Graham Thomsen
October 4th, 2009, 04:20 PM
So I have this original signature series Merlin which I upgraded to the Metal Gimbal. The plastic one had too much friction and I could adjust the horizon simply by orienting my hand. I have found the metal gimbal to be much better...however....
I can balance the Merlin fore and aft just fine with the 5D but the side to side is causing me problems. I am using mounting hole "M" which allows me to get the battery out but this requires me to trim the side to side almost to its max extent. "N" is more natural but has the dovetail plate blocking battery access. I am using a 17-40mm L Zoom on the body.
The problem is that once I balance it successfully it won't stay balanced when I start flying it. In fact...once its perfect on a table top...all I have to do is just wiggle my hand alittle and it drifts of level. If I balance it and then do a drop test (1.5 Secs or so ) the resulting balance is off in the direction of the previous drop test.
I figured this might be the camera moving so I put a rubber base between the body and the stage and cranked it down really tight. Seems to be quite immobile when I try and play with it. You can't use the locating pin with the 5D. However...same issue....
I also notice that my new Metal Gimbal has some every so subtle play in it when I simply move the handle up and down.....but its really small. Not sure what tolerance is expected but the movement has to be millimeters ...if that.
Has anyone else experienced similar things ?
Regards,
Graham
I can balance the Merlin fore and aft just fine with the 5D but the side to side is causing me problems. I am using mounting hole "M" which allows me to get the battery out but this requires me to trim the side to side almost to its max extent. "N" is more natural but has the dovetail plate blocking battery access. I am using a 17-40mm L Zoom on the body.
The problem is that once I balance it successfully it won't stay balanced when I start flying it. In fact...once its perfect on a table top...all I have to do is just wiggle my hand alittle and it drifts of level. If I balance it and then do a drop test (1.5 Secs or so ) the resulting balance is off in the direction of the previous drop test.
I figured this might be the camera moving so I put a rubber base between the body and the stage and cranked it down really tight. Seems to be quite immobile when I try and play with it. You can't use the locating pin with the 5D. However...same issue....
I also notice that my new Metal Gimbal has some every so subtle play in it when I simply move the handle up and down.....but its really small. Not sure what tolerance is expected but the movement has to be millimeters ...if that.
Has anyone else experienced similar things ?
Regards,
Graham