Sachtler fsb6 counterbalance question.

B

billygraydon

Active member
hey sorry for sounding like a newb here but I just received my sachtler fsb6 in conjunction with my ex1r and I have messed around with the counter balance and read the instructions but I am still a little confused as too the purpose of the counter balance. And also I noticed there is a battery in the fluid which i thought was for illumination but nothing is lit maybe im missing something or possibly the battery is not working properly.

I appologize once again. Thanks for all the help.
 
Press down on the bubble and it will light up for about 30 seconds and gradually fade. As to the counterbalance, with heavier loads on the tripod you may feel the need for more counter balance as it provides kind of a recoil on tilts. Mount your camera on the tripod and tilt up and down, then increase the # until it feels best to you.

mb
 
I have an EX1 and the FSB6 and most of the time I have the counterbalance spring setting on #3. If I put on my Wide Angle lens adapter, it makes the rig slightly front-heavy and I might turn it up a notch to 4. The counterbalance mostly helps keep the camera from doing a fast nosedive when you tilt up or down.

The bubble level light is a nice touch but I have yet to figure out how it actually is turned on. If you press on the top of the bubble, nothing happens. However, if you pinch the top of the bubble and the bottom of the bubble assembly, it will come on. I cannot feel ANY movement like a switch would have so maybe it's a capacitance switch?
 
ok I will def. consider using #3 and come to think of it I have been using between 3 and 5. On my fsb 6 pressing the bubble lights it up. maybe the battery is dying on yours? just a thought.

Thanks again.
 
I think the battery is okay. It lights up and stays on for 10 or 15 sec. (IIRC) but it's just so odd how you have to activate it. I love the head but the legs I got with it are a disaster (carbon fiber Speed Lock 75). They are back at Sachtler/Vinten for a second time getting the locking assemblies adjusted.
 
wow I want to say those are the same legs I have except mine are aluminum. I hope I don't have a problem with them. :/
 
Don't worry. I think the only legs that use the "Speed Lock" system are the carbon fibers. I'm in the process of possibly swapping my legs for the aluminum model but I really hate giving up that low weight and fast set up.
 
So the FSB 6 will be adequate for an EX1, and have room to grow with possible rods, lens, monitor? I was thinking the FSB8 would be the one. How are you guys feeling with your FSB6?

I am either going with one of these FSB models or the Miller Solo20 that Phillip Bloom reviews, with the carbon legs that can get down low. I need lightness and mobility, but also as nice of a fluid movement as I can get for under 2,000.00
 
So far the fsb6 is great and it has a 13 pound carry load and you figure the camera is 5 pounds. So I guess if you have more then 5 pounds of accessories you would probably want to step it up to the fsb8.
 
Chadfish, I thing the 6 might be on the outer limits of weight tolerances with camera, adapter and other gear. My EX-1 with SG Blade and Zacuto baseplate and rods is 19.3 lbs. That's without matte box, monitor and other accessories.

I went with the DV8 to allow room for growth and am very happy.
 
Bobonli said:
Chadfish, I thing the 6 might be on the outer limits of weight tolerances with camera, adapter and other gear. My EX-1 with SG Blade and Zacuto baseplate and rods is 19.3 lbs. That's without matte box, monitor and other accessories.

I went with the DV8 to allow room for growth and am very happy.
Click to expand...

I see. Thank you. I don't plan on having all that stuff attached just yet, but I would hate to be under-supported if I do. I have also heard the complaints from the Sachtler carbon legs users. That's why the Miller is in the running too for me. The Solo20 handles 20 lbs, and has carbon legs that aren't quick release, but go down low (no spreader) or in odd positions. That's what I like about my Manfrotto legs. But I'm ready to move the Manfrotto to the B-Cam position.
 
Chadfish,
Is there a reason why you are not considering Libec 38 series? Support up to 18 pounds, almost same weight with DS20 and less than half of the price & made in Japan...($650)
I am asking because I am looking for one too, Libec38 seems to have a fixed counterbalance system, can anybody compare this to a variable counterbalance system???
 
VGurcu said:
Chadfish,
Is there a reason why you are not considering Libec 38 series? Support up to 18 pounds, almost same weight with DS20 and less than half of the price & made in Japan...($650)
I am asking because I am looking for one too, Libec38 seems to have a fixed counterbalance system, can anybody compare this to a variable counterbalance system???
Click to expand...

VGurcu

I have not heard about the Libec 38 before. It looks OK, but I know nothing about the brand. Reading reviews on B&H people complained about the legs coming apart, and pinching their fingers when closing. Also the Miller legs are 10" higher, and can go in odd or low positions. I don't want legs with a spreader. The Libec 38 head may be cool, but I don't know. You usually get what you pay for.
 
Hi Chadfish,
I like to read reviews too, take a look at this:
http://www.dvuser.co.uk/content.php?CID=150
As for the legs he talks about leg 'wind-up' and concludes: ..."The LS38 legs get nine out of ten in the leg department."
I am in the same boat, tripods are long term investments and $2000 is a fair amount to spare, on the other hand I keep thinking about the savings and the possibility of getting other stuff with the difference. Anyway there is a Libec dealer here in Vancouver so I'll go and check them out soon... One thing is sure I am done with Manfrotto.
 
VGurcu said:
Hi Chadfish,
I like to read reviews too, take a look at this:
http://www.dvuser.co.uk/content.php?CID=150
As for the legs he talks about leg 'wind-up' and concludes: ..."The LS38 legs get nine out of ten in the leg department."
I am in the same boat, tripods are long term investments and $2000 is a fair amount to spare, on the other hand I keep thinking about the savings and the possibility of getting other stuff with the difference. Anyway there is a Libec dealer here in Vancouver so I'll go and check them out soon... One thing is sure I am done with Manfrotto.
Click to expand...

Yes VG I'm done with manfrotto. Well, I'll use my manfrotto for EX1 #2. If the LS38 had a leg option with no spreader I might consider them. Report back what you see in Vancouver!

Thanks


Chad
 
Mark Bolding said:
I went with the FSB 8 with the cf 75 and have no complaints, this is for my ex1r.
Click to expand...

Mark, I think you'll love the FSB8. I probably would have gotten that head but it wasn't available until after I bought my FSB6. However, you might want to keep a 10mm nutdriver in your kit for that CF 75 IF it is the Speed Lock version seen here:

http://www.sachtler.us/index.php?id=1109&exp_mode=product&exp_pid=7&exp_cid=38

Mine is back at Sachtler right now for a second time because the nuts on the backside of the locking lever keep coming loose. My EX1 almost fell over during a shoot when the flip lever became loose. I happened to be standing behind it when it started to collapse.
 
Mine is back at Sachtler right now for a second time because the nuts on the backside of the locking lever keep coming loose. My EX1 almost fell over during a shoot when the flip lever became loose. I happened to be standing behind it when it started to collapse.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the heads up; I will keep an eye on that locking mechanism. Gravity can be a cruel cruel thing.

mb
 
Mark Bolding said:
Thanks for the heads up; I will keep an eye on that locking mechanism. Gravity can be a cruel cruel thing.

mb
Click to expand...

I've hear multiple times about people having problems with the speed lock legs. I am going with these Gitzo carbon lets: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...S_GT3541XLS_Systematic_6X_Carbon.html#reviews

They are super tall and super light. You need a bowl adapter with them: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/569199-REG/Gitzo_GS5320V75_GS5320V75_75mm_Bowl_Adapter.html

The legs are on their way, then I'll get the FSB8 head when money from a job comes in. I can't wait.
 
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