The Ergorig is an innovative body vest for shoulder-mounting a camera without putting any stress on the spine. It supports heavy-duty loads, such as a fully-accessorized ARRI ALEXA 65, and 100% of the weight is distributed to the hips. This standard version is designed for operators with an average-length torso (see more about this below).
The Ergorig features a robust shoulder rest that sits slightly elevated off your shoulder, and you place your camera rig right on top of it. At the same time, because the Ergorig belt secures above your hips, all the weight of the camera load is displaced to the hips, so there’s no pressure at all on your spine.
You do feel some contact with the shoulder rest, just a touch, especially as you move about, and this helps have optimal control of the camera. You can alternatively float the shoulder rest a bit higher so there’s no contact at all. The Ergorig was developed by a veteran camera operator over a period of about two years, with consultation from an orthopedic surgeon. It transfers all the weight from the thoracic/lumbar vertebrae to the hips.
Because the Ergorig sits above your waist you can freely sit, kneel, run, and otherwise move around with your camera load, and there will be no change in pressure on your spine. The shoulder rest is large and is designed to ensure that the camera won’t slide off of it. It sits level, unrelated to your shoulder slope. It also has a non-stick surface to ensure a smooth workflow. The tilt angle and lateral position of the shoulder rest are also adjustable after loosening four screws. And the height of the Ergorig is adjustable along the strut to better adjust to your torso. The Ergorig also has accessory loops for walkie-talkies and other on-set accessories.
This standard version of the Ergorig is designed for the majority of operators. The difference between the standard and short versions is in the length of the struts and is based on the operator’s torso. Measure your torso from your front hip point to the top middle of your shoulder. If the length is over 21″, the standard version is for you. The belt size is the same in both versions and is adjustable to fit most operators. (If you’re right at 21″, either version will work for you.) The Ergorig is suitable for men and women operators alike. Women may prefer to adjust the midriff strap, which stabilizes the rig to the body, either above or below the chest line, or to set it to sit straight across.
The Ergorig also supports a camera in underslung mode. To do this, attach any secure strap to an eyelet of the camera’s top handle, and wrap it around the gripping pad on top of the Ergorig. The Ergorig will support the weight, and the midriff straps will keep everything in place. For transport, the Ergorig can be broken down in order to pack in a more compact form. After removal of several screws, the different parts of the Ergorig can be removed from one another. And everything packs away into an included carry bag.