What the thread found

• A sled that settles tilted significantly up or down after drop tests may have a loose or slipping dovetail plate connection in the top stage assembly.
• The dovetail plate can slip slightly forward or backward during motion even when it appears clamped, causing the camera to settle at an incorrect angle.
• Applying gaff tape to the edge of the dovetail plate where it contacts the clamp can reduce slipping and restore proper balance behavior.
• The fore-aft adjustment screw on the gimbal (typically golden colored) can loosen over time and cause play in the assembly, requiring periodic retightening.
• A very light camera setup will be more sensitive to even small amounts of mechanical play in the sled assembly.
• A knocking sound heard through the gimbal handle during drop tests may originate from play elsewhere in the sled rather than from the handle area itself.

Depends on

• The specific root cause was not conclusively confirmed in the thread before the final update.
• The gaff tape solution was described as a temporary fix pending professional repair.
• The recommended maintenance interval for tightening the fore-aft screw was based on one operator's experience, not manufacturer specifications.
• The light camera setup sensitivity was acknowledged as a factor but the exact weight threshold was not specified.

Gear in this thread

CineLivecatalog

Parts

Dovetail Plate, Top Stage, Gimbal Bearing

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