Counterbalance on Sachtler DV 8
 

I have had my Sachtler DV 8 for use with my XL1s for less than two months.

I just learned something interesting, something that I overlooked, but it may be obvious to everyone else.

When using the basic XL1s (Standard Lens, viewfinder, battery, etc), I could not achieve perfect counterbalance with the DV 8.

I needed to re-attach the touch and go wedge plate to the bottom of the camera and realized that it could be mounted two ways. The mounting screw is not in the center, but offset.

I decided to try the other position (rotated 180 degrees) and I could achieve perfect counterbalance!

I thought I would point this out to help others.

Good tip Dan. Thanks for posting it. No, it's not obvious and not really covered in the product's brochure. Indeed, the same technique will work on the DV-6, since they share the same wedge plate design.

Good point, indeed. Many quick release plates are slotted. But those that aren't usually do have offset screw holes. I've gone so far as to modify many QR plates at a machine shop. I've had slots milled further and additional holes drilled to aid in achieving better balance with different camera configurations. I've even gone so far as to hack saw off center columns on tripods so they will go lower to the ground. Many times we treat tripods as some sacred device because they cost so much. There is nothing wrong with modify a tripod to better suit your needs.

Heh. Jeff = Hardcore