2012Steadi-Newbies forum
Adjusting spring tension on a budget steadicam arm for proper operation
14 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- The two arm sections should be adjusted so the camera sled floats roughly level with neither section having greater tension than the other
- A properly balanced arm will reach its travel limits at roughly the same time whether the sled is lifted to the top or bottom of its range
- When held with a loose grip, the sled should settle at approximately the middle of its travel range
- Budget steadicam models like the Wondlan may not isolate movement as effectively as professional equipment and can exhibit bouncing
Depends on
- The discussion concerns a low-cost brand not used by professionals
- No manual was available for the specific model, so advice is based on general steadicam principles rather than manufacturer specifications
- One participant tested the rig briefly at a trade show rather than in extended use
- The original question about specific spring adjustment procedures remained unanswered