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Gimbal clamp failures on Zephyr sled causing breakage during operation

15 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.

What the thread found

  • The gimbal clamp adjuster screw can break if overtightened, particularly when transitioning between low and high mode positioning.
  • American Steadicam threads are coarser than metric threads and require fewer turns to achieve effective adjustment compared to metric equivalents.
  • Excessive force should not be needed to tighten the gimbal clamp effectively, and operators should rely on tactile feedback rather than forcing the adjustment.
  • The threaded catch inside the blue gimbal clamp can seize or become difficult to operate after repeated mode changes or if debris enters the mechanism.
  • Post length clamps are interchangeable with gimbal clamps on the Zephyr.
  • Backup solutions include dock rings, post clamps, hose clamps, or machine screws with thumb-nuts to prevent complete failure during shooting.
  • The gimbal clamp durability decreases over time with regular use and mode changes.

Depends on

  • Affects Zephyr sled models from at least 2011 onwards.
  • Some claims about debris causing seizure remain unconfirmed by manufacturer response.
  • No official statement from manufacturer regarding design improvements or known wear patterns.
  • Manufacturer support response was inconsistent, with some inquiries reportedly unanswered.

Gear in this thread

Zephyrcatalog

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