What the thread found

• Balance drift during handling and drop tests on a Merlin gimbal can result from the camera shifting position on the mounting plate rather than from gimbal failure.
• The Canon 5D Mark II is wider than tall, which may create challenges when balancing on a Merlin compared to standard video cameras.
• Using gaffer tape pads on either side of the camera mounting hole can prevent the camera from rotating on the plate during operation.
• Slower drop times increase sensitivity to small changes in trim balance, making the system more prone to appearing out of balance after gentle movements.
• A drop time of approximately one second is optimal for minimizing the visible effects of balance drift.
• The slight clicking or play in the gimbal mechanism may be within normal manufacturing tolerances.
• The balance issue may be less noticeable or may improve after extended use with the full arm and vest assembly.
• Microphone shockmounts and cable routing on top of the camera can cause balance problems due to their flexibility and proximity to the center of gravity.

Depends on

• Some users experienced improved behavior only after extended use with the arm and vest, making it unclear whether this was a mechanical fix or operator adaptation.
• The factory acknowledged reports of the issue from other 5D users but could not definitively determine if it was a camera-gimbal compatibility problem.
• Replacement gimbal units exhibited the same behavior, suggesting the issue may be related to camera setup rather than gimbal defect.
• The exact cause of balance drift was never conclusively determined in this thread.

Parts

Dovetail Plate

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