Counterbalance on Sachtler DV 8 at DVinfo.net

Dan Keaton · February 27th, 2003, 07:19 PM

I have had my Sachtler DV 8 for use with my XL1s for less than two months.

I just learned something interesting, something that I overlooked, but it may be obvious to everyone else.

When using the basic XL1s (Standard Lens, viewfinder, battery, etc), I could not achieve perfect counterbalance with the DV 8.

I needed to re-attach the touch and go wedge plate to the bottom of the camera and realized that it could be mounted two ways. The mounting screw is not in the center, but offset.

I decided to try the other position (rotated 180 degrees) and I could achieve perfect counterbalance!

I thought I would point this out to help others.

Ken Tanaka · February 27th, 2003, 07:29 PM

Good tip Dan. Thanks for posting it. No, it's not obvious and not really covered in the product's brochure. Indeed, the same technique will work on the DV-6, since they share the same wedge plate design.

Jeff Donald · February 27th, 2003, 08:31 PM

Good point, indeed. Many quick release plates are slotted. But those that aren't usually do have offset screw holes. I've gone so far as to modify many QR plates at a machine shop. I've had slots milled further and additional holes drilled to aid in achieving better balance with different camera configurations. I've even gone so far as to hack saw off center columns on tripods so they will go lower to the ground. Many times we treat tripods as some sacred device because they cost so much. There is nothing wrong with modify a tripod to better suit your needs.

Andrew Petrie · February 28th, 2003, 03:06 PM

Heh. Jeff = Hardcore

February 27th, 2003, 07:19 PM	#1
Dan Keaton Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Augusta Georgia Posts: 5,421	Counterbalance on Sachtler DV 8 I have had my Sachtler DV 8 for use with my XL1s for less than two months. I just learned something interesting, something that I overlooked, but it may be obvious to everyone else. When using the basic XL1s (Standard Lens, viewfinder, battery, etc), I could not achieve perfect counterbalance with the DV 8. I needed to re-attach the touch and go wedge plate to the bottom of the camera and realized that it could be mounted two ways. The mounting screw is not in the center, but offset. I decided to try the other position (rotated 180 degrees) and I could achieve perfect counterbalance! I thought I would point this out to help others. __________________ Dan Keaton Augusta Georgia

February 27th, 2003, 07:29 PM	#2
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	Good tip Dan. Thanks for posting it. No, it's not obvious and not really covered in the product's brochure. Indeed, the same technique will work on the DV-6, since they share the same wedge plate design. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

February 27th, 2003, 08:31 PM	#3
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	Good point, indeed. Many quick release plates are slotted. But those that aren't usually do have offset screw holes. I've gone so far as to modify many QR plates at a machine shop. I've had slots milled further and additional holes drilled to aid in achieving better balance with different camera configurations. I've even gone so far as to hack saw off center columns on tripods so they will go lower to the ground. Many times we treat tripods as some sacred device because they cost so much. There is nothing wrong with modify a tripod to better suit your needs. __________________ Jeff Donald Carpe Diem Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Where to Buy? From the best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors

February 28th, 2003, 03:06 PM	#4
Andrew Petrie Major Player Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: London, Ontario, Canada Posts: 484	Heh. Jeff = Hardcore __________________ Andrew \| Canon XL1s, ME66, Vinten Vision 3, GlideCam V16 (for sale!)