2009Steadi-Newbies forum
Pilot stage misalignment with sled and achieving balance
17 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- The post extension on a Pilot steadicam allows approximately one-eighth turn of misalignment tolerance, and loosening it permits rotating the bottom of the sled to realign with the top
- A small Allen bolt located above the latch on the post extension can be tightened to secure proper alignment between top and bottom stages
- Static balance is sufficient for most shooting work, and dynamic balance becomes important primarily for fast pans and specialized scenarios like live performances or music concerts
- Dynamic balance need not be perfect for everyday operation; slight sway after balancing is acceptable for typical shoots without planned fast pans
- Drop time and sled configuration can be adjusted based on shooting conditions, such as using longer sleds with quicker drop times for exterior work in windy conditions
Depends on
- The advice about post extension rotation applied specifically to the Pilot model
- One participant mentioned that a T-shaped wrench did not fit the small Allen bolt, suggesting a different tool may be needed
- The discussion did not establish whether the initial misalignment was a manufacturing defect or normal tolerance