Merlin Arm Problem + Screws

[Sebastian Kubatz]

Hey everybody,

 

I just got myself a Steadycam Merlin Arm + Vest.

The problem I have is that the Camera/Arm always drifts away from my body when I do not have my hands on the Steadycam.

 

Now there are those 4 screws on the beginning of the arm, pictured here:

http://sebastiankubatz.de/arm.jpg

 

I'd be really grateful if someone could help me with that and explain how to use the screws to me.

 

Thank you very much in advance,

Sebastian

[Carl Wiedemann]

Sebastian,

 

The two screws presented in your photo are for adjusting the side to side positioning of the sled in relation to your torso (by changing the arm position). The two socket block screws on the vest are for trimming the position of the sled in front of your torso (perhaps more directly relevant to your current dilemma, although you need to properly adjust both sets of screws to achieve the best arm/sled position). Regarding the screws in your photo. You only want to adjust one of those screws at a time to get the desired arm position, the other should remain nearly flush, otherwise the screws will end up bearing more weight than they're designed for. All of this basic set up information is covered in The Steadicam Operator's Handbook as well as the EFP training video, good resources if you're geographically or financially removed from taking a training class.