Miller DS 10 too stiff for Canon XH-A1

David Morgan · April 8th, 2008, 09:20 PM

Well I was told by an authorized service depot that it looked like an early model. It's definitely a Miller. Works great except that it doesn't have the two stage switch. It wants to see a 10lb camera. The tripod itself is fantastic.

Chris Soucy · April 8th, 2008, 09:30 PM

I can't see any way to COG that camera enough to work a 10 lb counterbalance.

I'd suggest putting it up for sale and go for something a little more user friendly with infinately variable counterbalance.

Not too many around in that weight category but there are a few.

CS

PS. COG = Centre of Gravity. Lifting the COG by placing a spacer between the tripod head and the camera effectively makes it look "heaver" to the counterbalance system. 5lbs is one heck of a big spacer.

David Morgan · April 8th, 2008, 09:40 PM

yeah, this sucks.

DVCAM DSR-250, maybe the XL-2 etc... it would work fine. Tripods are a pain and can be a significant waste of money. I'm going to find a local outfit that has demo's on the sales floor for trial. I know I should have done this anyway.

Gary S. Hart · April 13th, 2008, 10:11 PM

There is a DS-10 for sale without the counter balance knob, so they must have made them that way at one time.

What can I expect with 4lb's using the lower counter balance setting on this head? Will I be unhappy?

Thanks in advance.

David Morgan · April 14th, 2008, 08:16 AM

I don't know. Heard good about it IF it has the 2 position switch. If it doesn't, you probably won't like the tilt as it's too stiff for such a light camera. The rest of it, like panning etc.. is beautiful. The tripod itself is also very well built.

April 8th, 2008, 09:30 PM	#17
Chris Soucy Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Fairfield, Dunedin, New Zealand Posts: 3,691 Images: 18	In that case..... I can't see any way to COG that camera enough to work a 10 lb counterbalance. I'd suggest putting it up for sale and go for something a little more user friendly with infinately variable counterbalance. Not too many around in that weight category but there are a few. CS PS. COG = Centre of Gravity. Lifting the COG by placing a spacer between the tripod head and the camera effectively makes it look "heaver" to the counterbalance system. 5lbs is one heck of a big spacer.

April 13th, 2008, 10:11 PM	#19
Gary S. Hart New Boot Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Crozet Va Posts: 8	There is a DS-10 for sale without the counter balance knob, so they must have made them that way at one time. What can I expect with 4lb's using the lower counter balance setting on this head? Will I be unhappy? Thanks in advance. __________________ Simple

April 8th, 2008, 09:20 PM	#16
David Morgan Major Player Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Burbank CA Posts: 466	Well I was told by an authorized service depot that it looked like an early model. It's definitely a Miller. Works great except that it doesn't have the two stage switch. It wants to see a 10lb camera. The tripod itself is fantastic.

April 8th, 2008, 09:40 PM	#18
David Morgan Major Player Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Burbank CA Posts: 466	yeah, this sucks. DVCAM DSR-250, maybe the XL-2 etc... it would work fine. Tripods are a pain and can be a significant waste of money. I'm going to find a local outfit that has demo's on the sales floor for trial. I know I should have done this anyway.

April 14th, 2008, 08:16 AM	#20
David Morgan Major Player Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Burbank CA Posts: 466	I don't know. Heard good about it IF it has the 2 position switch. If it doesn't, you probably won't like the tilt as it's too stiff for such a light camera. The rest of it, like panning etc.. is beautiful. The tripod itself is also very well built.