& THE MARSUPIAL RANGE EXCEPT FOR SIZE AND MINOR DESIGN MODIFICATIONS, THE CINESADDLE & MINISADDLE ARE IDENTICAL PRODUCTS. THIS DUAL MANUAL CONTAINS INSTRUCTIONS FOR BOTH
Features/Design The Cinesaddle is manufactured from high quality waterproof canvas. It is designed to last a lifetime. It is saddle shaped so that it will cradle your camera and keep it stable regardless of where it is mounted. Squeeze Buckle Shoulder Strap Released The Cinesaddle has three pockets (Minisaddle and Babysaddle have two) and each saddle has two carrying straps and four ears. The pockets are used to carry the accessories that are shipped with the Cinesaddle. All pockets are quite spacious and they will also carry camera filters, lens hoods, cigarettes, loose change, your lunch and anything else you might care to store in them. The ears at the top of the bag will enable you to tie your camera mounted Cinesaddle to any surface. Don t feel inconvenienced because they are on top of the bag, the Cinesaddle works equally well upside down. At the top of the bag is an adjustable shoulder strap attached to a plastic buckle. When the Cinesaddle is used as a car mount, this strap is used to fix your camera to the bag. To release the strap quickly, squeeze the sides of the buckle that is attached to the small strap. This buckle is identical to the ones used on high quality luggage. A waterproof flap under the large pocket on the side of the bag covers a large zipper. This is the innermost compartment of the Cinesaddle and it is in here that the beans are stored. A child resistant slide fastener has been installed as the small lightweight bead filling will present a danger if swallowed or inhaled. To access this compartment, insert a paper clip as illustrated to make the zipper operable. In the event you want to alter the resiliency of the bag, just pull out or add some beans. Page 2 Cinesaddle/Minisaddle
Accessories Stirrup Anchor Fasty Strap Packed with your Cinesaddle is a rope, four stirrups, four anchors and two Fasty straps. This rope, together with the stirrups and anchors are used to tie your Cinesaddle to any car. Under no circumstances should you substitute other components for this purpose. Only those supplied are guaranteed to secure your camera to a moving vehicle at the stresses required for safe use. The stirrups are used as external tie-off points for the rope. They may be secured to the car s bumpers, car doors and hood. All are coated with soft plastic to prevent them from scratching the paint on your car. The plastic coating does not last forever; to extend the clips life, wrap masking tape or gaffer tape over any chipped plastic. The anchors are used as internal tie-off points. They are made from high strength webbing and are fitted with a plastic base. A word of caution; make certain that the plastic base is clear of your car s door before closing it. The plastic used is very strong and will dent the door if used improperly. Also enclosed are two Fasty Straps which may used to attach your Cinesaddle and camera to static objects such as tree trunks, branches, parking meters or any item that does not move. The supplied Fasty Straps are 3 yards in length and may be cut if you prefer them shorter. Under no circumstances use the Fasty Straps to attach your camera to a moving car, truck, motorcycle, or airborne platform. Outside the vehicle, the Cinesaddle may be mounted on the hood, trunk, roof, side windows or tail gate. On any of these mounting points the camera may face forward, rearward, sideways or at a dutch angle. Placement of the clips is determined by where and how you want to mount your camera. Position the stirrups and/or anchors at any four of the numerous points on your vehicle. This will provide the tie-off points for the rope. The shoulder strap is then tightened around the camera by pulling the end of the long strap. Tuck the loose end of the strap under the camera to prevent it from flapping as you drive. Then position the Cinesaddle and camera in the tie-off position you have selected. Instruction Manual Page 3
As a Car Mount Inside the car, you may position the Cinesaddle on the floor or on any seat. By placing a wooden plank across the two rear windows you may move the Cinesaddle to various points along the board. This is especially effective for reflection shots through the rear view mirror. For best results, the Cinesaddle should be tied down whenever possible. Cross section of car door with anchor in position Mounted on the Car's Hood When tying the Cinesaddle to the vehicle, make certain to tie the rope to the car in the X configuration as illustrated below. If you do this, there is no possibility of the camera slipping. On a Car Door or Tail Gate Three knots are required for installation. The first of these is the Bowline. This knot will not slip if tied correctly. Check your knot against the illustration and pull it tightly so that it is secure. The Bowline Then thread the rope through the camera s handle and through tie-off point number two. At this point, The Truckie s Hitch is employed. This knot will enable you to keep the camera mounted Cinesaddle under tension as you drive. Pull the rope tightly and go to the next position. Page 4 Cinesaddle/Minisaddle
Loop the rope thru tie-off point number three (no knot) and thread the rope once again through the camera handle to position four. The rope should now be in the X configuration as seen on the previous page. If it is not, go back to the illustration and see what you have done wrong. The Truckie's Hitch Loop the rope thru the final stirrup and tie a final Truckie s Hitch. Tension the rope tightly and use knot number three, the Tie- Off Knot to finish it off. This knot should be tied at least two times. If any rope is left hanging, wedge it behind the already taut rope. Check your camera s eyepiece to see that the shot is level and framed as you want it to be. Even though the mount is under tension, final adjustments are still possible. Check one last time to see that everything is tight and you re on your way. This entire operation should take under two minutes. Use only the knots illustrated and practice them until you feel confident. We d suggest before you entrust your camera to the rig, you do a test run with a tool box or an attaché case mounted on the Cinesaddle in place of your camera. Drive your car around corners, over bumps, at the same speeds you would use to make your shots. Whenever using the Cinesaddle as a vehicle mount, always check the tension of the ropes between shots. To make doubly certain that the rope will not become undone, tie a second rope through each of the tie-off points. If the first rope should slip, you will still have a very secure mount. If slippage is encountered when the Cinesaddle is mounted on the car hood you may increase traction by placing a bath mat under the Cinesaddle. Instruction Manual Page 5
Marsupials If you are using a Marsupial Cinesaddle, Minisaddle or Babysaddle, it will have a pouch in which you may store your Mini DV size camera or any additional accessories you d like to carry with you. All Marsupials offer the same functionality as standard Cinesaddles. The storage compartment (pouch) will be found on the back side of the saddle under the Cinekinetic logo. As a Static Mount If you are using the pouch to carry accessories to location, make certain to remove these items before placing your camera atop your saddle. If you don t, the beans will not cradle your camera properly. The Cinesaddle is the most versatile mount in the world. Because it is made of fabric and filled with malleable beans it will mold itself to any object upon which it is placed. To use your Cinesaddle as a static mount, just place it wherever you want your camera positioned. The cradle shape will hold your camera firmly. Because it is so small, the saddle may be positioned inside a cupboard, oven, fridge or sink. If you find that there are no mounting points at the height you wish your camera positioned, use everyday objects such as your camera case or a pile of books. It can be balanced upon a parking meter or even a tripod (without the head attached). Sit it on top of a step-ladder for that high angle point of view or place it on the ground or floor for a low point of view. Camera Moves You may stabiliize the saddle against a wall, a tree trunk or, sit it on a branch. Common sense will tell you not to leave your camera unattended when it is mounted on the Cinesaddle. Panning is possible by swivelling the Cinesaddle on it s centre axis when the bag is positioned on any smooth surface. To tilt the camera, push down on either the front or back of the Cinesaddle, depending on whether you want the action to go up or down. Experiment by cradling the underside of the Cinesaddle with one hand while doing your tilt. Trial and error will determine the best way for you to use the mount and you will find these moves as smooth as those you get from the most expensive fluid head. Page 6 Cinesaddle/Minisaddle
Dynamic Mounts Should you wish to use your Cinesaddle for tracking shots indoors and you do not have a dolly, mount it atop a child s toy car, skateboard, tricycle, baby carriage or wheelchair. As the bean filling absorbs vibration, the Cinesaddle is the perfect boat, bicycle, motorcycle, truck, airplane and helicopter mount. Use it in a supermarket wagon or a luggage cart. If you can think of some movable object we haven t mentioned, try that also. Once again, be cautious; secure the Cinesaddle to the object you mount it upon and test the rig carefully before you entrust your camera to it. If you use the Cinesaddle as directed it will become your favourite accessory. It will never weigh you down, pinch your fingers, dent your shoulder, take up excess room or do anything to make you unhappy. When your saddle is not in use as a camera mount you can use it as a seat or a pillow. When travelling from one location to another, wrap your Cinesaddle around your camera and it will provide some protective cushioning. It would be wise to inscribe your name on the saddle in a few places with a marking pen. Cinesaddles are very popular and often go walking unless you watch them closely. We stand by the quality of the merchandise and guarantee it fully for one year if used as directed. Chipping of the soft plastic coating on the stirrups cannot be controlled and is not covered by this warranty. Cinekinetic will not accept responsibility for any damage to equipment or personnel resulting from incorrect usage of the product. We reserve the right to upgrade the products and newer versions may differ slightly from those illustrated and described herein. Instruction Manual Page 7
2 Avon Court, Thornlie, WA 6108, Australia TEL: +61-8-9459-3690, FAX: +61-8-9493-2168 E-MAIL: info@cinekinetic.com WEBSITE: www.cinesaddle.com