Steadicam Merlin 2 - Installing Dovetail Plate

15
Basic Set-up
This adjustment ne-tunes the location of the center of mass to the optimum point just below the pivot
point of the Gimbal. We call this the ‘Z’ axis, or vertical balance.
WARNING: The Guide can be difcult to rotate if screwed
all the way in. Also, tightening the Guide all the way can make
the latch difcult to release.
The Gimbal contains delicate bearings. Excessive force will
cause the Gimbal Ring to break.
DO NOT use the Grip as a lever for turning the Guide. Also,
DO NOT use the tongue as a lever for turning the Guide.
Now watch Section 5 of the DVD, Installing Dovetail Plate.
Then continue with the Manual.
Now depress the latch and gently rotate the Guide two turns clockwise, pressing
in the latch each time it comes to the front of the unit. It should rotate easily. You
may be able to rotate it part of a third turn but DO NOT ATTEMPT to force or
tighten it.
After determining that the Guide is screwed all the way in clockwise, back it off
to the rst detent position (latch forward). Then rotate it counterclockwise the
number of turns specied in the “Cookbook” for your camera.
Always leave the Guide Ring with the latch and tongue in the forward position,
locked into place. If the Guide Ring is left with the tongue at the rear, the handle
will strike it and may snap off the tongue when the unit is folded into travel mode.
You have now preset the rough vertical balance of the Z (vertical) axis. After the
camera is mounted, this balance will be further adjusted.
more bottom heavy
less bottom heavy