Merlin Trouble

MONEYSHOT

MONEYSHOT

Member
I just got a Merlin and needless to say my excitement soon diminished while setting up my DVX100b. I can't seem to get the dove plate to securely lock down (plate slides) and my side-to-side trim roller is hard to turn (goes right and won't go left past middle position). I wanted to know if anyone has similar problems with their Merlin? If so, then how can I correct the problems? also why are the cookbook weight settings different from the weight settings used in the DVD?

In fact, the whole cookbook has me more confused than Mike Tyson at a spelling bee. :crybaby:
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The setings on the cookbook website are the latest settings. Use them.

Check that the screw in the "dovetail locking lever" is nice and tight. It could have worked loose.

The trim rollers will be hard to turn if you have a lot of weight fighting them. If you trim with the camera mounted, be sure to hold the stage close to level to help the rollers.


And if it's getting frustraiting, don't worry. Take a break, and then come back later and give it another shot. You will get it. :)

- Mikko
 
It helps a lot if you give yourself time to learn and understand how the contraption works (getting the center of gravity of the Merlin/camera system just below the pivot). After that you do not need to go only by the book and fight the system but you can instantly see what is wrong and correct it.

Somebody should write "Zen and the Art of Merlin Balancing"...
 
I can balance a merlin with ANY camera within weight specs in ten minutes without the cookbook. Im not trying to blow my own horn, Im no Merlin pro, just someone that took the time to understand it and use it.
 
[SIZE=+0]I'm doing a lot better with the Merlin since I took my time with it. I guess I initially got frustrated when I watched the DVD and saw the creator set it up in a snap, and not to mention that my wife was looking at me the whole time shaking her head. Any who, thank you everyone for the encouraging words.[/SIZE]
 
I noticed that adjusting the fore/aft trim roller would slightly change the balance right to left. Conversely, adjusting the left/right trim roller would induce a slight change in balance front to back. (you definitely have to hold the stage to adjust the rollers). I was constantly adjusting both rollers at the same time and getting unsatisfactory results. I took out the locator pin so that I could tweak the cam on its plate and find an orientation where adjusting trim rollers in one axis does not affect the other axis. I marked the underside and tightened the screw. I am a much happier guy now. I also found that mounting hole H seems to work better for me than the cookbook setting of G for the dvx100 (i'm using the 100b). I also have to use a starter weight on the bottom spar which is not specified in the cookbook. The cookbook is a great reference but certainly not a replacement for careful observation and understanding of how the balancing system works. Overall, I really like this thing so far.
 
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