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G50 arm bearing play and corrosion issues

19 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.

What the thread found

  • Minor play in the hinge bearings of the G50 arm is normal and disappears completely when the arm is under load.
  • The outboard post can develop vertical play and sticking under load that may persist even after disassembly and realignment.
  • Black oxide trunnion screws on the G50 arm will rust without protective maintenance, despite being made from a stronger alloy than stainless steel.
  • Uncoated steel bolts on the G50 arm can develop red rust and pitting after exposure to humid environments like New York City, requiring regular oiling to prevent corrosion.
  • The G50 arm uses a different post mechanism than the G70, with a smaller through-hole diameter in the end block that limits extension capability.
  • Extended arm posts were a standard feature on earlier EFP models but are not available as options for the G50.
  • Regular application of protective oils like baby oil after shoots helps prevent both squeaking and corrosion of arm components.

Depends on

  • All observations come from a single used G50 purchased in 2007, not necessarily representative of all units.
  • The sticky post issue persisted intermittently after multiple repair attempts, but the manufacturer did not provide a definitive solution in this thread.
  • Rust severity appears related to environmental humidity; one user in a desert climate reported no corrosion issues.
  • The suggestion to extend the G50 post was not pursued as the manufacturer warned against aftermarket modifications due to stress on the small diameter pin.

Gear in this thread

G-70catalog

Same gear or parts

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  3. 2023Backup and spare equipment for Steadicam® operators: priority list and budget considerationsFacebookSteadicam operators group
  4. 2022G-70 arm: eliminating bridge bumper impacts between upper and lower sections after tuningFacebookSteadicam operators group
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