Tiffen Steadicam Fawcett Exovest User manual

LIT-815780 Rev.
Vest: Steadicam®Fawcett Exovest®

2
Introduction
Rear rod
length clamp
Waist - VELCRO®brand
hook-and-loop fastener
Socket
block
Rear view
The Steadicam®Fawcett Exovest®is a semi-rigid exoskeletal vest that transfers the
weight and torque of supporting a Steadicam®into anatomically appropriate areas,
without interfering with natural movement.
Primary weight transfer is to the pelvis via four pads ergonomically placed around the
waistband, and primary torque transfer is via a pad system at the upper back. Lower
pads avoid compressing the abdomen in front, and the base of the spine in back. Upper
pads avoid compressing the neck, shoulder joint, shoulder blades, and spine. Crucially,
the absence of chest straps allows for unrestricted breathing and arm movement.
Pad systems are connected by rigid sliding components, and tightened by double and


The exemplary rigidity of the outer
structure extends the torque-resisting
lever-arm from mid-back (on existing
vests) to high-shoulder level—halving
the force required to counterbalance a
Steadicam®rig.
Symmetrical twin-rod spars, rising fore
and aft from the waistband, increase
vertical range of the socket block—and
uniquely, permit both front and rear arm
mounting.
Four integral pivots allow the vest to
conform to natural body movements.
The rise and fall of the hips as weight
is shifted from one leg to the other is
accommodated by a lower pivot system,
so the socket block remains level, and at
the same height when walking—resulting
in less muscular strain, and better overall
stability and balance. The upper pivot
system allows free movement of the
shoulders.
The resultant feel is of increased lightness
and control. Between takes, the entire
vest may be relaxed by means of one
over-center lever, as the upper pad system
beds in only under load.
The Exovest®is lightweight and
less constrictive than conventional
vests—allowing for better respiration,
circulation, transpiration, and
movement—and is especially
comfortable for female operators.
The designer, Chris Fawcett,
operates and teaches Steadicam®
use worldwide and has extensively
studied the physiology of human
weight-bearing appliances. He is
the author of Steadicam®Posture1.

3
Shoulder straps
Shoulder latch
Waist latch Over-center lever
Waist -
VELCRO®brand
hook-and-loop
fastener
Front rod
length
clamp
Socket
block
Bridge plate
Rear rods
Front view

4
Fitting the Vest
Note: The Exovest®is a a radical new concept in Steadicam®




system to work with your body. To get the most from your
Exovest®, follow the directions below, and experiment with


enter and exit the vest quickly by means of two latches and
one over-center lever.
1. Fitting the Exovest®

just enter and exit using the two dovetail latches and the waist over-center lever.
1. Relax the waist VELCRO®brand, tagging it back so the the waistband
is fully expanded.
2. Lengthen the rods, front and back, until they are about the length of your torso.
Longer is better at this stage.
3. Open the dovetail latches, top and bottom, and slip the vest over your shoulders,

with the VELCRO®fully relaxed, see section 5, Customising the waistband.
4. Tighten the waist VELCRO®straps, evenly on each side, until the waistband
is snug.
5. Stick your thumbs inside the waistband, and work the vest down until the
shoulder straps rest on your shoulders.
6. Lift your legs a few times as if you were climbing stairs—not a full 90 degree
knee bend, just step height. The vest should ride up a little but settle onto your
pelvic bones.
7. Lock the waistband off at this height by closing the waist over-center lever.

plastic waist slider is obstructing the closure of the lever, causing it to spring
open, your waistband may be set to the larger size. See section 5, Customizing
the waistband.
8. Open the rod clamps front and back (some people can do this alone, some of
you will need assistance) and settle the top section of the vest down onto your
shoulders. The rod lengths don’t need to be the same front and back.

5
19. Ensure that both sets of rods are
centered on your body. Check the
front rods in a mirror, and the rear
rods by touching your spine with

they’re off center, adjust the waist
VELCRO®straps, relaxing one side
while tightening the other.

you enough room to breath deeply
in your upper chest, as shown below.
Centering the rods
Room to breathe
Note: If you’re an experienced Steadicam®operator, you’ll

most vests resist the torque at mid-back level, necessitating
that work be done entirely in the lower region of the back.
By doubling this lever arm, we halve the force necessary to
counterbalance the rig, and engage back muscles to the
height of the shoulders.
Keep the rods off your back
11. The sizing should be correct now,
so all that remains is to ensure the
pads are correctly positioned. The
four waist pads should rest on your

the pelvis, and the front waist pads
are pushing into your abdomen,
remove the vest and move the
pads a little outboard.
12. When you lift the Steadicam,
the bulk of the weight should go
into your pelvis, but allow a little
stabilizing weight to rest on your
shoulders—don’t leave a gap up
there. When you push the Steadicam
out in front of you, the rear rods

do, remove the vest, and insert a
booster pad between the back pad.

touching your back because you are slouched forward, you may wish to
correct this by standing up straight rather than by using a booster pad.

what suits you best. Because the Exovest is semi-rigid, a small change can

learn any new tricks, be sure to let us know.