By technical editor Matt Allard:
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Probably the strangest looking contraption at Broadcast Asia in Singapore a couple of weeks ago was worn by Sam from Freefly. His MoVI M15 rig was suspended in midair with the new Walter Klassen Slingshot system.
For many years Walter Klassen has been making vests and other accessories for Steadicam and has now turned his attention to brushless gimbals. Anyone who has held a large brushless gimbal out in front of themselves for any length of time will know the problem – after a few minutes you arms start to fatigue.
The Slingshot relieves this burden by placing the weight on your back instead allowing you to shoot for much longer periods. In addition it dampens vertical movement of the rig, helping to remove the footfall effect that can sometimes be seen with brushless gimbal footage. The range of motion with the rig is also increased – you can place it higher or lower with greater ease.
The system can work with existing Walter Klassen Steadicam vests (which mount the arm from the rear of the operator). Existing vest owners can buy the Slingshot for $4900. You can buy a complete package with a lightweight Slingshot vest or a Flex Steadicam vest for $7900.
For more info go to the Walter Klassen website.
