Zephyr updated Gimbal Clamp

[Alan Rencher]

Hey, I just wanted the other Zephyr owners out there to know that Tiffen has updated the gimbal clamp to fix a problem where the clamp was coming loose and, if overtightened, the screw would bend. If you have an older Zephyer, check to see if they can update the clamp for you.

[Mark Schlicher]

Hey, I just wanted the other Zephyr owners out there to know that Tiffen has updated the gimbal clamp to fix a problem where the clamp was coming loose and, if overtightened, the screw would bend. If you have an older Zephyer, check to see if they can update the clamp for you.

 

Yes, highly recommended. Thanks for posting this.

[Nelson Villamil]

Hi Alan

 

Please could you share more details and photoS in detail in this update for zephyr.

 

 

THANKS

[Brent Johnson]

How did you find out this information?

[Alan Rencher]

 

They basically updated the washer with a divider in between the lever so that the clamp can't spin. My rig was one of the unlucky ones that ended up having a bent screw in the clamp. I also had to have my gimbal rebalanced when I took it in for service, but it was all covered under warrantee. The service tech told me about the issue when I took it in for service.

[Mark Schlicher]

In my opinion this is an important update for all Zephyr owners, even if you have not had a clamp failure.

 

In addition to the clever new washer design, they appear to have loosened the fit where the silver cylindrical nut fits into the blue anodized lever. The original clamps were so tight that they would bind, causing excess sideways load on the stainless steel screw. In my opinion that factor is the main one in clamp failure, and can occur whether or not the operator has over-tightened the screw. The improved lever now rotates easily to open or close, but still locks properly.

[Mike DeRario]

Does this update apply to all Zephyrs or is it specific to a certain number of rigs in a given manufactured period? Is this something that I should contact Tiffen about in order to find out? Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks,

Mike

[Mark Schlicher]

All Zephyrs manufactured up until very recently had the "old" gimbal and post extension clamps. These can easily be recognized by the fact that, if you open the clamp, it will freely rotate so that the blue lever part of the clamp hangs vertically. The new clamps have a raised ridge on the Delrin washer that prevents this rotation, so the clamp stays horizontal when open. This is the most visible change they made to the clamps.

 

If you have the old clamps I strongly recommend contacting Tiffen asap to have them replace the clamps with the updated design. Should be a warranty fix, I would think...

 

There are two main ways that the old clamps could fail suddenly and with little warning. The lever could jam into an open position, or the screw itself could snap.

[Mike DeRario]

Thanks Mark! I'm going to get in touch with Tiffen to make the update. I appreciate all the feedback and info.

 

-Mike

 

 

 

All Zephyrs manufactured up until very recently had the "old" gimbal and post extension clamps. These can easily be recognized by the fact that, if you open the clamp, it will freely rotate so that the blue lever part of the clamp hangs vertically. The new clamps have a raised ridge on the Delrin washer that prevents this rotation, so the clamp stays horizontal when open. This is the most visible change they made to the clamps.

 

If you have the old clamps I strongly recommend contacting Tiffen asap to have them replace the clamps with the updated design. Should be a warranty fix, I would think...

 

There are two main ways that the old clamps could fail suddenly and with little warning. The lever could jam into an open position, or the screw itself could snap.

[Tom MaCoy]

Brief update to maybe save a few phone calls; I spoke with the service center a little while ago, and they're currently in process of deciding if they want to just ship the new clamps out to owners for self installation, or if they're going to want to have the rigs shipped out and replace the clamp at the factory. Sounds like any owners still waiting should have an answer soon.

Glad to hear this is getting addressed, I haven't had any clamp issues yet, but it is the one aspect of the rig that I'm not wholly thrilled with.

[Wolfgang Troescher]

Brief update to maybe save a few phone calls; I spoke with the service center a little while ago, and they're currently in process of deciding if they want to just ship the new clamps out to owners for self installation, or if they're going to want to have the rigs shipped out and replace the clamp at the factory. Sounds like any owners still waiting should have an answer soon.

Glad to hear this is getting addressed, I haven't had any clamp issues yet, but it is the one aspect of the rig that I'm not wholly thrilled with.

 

Shipping the new clamps would be great!