2015Camera Stage/Donkey Box forum
Archer 2 top stage dovetail plate slipping when rig is tilted horizontally
What the thread found
- The dovetail plate locking mechanism can loosen during normal use of tilting the rig, causing the plate to slip downward despite appearing locked.
- Tightening the flat head screw on the latch can resolve the slipping issue.
- The large screw inside the locking mechanism can gradually unscrew itself through repeated locking and unlocking cycles.
- Applying removable threadlocker compound to the main locking screw prevents it from gradually loosening during use.
- Installing shims between the locking mechanism and dovetail plate can increase clamping force and create a more secure lock.
Depends on
- The issue occurred with a specific camera setup including an Alexa and Zeiss Ultra Prime lens, though the setup was within the rig's weight rating.
- Multiple solutions were reported but it is unclear if all address the same root cause or if different Archer 2 units have different mechanical tolerances.
- The shim solution required contacting the manufacturer to obtain the correct thickness.
Parts
Same gear or parts
- 2026Eliminating vibration with the ARRI ALEXA 35 on Steadicam®: rigid mounting plate options to bypass the dovetail systemFacebookThe Steadicam Group
- 2026Choosing between upgrading an older ProVid-2 kit or investing in a professional rig: workshop-first versus equipment-first approach for beginners.DisputedFacebookSteadicam operators group
- 2026Reducing voltage drop in standard Steadicam® Zephyr cabling for high-power broadcast cameras.DisputedFacebookSteadicam operators group
- 2026Tiffen Steadicam® Elite sled (2026): build quality, power distribution, and load capacity versus Steadicam® Axis.FacebookSteadicam operators group