2" MKV post and gimbal in LA

[Michael Wilson]

I currently have 1.5" post and gimbal from MKV with a 3a type top stage. I'm getting vibrations and Im trying to figure out where they are coming from. My first guess is the post. However the top stage and monitor bracket/mount are also likely culprits. When the post is extended this amplifies the flex and vibration. I was thinking about getting a different top stage or xcs camera plate or larger post. Anyway if you have some time and a 2 inch post I'd love to try one out.

 

Thanks and any suggestions are welcome.

[Richard James Lewis]

I'd start by checking that the glued and pinned end plugs in the carbon fibre post are solid. Also check all 4 screws that attach the top stage to the post are tight.

 

Rick.

 

I currently have 1.5" post and gimbal from MKV with a 3a type top stage. I'm getting vibrations and Im trying to figure out where they are coming from. My first guess is the post. However the top stage and monitor bracket/mount are also likely culprits. When the post is extended this amplifies the flex and vibration. I was thinking about getting a different top stage or xcs camera plate or larger post. Anyway if you have some time and a 2 inch post I'd love to try one out.

 

Thanks and any suggestions are welcome.

[Michael Wilson]

I checked those pieces on the inside of the post and they are tight. Top stage couldn't get any tighter. It seems that when I spread the masses vibration increases. When the masses are close vibration is pretty manageable. Honestly I like things a little spread out. Below is a pic of the monitor. Any thoughts on a way to bulk up that connection. Its 1 1/4 20 screw hanging onto the monitor and battery almost 4lbs. Thinking about a cinetronic yoke. The monitor really vibrates.

 

[Eric Fletcher S.O.C.]

Well this is going to be unpopular with a few people.

 

I had a MKV 2" post, monitor arm and gimbal....

 

HAD

 

TONS of vibrations with that set up. The monitor arm rang like he bells at Notre Dame, the post might as well have been a giant leaf spring and the section clamps didn't. and not only did the pan bearings in the gimbal shift but the yoke forks also had a high frequency vibration (and the handle is simply too long)

 

hell the Tiffen stuff is better than the MK-V stuff.....

[Thomas English]

I'm not sure if I am too familiar with Eric's experience with vibrations with the MK-V. I don't have these issues.

 

I did have issues once doing a bundle of running shots and the problem was caused by the two allen keys at the front of the monitor bracket having come loose.

[Richard James Lewis]

I imagine the bodged monitor mount for that monitor is causing the issue. The mk-v monitor arm isn't the best really, unless its fully in. At mid extension and even with everything tight you can feel the play and you are able to flex the bars up and down. I had the V1 and still currently use the V2, but I have a very light monitor at the moment until i swap to the Cinetronic, so it doesn't cause an issue.

You could try opening up the monitor casing and screwing through into it. (a plate of your making to be used to sandwich the chassis and screw into on the other side) The two screws that are designed to be used aren't currently, so this is a weak connection and will be causing the flex. Also try loosing the battery of the monitor.

While we are on the subject...

I had an mk-v 2 stage 2" post and gimbal and actually it was fine. I moved to the XCS which has a much stiffer post. With the mk-v if you over tightened a gorelock ring you would crush the post and prevent the inner post from extending (like with most other carbon and Ali posts) This doesn't happen with the XCS. It's much more solid due to its cross wound construction. The XCS gimbal in my opinion is much better too. More sensitive, responsive and less forgiving. It's a world apart from my mk-v and needed a bit of getting used to but now makes for much better operating.

I moved from MK-V to XCS because I wanted a company that would respond to my questions and emails with thought, care, insight and intelligence. As opposed to just being ignored. Realising that the equipment was superior was a second bonus.

 

Best,

Rick.

[Thomas English]

There is a new MK-V monitor bracket called the infinity bracket or something. Essentially 2 19mm bars which you can use anything you like from Aluminium through carbon fibre or extruded carbon fibre. I have this and have tested it and its rock solid stiff to any distance, When the Cinetronic arrives I am going to swap out.