Graham Thomsen

John, I have noted that it seems to fly better with the arm and vest...but can't figure why. In my handheld setup I had the spar adjusted smaller with one additional mid-weight. I found that with the spar closed it interfered with the arm when I boomed. So....I made the spar max size and removed a mid-weight from the bottom and it seems to behave alittle better during moves...but the drop test still throws it off in the direct of drop. I will be working on it overseas and see where it gets me. However...the arm and vest are very cool.....Olive Oil is happy that Popeye has stopped complaining....:) Graham

Robert, Thanks for your reply. I spoke with Glendale and they sent me a new gimbal to try. Turns out that this new gimbal behaved exactly as my old one. I had some concern that the slight clicking I mentioned might have been just mine. Looks like this is the normal manufacturing tolerance. The factory was very helpful but given they don't have an 5D's hanging around they don't know if its a specific merlin/5D interaction issue. The 5D is alot wider than long.....unlike most videocams and perhaps this is an issue ? Anyway...my current theory is that the camera MUST be shifting somehow. I have ruled out something inside the camera shifting during the drop test. My current setup has me placing a piece of rubber on the dovetalk and then reefing down the screw as tight as I dare. I really want to use hole "M" because the video chew through batteries and I really need to change them without unscrewing...for obvious reasons. However....still has the issue. I know you have to keep the zoom constant and given the camera is off....the focus is not a factor. The spar seems nice and tight as does the stage. Did the factory tell you what they did to your rig while they had it ? Anyway..I just got my arm and vest and will be trying it out overseas next week.....hope I can duplicate your experience. The factory rep told me I am not the only 5D person he has heard from. Any other theories would be welcome.

Jeff, New to the forum but reading your post matches almost exactly a problem I am having with my New Metal Gimbal. I am Flying a Canon 5D Mark II with a 17-40 L Zoom Lens Set to 40mm and AF off. I was balancing on hole "M" because the more natural hole "N" blocked the battery door. I find that using hole "M" requires the stage to be trimmed almost to the limit. So I moved it back to "N" which improved things alittle...but same problem with drift like you. Do a drop test and boom....balance gone. Did you ever get this problem solved ? I do notice a very slight "play" in the gimbal itself...sort of a very slight clicking sound when I move the handle up and down...did your do that ? Not sure how tight it should be.... Graham