Jump to content

Gimbal clamp snapped


David M. Aronson

Recommended Posts

  • Premium Members

Same thing happened to an op here in NYC. Tiffen no longer makes Master Series sleeves, but the new ultras have the same diameter post, and you can keep your gimbal bearing and handle. I think it was about $900 all in. I know it's pricey for just a latch, but it's really the cheapest option. The newer ultra sleeves are much nicer.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Premium Members

Yup. That's what happened. You can replace it yourself if you know what you're doing. You'll have to disconnect the wiring in the post from the top stage in order to get the new sleeve on. It's not impossible, but not exactly easy either. If you don't want to try yourself, yeah, you'll have to send in your sled. Where are you located?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Premium Members

Yup. That's what happened. You can replace it yourself if you know what you're doing. You'll have to disconnect the wiring in the post from the top stage in order to get the new sleeve on. It's not impossible, but not exactly easy either. If you don't want to try yourself, yeah, you'll have to send in your sled. Where are you located?

 

DC Area. Is it easier to remove the top stage or the bottom stage? For now, it's going to be a hose clamp... I mean really? $900?

 

Edit: Now what? I can't get the little latch off. It looks like the red thing should unscrew and I've heard stories about it being a vernier drop time adjustment, but it wont budge.

photo-4.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Premium Members

Looks like you got it off, no? The red ring was originally intended to be a fine drop time adjustment, but I never used it on my old rig, nor would it budge if I had wanted to. The broken piece is more than just a band. It's part of the entire sleeve. Sure a hose clamp might work temporarily, but I would hardly call it a solution. Unfortunately, unless you find someone with a Master gimbal they're willing to give away, $900 might be the cheapest bill you're looking at. A new gimbal runs at least $6k. Tiffen simply doesn't make the exact replacement parts you need anymore. Honestly though, you get a whole new sleeve, new latch mechanism, and new grip. The same as is on the Ultra 2s now. It's knurled and pretty. Much much nicer than the Master ever was.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Premium Members

I don't have a picture of just the gimbal sleeve nor is it a standard part in the catalog. It's the sleeve though. The grip, the latch...maybe even the cap, I'm not sure. You'd be keeping your gimbal handle, yoke, bearings and bearing housing. Everything else will go. The sleeve is the piece that slides down over the post that you hold onto. I don't know how better to describe it. Call Tiffen. You'll have to anyway. Maybe they can send you a picture. Trust me though. If you want a proper fix, it is what you have to buy.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Premium Members

Don't be so bitter about it, bro. This is specialized film equipment we're all dealing with here. If you can perform a major repair, and get an upgrade at the same time for under a grand, consider yourself lucky.

 

 

Except you don't hear of pro or XCS gimbals breaking.......

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Premium Members

Don't be so bitter about it, bro. This is specialized film equipment we're all dealing with here. If you can perform a major repair, and get an upgrade at the same time for under a grand, consider yourself lucky.

Yeah. When you put it that way, it isn't a lot. I'm glad I don't have to buy a whole new gimbal. :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Premium Members

Saw a fellow op's rig this afternoon who had the same problem on his Master sled and sent it to Tiffen for the exact same upgrade/replacement you are talking about....

 

(Pointing to the parts you keep from your current gimbal)

post-8314-0-52510000-1333581663_thumb.jpg

 

(Pointing to the parts that are replaced with the Ultra 2 gimbal sleeve)

post-8314-0-10787000-1333581737_thumb.jpg

 

Hope this helps you visualize where your hard earned monies will be going. I wouldn't try to cut corners when it comes to something as important to your rig and your operating as your gimbal since it is after all, "Where the magic happens". If you feel brave enough to tackle the replacement yourself, go for it, I'm sure Afton or Peter [Abraham] could be at your disposal since both of them have completely taken apart their Master series sleds before.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...