It's very surprising that you can only secure an Epic with one screw. It doesn't take much for the screw to loosen because you can't tighten it too much or you'll crack the housing. I will have to find a way to use two screws for sure, even if I have to modify the plate.
The CS 3axis only had one bolt also. Did you do something else with you setup in the past? Honestly we've never had any issues with the single bolt setup. I usually throw some gaff tape down on the camera to keep the plate from wanting to slide after you tighten down the bolt. Obviously there is no downside to using two bolts on an epic setup. It would also make alignment a tad easier.
You're right about the 3-Axis, Brad. And I worried about that too. I use a couple of cable ties on the 3-Axis too. I did have a situation (on the 3-Axis) where, when I reached in to pop the CF card I must have tweaked the camera a bit -- I straightened it back up, but I suspect that had the unintended consequence that it just loosened off the 1/4 x 20 a tad. Fortunately the camera did not drop off in flight, but it was not as tight as I wanted it to be when I went to remove the camera at the end of the day. Obviously, that was my fault in that I caused the problem...but it seems like cheap insurance to have a couple of cable ties. Andy.
Hopefully Freefly will offer a modified plate so that we can use two screws. I would very much appreciate it!
You can use 2 screws now Carey with the Epic. You will need to use a 3/8" to 1/4" Reducer on the back hole. Tabb
A screw reducer! I wondered if there was something like that. Thanks Tabb! Where do they sell them? Hardware store?
B&H has a few, here's one I found in a quick search. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/769749-REG/Oben_OB_1039_3_8_16_to_1_4_20_Reducer.html
Jonathon, thanks for the extensive write up. I'm also 5 foot 11 inches. I was thinking about the inverted mode for Steadicam then I figured, just run it upside down to gain that difference in height. Is this feasible or would it be too top-heavy to control?
Brett, top mounted works fine and is a great option if your shots are of the higher variety. This of course limits your ability to go low until you reset to under slung mode.
"Bluebird" welcome to the forums. Would you be kind enough to change your user name to your real first name and last name, please? The reasons for this (and how to do do it) are explained here: http://forum.freeflysystems.com/index.php?threads/real-names.497/.
With so many things being shot at shoulder level, I look forward to shooting slightly lower than shoulder level for a change... a slight low angle will be refreshing.