How to fix tripod head give and or wobble? at DVinfo.net

Alturo Nguyen · November 25th, 2003, 06:58 PM

Have pro bogen tripod and fluid head.

Seems like a gem, fluid, etc, but when panning side to side there is give, a "bump", "stutter" when you switch directions.

IE:
Imagine you are smoothly panning the head left, and stop. A few moments later you pan right, but at the initial start of the pan-right, there is a BUMP in the road, NOT fluid movement.

If you use continuous motion left, and immediate switch right, this still occurs of course.

I've used $70 tripods that work better than this, and am positive everyone knows what this feels like, and that it is inacceptable.

Is there a fix, bogen manual, etc, to take care of this?
Or, when this occurs with a pro tripod setup, it is signs of replacement and or/warranty fixing?

I have no experience adjusting heads or removing them, and even after fixing this, would like this information.

Thank you.

Frank Granovski · November 25th, 2003, 08:07 PM

Which "Bogan" head?

Kelvin Kelm · November 25th, 2003, 09:56 PM

I recently purchased a Manfrotto 700RC2 head that did the exact same thing. The local store that I purchased it from exchanged it after 2 weeks.

Alturo Nguyen · November 28th, 2003, 02:17 PM

bogen 3063.. does it matter which head?
if so, would like information on various heads
thanks

Frank Granovski · November 28th, 2003, 03:28 PM

I was just curious if it was a fluid or a fluid action head, because Manfrotto calls both these types "pro." If you just bought it, I'd also send it back and have it replaced as the other member suggested.

Mike Rehmus · November 28th, 2003, 05:25 PM

One thing to check is on the head mount. Bogen usually uses 3 screws under the head-mounting plate (which is attached to the center column on the legs) to prevent the head from unscrewing from the legs. If these are loose, the head will jump from side to side once as you start to pan or whenever the friction setting for the pan is more than the friction between the head and mount plate.

Run the center column up and try to tighten the three screws that you will see on the bottom of the circular plate that is part of the column.

Ray Saavedra · November 28th, 2003, 10:01 PM

I had a problem with my Bogen 503 that did the same thing when I first got it. It panned really smooth until you get to one particular spot. Called the vendor and he had me shipped back for them to check. I ended up getting another 503 since the first one was defective. For the price I couldn't be more happier with my 503.

RS

Alturo Nguyen · November 30th, 2003, 05:35 PM

alrighty, didn't even do anything,and for the moment, it's mysteriously stopped doing what i've described... however, i have had this experience with pro/fluid head tripods that weren't even mine... will try that screw thing, because this seems like it would be a more common issue with an easy fix, and maybe the screw thing is it.. thanks

November 25th, 2003, 06:58 PM	#1
Alturo Nguyen Regular Crew Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 52	How to fix tripod head give and or wobble? Have pro bogen tripod and fluid head. Seems like a gem, fluid, etc, but when panning side to side there is give, a "bump", "stutter" when you switch directions. IE: Imagine you are smoothly panning the head left, and stop. A few moments later you pan right, but at the initial start of the pan-right, there is a BUMP in the road, NOT fluid movement. If you use continuous motion left, and immediate switch right, this still occurs of course. I've used $70 tripods that work better than this, and am positive everyone knows what this feels like, and that it is inacceptable. Is there a fix, bogen manual, etc, to take care of this? Or, when this occurs with a pro tripod setup, it is signs of replacement and or/warranty fixing? I have no experience adjusting heads or removing them, and even after fixing this, would like this information. Thank you.

November 28th, 2003, 05:25 PM	#6
Mike Rehmus Wrangler Join Date: May 2002 Location: Vallejo, California Posts: 4,049	One thing to check is on the head mount. Bogen usually uses 3 screws under the head-mounting plate (which is attached to the center column on the legs) to prevent the head from unscrewing from the legs. If these are loose, the head will jump from side to side once as you start to pan or whenever the friction setting for the pan is more than the friction between the head and mount plate. Run the center column up and try to tighten the three screws that you will see on the bottom of the circular plate that is part of the column. __________________ Mike Rehmus Hey, I can see the carrot at the end of the tunnel!

November 25th, 2003, 08:07 PM	#2
Frank Granovski Outer Circle Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hope, BC Posts: 7,524	Which "Bogan" head?

November 25th, 2003, 09:56 PM	#3
Kelvin Kelm Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Katy, Texas Posts: 49	I recently purchased a Manfrotto 700RC2 head that did the exact same thing. The local store that I purchased it from exchanged it after 2 weeks.

November 28th, 2003, 02:17 PM	#4
Alturo Nguyen Regular Crew Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 52	bogen 3063.. does it matter which head? if so, would like information on various heads thanks

November 28th, 2003, 03:28 PM	#5
Frank Granovski Outer Circle Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hope, BC Posts: 7,524	I was just curious if it was a fluid or a fluid action head, because Manfrotto calls both these types "pro." If you just bought it, I'd also send it back and have it replaced as the other member suggested.

November 28th, 2003, 10:01 PM	#7
Ray Saavedra Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: San Francisco Posts: 127	I had a problem with my Bogen 503 that did the same thing when I first got it. It panned really smooth until you get to one particular spot. Called the vendor and he had me shipped back for them to check. I ended up getting another 503 since the first one was defective. For the price I couldn't be more happier with my 503. RS

November 30th, 2003, 05:35 PM	#8
Alturo Nguyen Regular Crew Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 52	alrighty, didn't even do anything,and for the moment, it's mysteriously stopped doing what i've described... however, i have had this experience with pro/fluid head tripods that weren't even mine... will try that screw thing, because this seems like it would be a more common issue with an easy fix, and maybe the screw thing is it.. thanks