2023From a Facebook group: Steadicam operators group
Spring preload order on PRO Titan arm with two blue and two black springs under heavy camera load.
DisputedParticipants disagreed and reached no conclusion. Read the findings as positions, not as an answer.
What the thread found
- The majority recommendation is to preload the black springs nearly to their limit, then use the blue springs for fine adjustment.
- Springs perform better and produce a smoother load curve when preloaded above approximately 70 % of their capacity.
- A practical tip: position the springs used for fine adjustment in locations easily accessible with an Allen key; black spring canisters require fewer turns per adjustment distance.
- One operator has flown exclusively with four blue springs since transitioning from smaller cameras.
- Other operators report minimal difference between spring configurations and emphasize that overall preload setting—adjusted so that slight human lift force is still needed—matters most.
- A long-term PRO arm user found the Tiffen G-70X easier to lift and lower after a one-year test, with a lighter feel and greater boom range; the G-70X offers tool-free spring adjustment.
Depends on
- Spring preload strategy may depend on total camera weight and individual operator preference.
- Comparison between PRO Titan and G-70X involves different mechanical designs and personal experience over limited testing periods.
Gear in this thread
Same gear or parts
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