Boge 516 head...snap crackle pop? at DVinfo.net

Ben Bowles · March 3rd, 2005, 12:25 PM

I just got my Bogen 516 head yesterday and upon mounting it to the tripod and playing around with it, I noticied a loud crackling noise while tilting. It does not occur with low drag settings, and only happens while tilting. Also, while the drag is being reduced from 100% down to a lower setting, the noise is very noticible, and quite loud. I assume it occurs from air being entraped in the internal fluid of the head.

My question: Is this normal, or should I send it back for a replacement?

Thanks.

Lorinda Norton · March 4th, 2005, 12:32 AM

Hi Ben,

My 516 did the same thing. I sent it to Manfrotto Service; they sent it back and said nothing was wrong with it. Guess that means it's normal!

After some use I didn't notice it making all that noise anymore, yet last weekend I used it in a cold setting and noticed it again. It stopped after things warmed up a bit.

Someone on this board informed me that the 516 is a friction head--not fluid. That doesn't make the snapping any less irritating, but it did explain a lot. : )

Ben Bowles · March 4th, 2005, 01:12 AM

Ok, thats good to know. Thanks for your help!

Marc Schotland · March 4th, 2005, 10:52 AM

<<Lorinda Norton stated:
Someone on this board informed me that the 516 is a friction head--not fluid. That doesn't make the snapping any less irritating, but it did explain a lot. : )

The 516 is in fact a fluid head. Please see this thread with a description about all the Manfrotto fluid heads:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?s=&threadid=31151&perpage=15&highlight=manfrotto%20516&pagenumber=2

The popping sound you hear is air bubbles in the fluid working their way out. This sound should go away after a while, but can act up in very cold weather.

Marc Schotland
Manfrotto

Lorinda Norton · March 4th, 2005, 11:24 AM

Marc,

Thank you for clearing that up for me; I've wondered for a long time why this head was listed as fluid (back when I bought it) if it really wasn't.

I'm sorry I missed seeing that thread.

Ben Bowles · March 4th, 2005, 11:32 AM

Marc,

Thanks for the info, it really helped clear some things up. The head works great, its extremely smooth, even for a beginner like me. I was just a little scared when I initially heard the noise. But I do have to mention, I don't turn the heat on in my apartment (I've got save money somewhere for all the toys I buy) so it stays pretty cold inside. Thanks for your help.

March 3rd, 2005, 12:25 PM	#1
Ben Bowles New Boot Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Clemson, SC Posts: 10	Boge 516 head...snap crackle pop? I just got my Bogen 516 head yesterday and upon mounting it to the tripod and playing around with it, I noticied a loud crackling noise while tilting. It does not occur with low drag settings, and only happens while tilting. Also, while the drag is being reduced from 100% down to a lower setting, the noise is very noticible, and quite loud. I assume it occurs from air being entraped in the internal fluid of the head. My question: Is this normal, or should I send it back for a replacement? Thanks. __________________ Ben

March 4th, 2005, 12:32 AM	#2
Lorinda Norton Wrangler Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Southwest Idaho, USA Posts: 3,066	Hi Ben, My 516 did the same thing. I sent it to Manfrotto Service; they sent it back and said nothing was wrong with it. Guess that means it's normal! After some use I didn't notice it making all that noise anymore, yet last weekend I used it in a cold setting and noticed it again. It stopped after things warmed up a bit. Someone on this board informed me that the 516 is a friction head--not fluid. That doesn't make the snapping any less irritating, but it did explain a lot. : ) __________________ Lorinda

March 4th, 2005, 01:12 AM	#3
Ben Bowles New Boot Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Clemson, SC Posts: 10	Thanks Ok, thats good to know. Thanks for your help! __________________ Ben

March 4th, 2005, 11:24 AM	#5
Lorinda Norton Wrangler Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Southwest Idaho, USA Posts: 3,066	Marc, Thank you for clearing that up for me; I've wondered for a long time why this head was listed as fluid (back when I bought it) if it really wasn't. I'm sorry I missed seeing that thread. __________________ Lorinda

March 4th, 2005, 11:32 AM	#6
Ben Bowles New Boot Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Clemson, SC Posts: 10	Marc, Thanks for the info, it really helped clear some things up. The head works great, its extremely smooth, even for a beginner like me. I was just a little scared when I initially heard the noise. But I do have to mention, I don't turn the heat on in my apartment (I've got save money somewhere for all the toys I buy) so it stays pretty cold inside. Thanks for your help. __________________ Ben

March 4th, 2005, 10:52 AM	#4
Marc Schotland Manfrotto Product Manager Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Italy Posts: 33	<<Lorinda Norton stated: Someone on this board informed me that the 516 is a friction head--not fluid. That doesn't make the snapping any less irritating, but it did explain a lot. : ) The 516 is in fact a fluid head. Please see this thread with a description about all the Manfrotto fluid heads: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?s=&threadid=31151&perpage=15&highlight=manfrotto%20516&pagenumber=2 The popping sound you hear is air bubbles in the fluid working their way out. This sound should go away after a while, but can act up in very cold weather. Marc Schotland Manfrotto