Steadicam Ultra2 User manual

p/n LIT-257010-I
Vest: Ultra2®/Shadow™

2
Vest Parts
Shoulder
pads
Chest pads
Emergency release
handle
Adjustable
spar
Adjustable
buckles
Chest straps
Shoulder
connector
Socket block
Lower back pads
Hip
pads
Cross back
straps
Emergency
release line
Socket block
height adjustment
Note: The vest must be
properly adjusted for
the emergency release
system to work. The
emergency release line
(blue) should be taught
and both cross back
straps disconnected.
See p312-313 of The
Steadicam®Operator’s
Handbook, for the
quick release demo.
This vest is standard with the Ultra2® and Shadow™stabilizer systems, optional for all
other sleds. This vest also comes in a compact version.

3
Fitting the Vest
The vest is the major connection between your body and the
sled. It must be adjusted properly and feel good on your body.
The vest is not intended to be a straightjacket. You should be
able to move and breathe easily.
The socket block for the arm should move with you and not
shift under load.
The overall length should be adjusted so that lifting your legs
while taking a step up doesn’t disturb the vest. The hip pads
should comfortably grab your hips.
Start at the top
Be sure the shoulder pads are rmly down on your shoulders.
Tip: While wearing the vest and resting between
takes, release the vest straps to increase blood
ow and ease tension in your muscles.
Lastly, snug up the cross back straps. This will prevent the vest
from slipping as well as reduce side loading.
The chest pads are snugged up next. You should be able to
breathe a little, but the vest should not be able to slip forward
and down. Diaphragmatic breathing (like a baby) works best.
Push the vest down on your shoulders again, be sure the
spar is vertical, then snug up the hip pads. If the hip pads are
tightened rst, the vest will tend to ride high until loaded, and
then it will slip around under load.
Tips:
• If the cross back straps are overtightened, they
will cause the vest to improperly ride up on your
shoulders.
• If the cross back straps don’t cross your back,
they won’t work to support the side loads. Be sure
they cross your back as shown.

4
For more information on
tting the vest and getting
started, see Section
Two of The Steadicam®
Operator’s Handbook.
Note: A few operators have body shapes or sizes that are out of
the general range of adjustments. You may nd you have to add
or remove padding, shorten or extend straps, etc. to make the
vest t perfectly.
Available options: a compact vest, and longer chest, hip, and
cross back straps.
Pay close attention to the good
t of the vest in the photo
above. It’s very important how
the shoulder pads contact the
shoulders and the shoulder
connectors are not too high (a
common mistake).
For goofy foot operating (sled on your right) the socket block
is easily ipped upside down and retightened on the vest
spar.
The Tiffen Company, 90 Oser Avenue, Hauppauge, NY 11788
 631-273-2500•1-800-645-2522•www.tiffen.com
TiffenSteadicamOperations,2815WinonaAvenue,Burbank,CA91504
 Phone:818-843-4600•818-843-8321
© The Tiffen Company, LLC, manual version 7/1/2010