Balancing the Cartoni F100

[n8ture]

Ok, I bit the bullet and ordered a Cartoni F100 head. Put my HPX-170 on it and no matter which way I turn the Tilt drag adjustment as soon as I let go of the handle the camera flips right back to level. I don't feel any difference turning The Tilt drag adjustment either way. The only way I can get the camera to stay in any position other than level is to lock off the controls.

I'm coming to the Cartoni after using a 503 and with that whatever position I moved the camera, it would stay in that position. With the Cartoni if I'm not forcing the camera up or down it moves right back to level.

This is the second Cartoni I've had in less than a week. The first came to me with the release plate ring snapped off. So far, not real impressed.

 

[Tom Wills]

Have you tried changing the counterbalance spring setting? The issue you are describing is that the counterbalance springs are set too highly, and need to be dialed back. Too light of a counterbalance spring setting will mean that the camera will drop when tilted, and too strong will mean that the camera pops back from tilts.

 

[jimpatro]

I've found that the HVX is just too light for this head at it's lightest counter balance setting. Fortunately with a mattebox, rails, Firestore and Bebob carriage it balances well. Try adding some weight to your setup.