SteadiHub
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

Dovetail Plate, Top Stage

Same gear or parts

  1. 2026Eliminating vibration with the ARRI ALEXA 35 on Steadicam®: rigid mounting plate options to bypass the dovetail systemFacebookThe Steadicam Group
  2. 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
  3. 2026Reducing voltage drop in standard Steadicam® Zephyr cabling for high-power broadcast cameras.DisputedFacebookSteadicam operators group
  4. 2026Tiffen Steadicam® Elite sled (2026): build quality, power distribution, and load capacity versus Steadicam® Axis.FacebookSteadicam operators group
Read the original threadAsk about this threadThe answer cites the archive