2013Steadi-Newbies forum
Merlin Steadicam gimbal balance problem where equilibrium only occurs at specific grip angles
13 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
DisputedParticipants disagreed and reached no conclusion. Read the findings as positions, not as an answer.
What the thread found
- A Merlin steadicam that balances only when the grip is rotated to a specific angle relative to the gimbal axis may indicate gimbal misalignment rather than user error.
- Visible friction between the gimbal ball and cylinder wall during grip rotation can signal mechanical issues with the gimbal assembly.
- Making the rig excessively bottom-heavy to compensate for balance problems can worsen pendulum effect and drop time rather than resolve underlying gimbal issues.
- The Merlin gimbal is typically not user-serviceable and replacement through the manufacturer or retailer may be necessary if gimbal misalignment is confirmed.
Depends on
- The specific camera and lens setup described was a Canon 5D Mark II with 17-40mm lens on hole N configuration.
- Video documentation was referenced but not fully evaluated by all respondents.
- No definitive confirmation was provided by the manufacturer in the discussion thread itself.
- The user was new to steadicam operation, so some advice may reflect differing philosophies on balancing technique.