERT in the top of the CENTRALPOST.

Rotate and screw the BOTTOM PLATEinto the THREADED INSERT in the topof the CENTRAL POST.

Tighten the BOTTOM PLATE to the topof CENTRAL POST to ensure a tight fit.

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In the next procedure you are going toalign the BOTTOM PLATE so that itsfront edge is parallel to the front edgeof the BASE PLATFORM. The resultof this correct alignment will make yourGlidecam 2000 Pro look like Photo 29Band Photo 29C. Photo 29C is taken fromthe point of view of looking straightdown at the front of the Glidecam 2000Pro.

There are two ways to create this correctalignment. The first and easiest is tojust loosen the “Adjustment Knob” onthe TELESCOPING CLAMP and thenrotate the parts until they are correctlyaligned as in Photos 29B and 29C. Thensimply retighten the “Adjustment Knob”.Remember to leave about 1 inch ofTELESCOPING POST showing belowthe TELESCOPING CLAMP as before.

The second way to correctly align theparts (see Photo 29A) is to use a PhillipsScrewdriver to loosen the “Screw” on thetop part of the TELESCOPING CLAMPuntil you can rotate the parts so they arecorrectly aligned as in Photos 29B and29C. Then simply retighten the “Screw”.

NOTE: The second method of alignmentis better because it keeps theTELESCOPING CLAMP’S “AdjustmentKnob” aligned correctly as previouslyshown in Photo 24, and having theTELESCOPING CLAMP’S “AdjustmentKnob” aligned correctly, while nottechnically needed to make your Glidecam2000 Pro function correctly, does make iteasier to reach the Knob later when youuse it.

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29C

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Now place the MID PLATE on top ofthe BOTTOM PLATE.

Insert the BRASS THUMB SCREWSthrough the slots in the BOTTOMPLATE and into the threaded inserts inthe bottom of the MID PLATE.

At this point you should have fourBRASS THUMB SCREWS securingthe MID PLATE to the BOTTOMPLATE.

In the next section you’ll be attachingyour Camera to the HEAD PLATE andthen attaching the HEAD PLATE andCamera to the MID PLATE.

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#4 - Attaching yourCamera to theGlidecam 2000 PRO

Now it’s time to attach your Camera tothe Glidecam 2000 Pro’s HEAD PLATE.

First, find the “Threaded Insert” on thebottom of your Camera.

Now preferably sit down in a chair andplace your Camera base side up in yourlap as in Photo # 35. Place and center theHEAD PLATE on the base side of yourCamera as in Photo # 36.

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Threaded Insert

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Make sure the HEAD PLATE is inalignment and square with the bottomof the your Camera, and make sure the“Threaded Insert” on the base of yourCamera is aligned with one of the“Mounting Holes” in the HEADPLATE.

NOTE: If you have a Video Camcorder orFilm Camera that is larger than the one usedin this Manual, then you might wish to firstfind the true front to back center of gravityof your Camera by rolling the base of yourCamera on a pen until it is balanced uponthe pen, then mark this point on yourCamera’s side with a small piece of tape ora grease pencil, and then use this markingto center the HEAD PLATE over yourCamera’s center of gravity.

Now use a CAMERA MOUNTINGSCREW and ¼” WASHER to attach theHEAD PLATE to your Camera.

NOTE: If the shorter CAMERAMOUNTING SCREW does not workthen try the slightly longer CAMERAMOUNTING SCREW. Also try usingmore than one ¼” WASHER or no ¼”WASHERS at all if you have trouble withthis mounting procedure.

*** You can use a 3/8” MOUNTING SCREWand 3/8” WASHER with the 4000 Pro.

With your Camera base side up in yourlap and with the HEAD PLATE in place,use a flat head screwdriver to secure theHEAD PLATE to your Camera using theCAMERA MOUNTING SCREW and ¼”WASHER combo you have just selected.

WARNING: Do Not Overtighten thisScrew. Overtightening could breakthe “Threaded Insert” on yourCamera base.

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If all is correct, your Camera and HEADPLATE should now be attached to eachother securely as shown in Photo # 39.

NOTE: If you can easily rotate the HEADPLATE on the base of your Camera, eventhough you have adequately tightened theCAMERA MOUNTING SCREW, and youdo not feel comfortable tightening theCAMERA MOUNTING SCREW anymore, then you should think about usingsome sort of a flexible “Gasket” betweenyour Camera base and the HEAD PLATE.You could use rubber tape, or a square flatpiece of rubber that you create by cuttingup an old rubber dishwashing glove forexample.

NOTE: Also, you could install a “QuickRelease Plate” (not provided) between yourCamera base and the HEAD PLATE at thistime if you wish. We recommend the Bogen3270, or 3273 “Quick Release Plates”. TheBogen 3273 is good for longer Cameras.

Now securely place and center yourCamera and the attached HEAD PLATEon top of the MID PLATE as shown inPhoto # 40 and Photo # 41.

Insert and secure the four remainingBRASS THUMB SCREWS through theslots in the HEAD PLATE and into the“Threaded Inserts” in the sides of theMID PLATE.

At this point you should have fourBRASS THUMB SCREWS securingthe HEAD PLATE to the MID PLATEas in Photo # 42.

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#5 ñ Balancingyour Glidecam2000 Pro

Before you begin the balancing processcheck for the following:

1) Camera is securely attached to HEAD PLATE.2) Lens cap has been removed and secured.3) Camera Battery and Video Tape are installed.4) Flip out LCD is in it’s operating position (if applicable as in Photo 42).5) Telescoping clamp has been tightened, weight disks added etc.6) All 8 BRASS THUMBSCREWS in place and secure.

BALANCING THE HORIZONTALAXIS

Now that your Glidecam 2000 Pro is setupand assembled properly, you can test andsetup the horizontal balance of the system.The objective in obtaining correcthorizontal balance for the 2000 Pro is toallow the Camera to remain level duringoperation, given you are not applyingeither a pan, tilt, or roll type of handpressure to the 2000 Pro. In other words,if the 2000 Pro is horizontally balancedcorrectly, then the Camera will remainlevel, and the CENTRAL POST willremain vertical unless you intentionallyposition the 2000 Pro otherwise. Also, ifthe 2000 Pro is horizontally balancedcorrectly it will always return to a leveland vertical position after you release anypan, tilt, or roll pressure on the CENTRALPOST as shown in Photo # 43.

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When testing for correct horizontalbalance you need to make sure that youpick up your 2000 Pro from a flat and levelsurface (a table for example) and that youlet the 2000 Pro hang freely as you hold itas shown in Photo #43. If the 2000 Pro isbalanced correctly on its horizontal axis,then it will be level and upright, with theCENTRAL POST in a virtually perfectvertical position, as pictured in photo #43.

Most likely your 2000 Pro will not look likeit does in Photo # 43, and so you will haveto adjust it until it does.

WARNING: If you do not have enoughCOUNTER WEIGHT DISKS on the BASEPLATFORM at this time, the entire Glidecamwill completely flip upside down. If thishappens, add more COUNTER WEIGHTDISKS below until during this test theGlidecam remains right side up.

The best way of adjusting the horizontalbalance is to move the center of gravity ofthe Camera. This can be accomplished byeither #1) rebolting the Camera to a differentarea of the HEAD PLATE, or by #2) adjustingthe position of the HEAD PLATE and MIDPLATE, either front to back or side to sidewith the Camera on it. Method #2 is thepreferred method.

If the 2000 Pro tilts to the front as it does inPhoto # 44, then you will have to loosen theBRASS THUMB SCREWS on the sides ofthe HEAD PLATE and gently slide the HEADPLATE back a bit. If the 2000 Pro still tiltsto the front, then move the HEAD PLATEmore to the back. If the 2000 Pro is tilting tothe back, then move the HEAD PLATE tothe front. Always secure the BRASSTHUMB SCREWS after any adjustments. Ifyou cannot get the front to back axis balancedwith this method then try remounting yourCamera to a different hole on the HEADPLATE. Once you achieve correct horizontalbalance for the front to back axis, tighten theBRASS THUMB SCREWS that control thismovement of the HEAD PLATE.

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If the 2000 Pro leans to the right, thenyou will have to loosen up the BRASSTHUMB SCREWS on the bottom of theBOTTOM PLATE and then gently slidethe MID PLATE over to the left a bit. Ifthe 2000 Pro leans to the left from theoperators point of view as in Photo # 46,then move the MID PLATE to the right.Always secure and firmly tighten theBRASS THUMB SCREWS after anyadjustment. The side to side horizontalaxis is shown correctly adjusted in Photo# 45.

After adjusting the side to side balance asmentioned above you might have to goback and readjust the front to back balanceto obtain a truly fine balance of the wholesystem. You can use your eyes to judgefor correct horizontal balance, or you canuse a very small and lightweight bubblelevel (not included) to ensure the 2000 Prohas correct horizontal balance.

Also, another way of fine tuning thehorizontal balance is to move the COUNTERWEIGHT DISKS back and forth, or side toside on the BASE PLATFORM. There areslots on the BASE PLATFORM to help withthis task. Also, placing the WEIGHT DISKSaway from the CENTER POST on the BASEPLATFORM will increase panning stability.Make sure to tighten the WEIGHTS downafter you move them.

NOTE: The Horizontal Balance of the2000 Pro becomes less sensitive, as the2000 Pro becomes increasingly bottomheavy, and conversely, the horizontalbalance becomes very sensitive, as the2000 Pro progresses towards correctvertical balance (see next section).

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NOTE: LATER AFTER YOU ADJUSTTHE VERTICAL BALANCE OF THE2000 PRO YOU WILL HAVE TO GOBACK AND READJUST THEHORIZONTAL BALANCE AGAIN INORDER TO OBTAIN A TRUE FINEBALANCE OF THE WHOLE SYSTEM.

BALANCING THE VERTICALAXIS

Now that your 2000 Pro is horizontallybalanced, it’s vertical axis can now betested and properly balanced. Theobjective in obtaining correct verticalbalance of the 2000 Pro is to allow theCamera and 2000 Pro to remain levelduring operation, given you are notapplying either a pan, tilt, or roll type ofhand pressure to the 2000 Pro, and mostimportantly that the 2000 Pro’sCENTRAL POST remains vertical evenif you are walking, running, or turningwhile the 2000 Pro is in operation. Inother words, if the 2000 Pro is verticallybalanced correctly, then the Camera willremain level, and the CENTRAL POSTwill remain vertical unless youintentionally position the 2000 Prootherwise. If the 2000 Pro is not verticallybalanced properly, then it will swing aboutand pendulum when you walk, run or turn.

Again, if the vertical balance is set correctlyyou will be able to move about quickly, aswell as start or stop moving suddenly, andstill have the central support post remainvertical. To adjust the 2000 Pro’s verticalbalance you can either add, or subtractCOUNTER WEIGHT DISKS from theBASE PLATFORM, or telescope the BASEPLATFORM in or out. After you haveapproximately the right amount of WEIGHTon the BASE, you can then fine tune theVERTICAL BALANCE by using theTELESCOPING POST.

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Photo # 48 shows the Glidecam 2000 Pro swingingbetween horizontal and vertical during the “Sled ArcTest” (see next page).

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To test the balance of the vertical axis,perform what is called the SLED ARCTEST. To perform the “Sled Arc Test”simply hold the 2000 Pro by it’s handle andthen grab hold of the back end of the 2000Pro’s BASE PLATFORM, then pull theBASE up and back until the 2000 Pro’sCENTRAL POST is horizontal andmotionless (see Photo #47). Then gentlylet go of the BASE PLATFORM and counthow many seconds it takes for the 2000 Proto go from the horizontal position it wasjust in (Photo # 47), to the moment it firstpasses vertical (Photo #49).

If the 2000 Pro is vertically balancedproperly, then it should take about TWO toTHREE seconds for this to happen (this iscalled the DROP TIME). Count yourseconds with the words “one thousand one,one thousand two” etc. for accuracy. Adjustthe amount of COUNTER WEIGHTDISKS used on the BASE PLATFORM oradjust the length of the TELESCOPINGPOST up or down, until it takes only TWOto THREE seconds for the 2000 Pro’sCENTRAL POST to first swing in an arcfrom horizontal to vertical.

NOTE: The amount of DROP TIME finallyset is ultimately up to you to decide. DifferentDROP TIMES change the vertical balance,and therefore change the results obtainablewhen shooting.

Another way to check for correct verticalbalance, known as the “Movement Test”, isto walk forward with the 2000 Pro, and thenstop suddenly. If the 2000 Pro’s BASEPLATFORM swings or pendulums awayfrom you, or from the upright vertical positionit was just in at the moment you stopped, thenthe 2000 Pro is not balanced correctly. Adjustthe amount of COUNTER WEIGHT DISKSused on the BASE PLATFORM or adjust thelength of the TELESCOPING POST up ordown, until the 2000 Pro remains verticalduring the “Movement Test”.

This “Movement Test” also applies to runningor turning around quickly with the 2000 Pro.Again, if the 2000 Pro is balanced properly,then any body movement like running orturning quickly will not effect the basicupright, vertical position of the 2000 Pro.

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This Photo shows the Glidecam 2000 Pro swinging pastan illustrated vertical line. The 2000 Pro will pendulumor swing past this line during the “Sled Arc Test”, andthe 2000 Pro will swing back and forth over a dozentimes if left to keep swinging, but it is only the time the2000 Pro first swings in an arc from horizontal to verticalthat you need to analyze. After you have counted thetime it takes for it to go from horizontal until it passesvertical once, then simply stop the 2000 Pro from swinging,then either put the 2000 Pro down or make adjustmentsand do the test again.

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#6 ñ HANDLING YOURGLIDECAM 2000 PRO

Before you operate and film things with your2000 Pro, you will need to know how tohandle it. When handling your 2000 Pro youwill use one hand to hold onto the handle andthe other hand to gently guide the Camera inthe direction you wish to shoot. We call thehand that holds the handle, the “HoldingHand” and the hand that aims the Camera fortilting and panning etc. the “Guiding hand”.

When holding the handle of your Glidecam2000 Pro you will need to: 1) hold it firmly,and 2) hold it either in the middle or at thebottom of the handle. Which position youchoose will depend on the kind of shots youare shooting. For normal shooting hold thehandle in the middle (see Photo # 50). Forshots that require aiming the Camera eitherup of down or sideways, hold the handlefirmly at the bottom. This will allow the“yoke” part of the gimbal to twist aroundwithout hitting your hand or knuckles.

When you handle your Glidecam 2000 Proyou will want to use your “Guiding Hand” togently hold onto either, the point just belowthe yoke and bearing assembly, (see photo#51) or an area down by the BASEPLATFORM (see photo #57). These twoareas allow for easy control of the 2000 Prowhen in use. Which position you choose willdepend on the kind of shots you are shooting.

For normal shooting hold the 2000 Pro at thepoint just below the yoke and bearingassembly (see photo #51). This will allowyou to subtly aim the Camera withoutdisturbing the Camera’s upright position. Itis this position which will allow you thesmoothest shots when walking or runningwith the unit during normal shooting.

NOTE: Make sure that your guiding hand andholding hand do not touch either, the bearingassembly, or the yoke during shooting, for doingso can cause unstable shooting. Forunconventional shots, like ones that requireaiming the Camera either straight up or down, orsideways hold onto the 2000 Pro on the lowerpart of the post or down near the weight disks(photo #57) This will allow your guiding hand tohave a greater degree of control over the 2000Pro while shooting very erratic shots.

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Photo # 50 shows you the correct way to hold the handle,however remember that you should always use both handswhen using the 2000 Pro as in Photo # 51.

Notice how the “Guiding Hand” does not touch the mainbearing assembly or yoke which can be seen just slightlyabove the fingers of the “Guiding Hand” in Photo # 51.

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#7 ñ OPERATINGYOUR GLIDECAM2000 PRO

The Glidecam 2000 Pro is designed towork correctly only when operated withtwo hands (see Photos #51 and #52). Ifyou try to operate the unit with just your“Holding Hand”, the Camera will mostlikely drift away from its original position,and without your “Guiding Hand” in placeyou will be unable to control the directionof the Camera.

When operating the Glidecam 2000 Proyou will not be able to put your eye rightup to the eyecup on the viewfinder, fordoing so will cause the unit to be restrictedin it’s ability to stabilize and eliminateCamera shake. Even though you cannotplace your eye directly up to the Cameraviewfinder, you can however either usethe Camera’s built in LCD Monitor (asshown in Photo # 42), or attach an externalLCD Monitor (not included) directly tothe BASE PLATFORM of the 2000 Pro.A 1/4" Monitor “Mounting Hole” islocated at the front edge of the BASEPLATFORM (see Photo # 18 and # 51A).

You can also attach an external LCDMonitor to the accessory shoe on top ofyour Camcorder. We believe that betterresults are obtained when you attach theMonitor to the 2000 Pro’s base, becausethis way you generally have to lookslightly down to see the Monitor, and indoing so your feet are more visible to yourperipheral vision. This makes negotiatingobstacles with the 2000 Pro safer.

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Photos # 53 through # 57 show theGlidecam 2000 Pro being held and usedin different ways.

Operating your Glidecam 2000 Pro forextended periods of time can easily tireyour “Holding Hand”. If fatigue sets inwhile shooting you can try operating theGlidecam 2000 Pro with your other hand.You can also rest for a while by placingthe unit upright on a level surface, or bylaying it down the ground etc.

Glidecam Industries, Inc. also sellsaccessories for the Glidecam 2000 Prowhich can help you use the 2000 Profor extended periods of time. Call us,or one of our authorized Dealers, orgo to www.Glidecam.com on theinternet to find out more. TheGlidecam BodyPod and the GlidecamForearm Brace make excellentsupport accessories for the 2000 Pro.

When handling and operating yourGlidecam 2000 Pro always avoid violent,jerking arm and/or body movements.Doing so could cause damage to the unitor cause your Camera to pull loose fromthe HEAD PLATE.

The Glidecam 2000 Pro does not workunder water, nor is it waterproof (meaningthe bearings and of course your Camera),so avoid direct exposure to rain or waterspray. Also the bearings are not sandproof, so avoid getting dirt or sand intothem (see bearing maintenance section).

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#8 ñ SHOOTING TIPS

Use of a Wide Angle LensConverter

If you have a common consumerCamcorder you will probably discoverthat the widest focal length setting onits lens is not very wide. You might findthat this wide setting is not adequateenough to give you the look producedby professional Hollywood dollies,cranes and stabilizers. To achieve thiskind of look you might have to place awide angle lens converter (notincluded) on the front of your existingcamcorder lens, and so we highlyrecommend that you use one on yourCamcorder when shooting.

Walking the Line

This is an training exercise that isdesigned to help you operate your 2000Pro more accurately. Using maskingtape, camera or gaffer’s tape, create across mark on a flat and even wall (seePhoto # 59) This cross mark will beused for framing purposes. Now, on thefloor leading up to the cross mark, tapea straight line, about 10 to 20 feet long.The idea behind this exercise is to walkthe line that you have taped on the floor,while keeping the cross mark centeredin the LCD Monitor (see photo # 58).Practicing this exercise will teach youhow to frame a shoot with precision.

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# 9 - IMPROPERTECHNIQUES

When shooting with the Glidecam 2000Pro do not grab the CENTRAL POSTas in Photo # 60, for this defeats thepurpose and the isolation that the threeaxis gimbal provides. Instead handleyour Glidecam 2000 Pro as shown inPhoto # 51 and # 52.

Do not allow the Handle of the Glidecam2000 Pro to come in contact with theBOTTOM PLATE as in Photo # 61. Ifthe Handle comes into contact with theBOTTOM PLATE it will limit your rangeof motion, and will result in “jerky”, andunpleasant footage. Instead position theHandle as shown in Photo # 50.

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#10 ñ OTHER CAMERA ATTACHMENT METHODS

Quick Release Plate info - You can install a “Quick Release Plate” (not included) between yourCamera base and the HEAD PLATE of your Glidecam 2000 Pro if you wish. We recommend theBogen 3270, or 3273 “Quick Release Plates”. The Bogen 3273 is good for longer Cameras. See theinstructions provided by Bogen regarding the installation of their equipment. You can buy two ofthese “Quick Release Plates” and use one on your Glidecam 2000 Pro and one on your tripod forexample. This will allow you to quickly transfer your Camera between the two pieces of equipment.

Creating a gasket - If you can easily rotate the HEAD PLATE on the base of your Camera, eventhough you have adequately tightened the CAMERA MOUNTING SCREW, and you do not feelcomfortable tightening the CAMERA MOUNTING SCREW any more, then you should think aboutusing some sort of a flexible “Gasket” between your Camera base and the HEAD PLATE. You coulduse rubber tape, a piece of cloth, flat cork or a square flat piece of rubber that you create by cutting upan old rubber dishwashing glove for example. Simply cut the material to the size of the top of theHEAD PLATE and than create a hole in it to allow the CAMERA MOUNTING BOLT to fit through itand into the base of your Camcorder.

#11 ñ PROFESSIONAL USAGE

If you are using the Glidecam 2000 Pro to shoot professional looking shots, and you plan on incorporatingthem into a short movie or some sort of commercial or artistic project, we suggest that you preplan theshot out in advance, rehearse the move a few times before shooting, and use an assistant to help youduring complex shots. This will give you optimum results and will make your movies etc. look moreprofessional.

Good luck with your shooting.

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#12 ñ MAINTENANCE

Bearing Maintenance: The Main Bearing on your Glidecam 2000 Pro is attached to the CENTRALPOST about two inches down from the top. It is metal and is partially enclosed by the Bearing Assembly.If after some period of time your bearing doesn’t turn smoothly, you can oil it lightly with light lubricatingoil. We recommend that you use very little oil. Very little, because this is all that is needed, plusanything more than a little will end up coming out of the bearing and onto the rest of your Glidecam2000 Pro. Light lubricating oil can also be used if needed on the Yoke and Handle Bearings. Be sureto keep the oil away from your Camera, and clean up any over spill when done.

Cleaning: Do not use solvents or harsh cleaners of any kind on your Glidecam 2000 Pro. If the unitbecomes dirty, use only a cloth or sponge with water and a very mild detergent to gently rub the unitclean.

Storage: If you are going to store your Glidecam 2000 Pro for a long period of time then please storethe unit upright in a dry or low to normal humidity area whenever possible. If you are unable to find anenvironment like this, then we suggest you store the unit in an air tight plastic container or bag. Standingthe unit upright helps to alleviate stress on the system.

#13 ñ WARNINGS

You should make sure that you are very careful when using the Glidecam 2000 Pro at night or in lowlight conditions. Do not make the mistake of focusing so much on what you are shooting that you tripor fall over something, or wander into something dangerous like a swimming pool or automobiletraffic, and be extra careful when shooting on stairs or uneven terrain etc. These cautions pertain todaytime shooting as well. Make sure that all children using this product have adult supervision. If youplan on shooting while moving fast, or while moving on uneven terrain, then be sure to wear knee andelbow pads, eye protection and a helmut.

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#14 ñ WARRANTY

For ninety (90) days from the date of shipment, we will repair or replace your Glidecam 2000 Pro, freeof charge, in the event of a defect in materials or workmanship (the shipment date appears on yourpurchase receipt) which occurs during normal use in accordance with the Glidecam 2000 Pro’sinstruction manual. Shipping, packing, and insurance costs to and from the factory are yourresponsibility. This limited warranty extends only to the original purchaser, and you will need yourpurchase receipt. This warranty does not cover, by way of example, damage caused by products notsupplied by us or damage resulting from mishandling in transit, accident, misuse, vandalism, neglect,modification, lack of reasonable care (or commercial use, including rentals to others) of the Glidecam2000 Pro or service by anyone other than us. There are no express warranties except as listed above.This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from stateto state.

WE ARE NOT LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTINGFROM THE USE OF THE UNIT OR ARISING OUT OF ANY BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY.ALL EXPRESS AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OFMERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED TO THENINETY (90) DAY WARRANTY PERIOD.

To obtain service during (or after) the warranty period: Contact Glidecam Industries’ Customer ServiceDepartment by calling 1-508-830-1414 or write to us at: Glidecam Industries, Inc. 23 Joseph Street, Kingston,MA 02364, and explain the problem.

DO NOT SEND OR RETURN THE UNIT TO US WITHOUTFIRST OBTAINING A RETURN AUTHORIZATION NUMBER.