503 balancing act at DVinfo.net

Christopher Glaeser · May 9th, 2006, 12:20 AM

Is there a trick to balancing the XL H1 (without Anton Bauer), TA100 tripod adaptor, and Bogen 503 head? The TA100 is quite long considering the size of the actual mating area, but most of the length is behind the center of camera mass, whereas the camera is front heavy (the opposite direction). I think I've selected the most optimal holes for mating the TA100 and 503 quick release plate, but the camera is still front heavy when attached to the head. I even slid the quick release plate back 1/2" (thus reducing the contact area), but it's still front heavy. Am I missing something?

Best,
Christopher

Ron Pfister · May 9th, 2006, 02:28 AM

I'm not familiar with all the hardware you're using, so I can't specifically comment. But Manfrotto (the original manufacturer of Bogen gear) makes an extra-long mounting plate for the 500-series heads that may help in your case. It's called 501PLONG, is about 60% longer than the original plate, and is a special-order item at B&H, IIRC. I'm regularly using it when using my XL-1s with EF-lenses, and it works well.

HTH,

Ron

Daniel Epstein · May 9th, 2006, 08:10 AM

Christopher,
The holes on the TA 100 are not as flexible as some other plates I have used and don't be surprised if you have to use them on one end of the plate and not the center. With my Anton Bauer Batterries I put the plate all the way at the back end. I expect you will have to put the screws all the way towards the front and that still may not be enough. Also if you haven't already you should add the accessorie plate on the back of the camera for a little more weight on the back. The lower end Bogen Heads don't have a sliding adjustment on the head to balance the camera. You can slide the plate a little and then lock it but you really have to get the plate in the right place or move it to the right place.

Floris van Eck · February 5th, 2007, 10:38 AM

I am also having balancing problems with my XL-H1 and Bogen 503. It appears that the head is not capable of carrying the weight of the camera (it is, but just not smoothly in my case). Is this the case or am I using the tripod/head wrongly? When I follow a subject and I stop the camera always moves up a bit, down a bit... no matter if I use more or less fluid drag. When the camera is not moving, all is fine but move - stop - move - stop is almost impossible.

Which tripods are more suited for this camera? I read a good review about the Libec LS-38 but I need to be sure that it will do a better job.

Mark Bournes · February 5th, 2007, 10:42 AM

Floris, I use the libec ls-38 with my xl-2 and it works great. Much better than the 503. Pans and tilts are very smooth and the balance is great.

Lauri Kettunen · February 5th, 2007, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christopher Glaeser

Is there a trick to balancing the XL H1 (without Anton Bauer), TA100 tripod adaptor, and Bogen 503 head? The

As Ron says, get the long plates. When you attach the camera to the head, loosen all knobs and slide the camera to a position where it stays horizontally stable. Balancing the camera this way also helps to avoid akward oscillation when the camera is tilted and panned.

Steve Leverich · February 5th, 2007, 10:04 PM

Floris, could your particular problem be this?

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...=stabilization

Just a thought, from your description... Steve

May 9th, 2006, 12:20 AM	#1
Christopher Glaeser Major Player Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Pleasanton, CA Posts: 258	503 balancing act Is there a trick to balancing the XL H1 (without Anton Bauer), TA100 tripod adaptor, and Bogen 503 head? The TA100 is quite long considering the size of the actual mating area, but most of the length is behind the center of camera mass, whereas the camera is front heavy (the opposite direction). I think I've selected the most optimal holes for mating the TA100 and 503 quick release plate, but the camera is still front heavy when attached to the head. I even slid the quick release plate back 1/2" (thus reducing the contact area), but it's still front heavy. Am I missing something? Best, Christopher

May 9th, 2006, 02:28 AM	#2
Ron Pfister Major Player Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Basel area, Switzerland Posts: 285	I'm not familiar with all the hardware you're using, so I can't specifically comment. But Manfrotto (the original manufacturer of Bogen gear) makes an extra-long mounting plate for the 500-series heads that may help in your case. It's called 501PLONG, is about 60% longer than the original plate, and is a special-order item at B&H, IIRC. I'm regularly using it when using my XL-1s with EF-lenses, and it works well. HTH, Ron __________________ Ronald P. Pfister halimedia - digital solutions and services www.halimedia.com Last edited by Ron Pfister; May 9th, 2006 at 03:16 AM.

February 5th, 2007, 10:42 AM	#5
Mark Bournes Major Player Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Jupiter, FL Posts: 565	Floris, I use the libec ls-38 with my xl-2 and it works great. Much better than the 503. Pans and tilts are very smooth and the balance is great. __________________ Mark www.sharkvp.com

May 9th, 2006, 08:10 AM	#3
Daniel Epstein Trustee Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: New York, NY Posts: 1,267	Christopher, The holes on the TA 100 are not as flexible as some other plates I have used and don't be surprised if you have to use them on one end of the plate and not the center. With my Anton Bauer Batterries I put the plate all the way at the back end. I expect you will have to put the screws all the way towards the front and that still may not be enough. Also if you haven't already you should add the accessorie plate on the back of the camera for a little more weight on the back. The lower end Bogen Heads don't have a sliding adjustment on the head to balance the camera. You can slide the plate a little and then lock it but you really have to get the plate in the right place or move it to the right place.

February 5th, 2007, 10:38 AM	#4
Floris van Eck Major Player Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 993	I am also having balancing problems with my XL-H1 and Bogen 503. It appears that the head is not capable of carrying the weight of the camera (it is, but just not smoothly in my case). Is this the case or am I using the tripod/head wrongly? When I follow a subject and I stop the camera always moves up a bit, down a bit... no matter if I use more or less fluid drag. When the camera is not moving, all is fine but move - stop - move - stop is almost impossible. Which tripods are more suited for this camera? I read a good review about the Libec LS-38 but I need to be sure that it will do a better job.

February 5th, 2007, 10:04 PM	#7
Steve Leverich Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Albany Oregon Posts: 173	Floris, could your particular problem be this? http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...=stabilization Just a thought, from your description... Steve