22
Basic Operating
Hand grips
The two-handed technique was invented
by Garrett Brown while working on
The
Shining
, and it has been the preferred
method of operating ever since.
Basically, the right hand does the work
of positioning the sled in space (moving
horizontally and vertically relative to the
body), and the left hand aims the sled
(and therefore the camera) by panning
and tilting.
If the sled is properly balanced, very little
force will be needed to aim the camera.
Clenching the center post or gimbal hard
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control is the key to a steady camera and
smooth moves.
The left hand also has the interesting job
of keeping the sled level as we move
about. As we accelerate or decelerate,
go around corners, etc., the left hand
must prevent the sled from going off-
level before it happens. One of the big
operating skills is anticipating how the
sled will behave as we move along. There
are several classic “grips” we use to aim
and control the sled.
Finding your grip
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The preferred grip, using the
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pendulum effect.
Also used, the full hand grip: all
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a light touch.