Manfrotto 516 tripod head requires excessive force to tilt

[Allee]

I have a Manfrotto 516 fluid tripod head. When I try to tilt the tripod forward into a vertical position the resistance quickly builds. Unfortunately, to reach a vertical position is extremely difficult actually causing the legs to lift off the ground as I apply more pressure. I have everything loosened up. What can I change so that I can easily tilt into the vertical position? I've read there is a spring resistance that might be related.


Thanks!

 

[Greg Smith]

The 516 has a fixed counterbalance spring that, if I remember correctly, is calibrated to use with a 13 pound camera with a center of gravity five inches above the head. That's pretty heavy compared to many newer cameras, although it's about right for a traditional ENG shoulder mount camera on a V-mount plate with a typical battery brick on the back and all that.

I don't think there's anything you can do about it short of performing some major surgery and re-machining work on the head that would probably be more time and trouble than it's worth (and have an unpredictable outcome). It's the main reason my 516 is sitting in the "to be sold" pile in my basement right now. It's sturdy and reasonably smooth, but just didn't work right when I traded down to lighter cameras a few years ago.

I'm using Sachtler and Vinten heads now that all have the counterbalance adjustment the Manfrotto 516 lacks.

- Greg