The Miller DS5 head should not do this. Did you buy it used?

I'm not familiar with the Miller's, but are you adjusting the counter balance in any way? Most of the better heads (Vinten, Sachtler, Miller, O'Connor etc.) will have a control to adjust the amount of force the counter balance (usually a spring) will have. The Vinten Vision 3 even has replaceable springs so that the head can be adjusted for different weight cameras and cameras with different center of gravities.

Jeff, the DS-5 doesn't have this sort of adjustment, I think you need to go up to a DS-10 for that. However I have never experienced a problem like Nick describes with my DS-5 and it's also very odd that it has the damage he mentions. Did it come from B&H? Was it used?

It sounds like it has been used, you might want to contact the retailer and explain ASAP.

Also, if it is a used item you might be stuck with it depending on where you bought it?

I own the DS-5 and I'm happy with it. It's not the greatest tripod in the world, but you can definately get things done with it and no one would know you didn't use the greatest.

Murph

I bought this tripod as new from a reputable online dealer. I called them immediately after I got it and explained the problem. They were very understanding and will be exchanging it for me.

The kit appeared to be sealed in a Miller factory box. Other than the damage that I mentioned, everything else looked perfect, not even dusty. The zipper damage was very unusual. It has two pull tabs. One of the tabs looked like it had been cut off with wire cutters or something yet the bag itself looked absolutely new.

Now, what I am concerned about is that if I exchange it, I will still have the problems with the head that I discussed in my original post -- inability to balance it and backlash.

Frank says it is not characteristic of the DS5, do you agree or disagree?

Should I exchange it or just return it and get something else?

Thanks for your help, guys...

Nick,
I've never used the DS-5. The DS-10 also does not have a counterbalance adjustment, per se. It just has drag adjustments for pan and tilt. The tilt drag is the main mechanism for simultaneously adjusting balance.

FWIW my DS-10 seems very well matched for my GL2, which is approximately the same physical configuration and weight as your VX2100. I think that the DS-5 head may designed for smaller, more compact cameras (such as Boyd's PDX10). You should consider exchanging the DS-5 for the 10 if the budget can bear it.

But, again, I am admittedly inexperienced with the DS-5.

Ken,

Ok, I am glad to hear that you have no problems with balancing for tilts on the DS10.

Do you have any problems with backlash (or rebound) or whatever it is called, either on tilts or pans?

I blew the budget a long time ago, if the DS10 works, I will get it. However, if it suffers the same problems as the DS5, I have to explore other options.

BTW, just for everyone's general information, the Miller website recommends the DS5 for a GL2 and either the DS5 or DS10, for a PD150. They do no list the VX2100 for some reason.

For balancing, the DS5 has a sliding QR plate with approx. one inch of travel. It does not have any springs or drag.

The DS-10, like all pro heads, also features a sliding plate to adjust the moment arm of the camera's mass on the head.

Pans are, of course, completely free of any rebound and are silky smooth.

The DS-10's counterbalance spring can, indeed, handle a heavier load than the GL2. So if the tilt drag is set to zero the head will level the camera (i.e. rebound). However, this is a trivial matter to eliminate. You simply adjust the tilt drag a bit to compensate for the lighter load and, voila, you'll get rebound-free, ice-smooth tilts. The camera will travel like it was on air and will stay where you put it.

Sorry about that budget, Nick. But i doubt that you'll even remember what the budget was after you work with the DS-10 for a day or two with your GL2.

Miller DS-5 user Report: BAD!
 

A new report on Miller DS-5 tripod.

One of my colleagues purchased a Miller DS-5 about a year and
a half ago. He came into our gear check out facility yesterday and asked
about a tripod. I asked why he wasn't using his Miller as it is a much
better unit than our bogans.

The leg set knobs have ALL cracked and are now broken off rendering the
tripod useless. He has to send it back and wait for repair . . . ugh.

My guess is that Miller used crummy plastic.

A bummer considering he paid close to a grand for it.

Bummer. I bought a DS-5 a year ago and it's holding up great with no signs of this problem, in fact I've been very happy all around with it. I wonder if his was exposed to some environmental extremes, like freezing or hot sun? Or maybe in 6 months mine will also fall apart?!! :-0

He used the tripod indoor only as far as I know.
Who knows, maybe the tripod he bought was part of
a bad run.

You might want to check on replacement parts/time so
if those knobs shatter on you you can take immediate action.

That's making me nervous. I've already had to use a rubber band to keep one of the cheap plastic feet on. It kept falling off during shoots!!

Anyon else have that problem?

Murph

used 1 year never had any problems... i love my DS5!!

You got six months left ;)

I'll do some more digging on this issue. See if he'll show me what exactly
happened.