Hi I get the roll of Sony CX-730 balanced just fine (the camera stays at whatever angle I leave it at), but the tilt axis is still a problem. The camera always rolls back to level, which means cog is too low. Have raised the camera as high as possible so that I can still shoot directly downwards. Has anyone found a soluton to this?
My PJ760 is very similar to yours and I noticed this problem as well. I think the bars would help for sure. What I found one my camera at least is that the roll adjustment and the tilt adjustment are very much connected and effect each others balance. There's a real fine line between the two. Until you get the adjustable tilt bars try moving your roll balance back just about 1/8" with the tubes rotating counter clock wise. I'm able to get the tilt balance good enough where it's balanced right at the standard position of the camera as well as a little up and a little down. Having both belts off at the same time helps and you can see how they interplay and balance as well.
I don't believe the adjustable tilt bars will help you because they will not gt shorter then the stock provided tilt bars, only longer. My cx760 I used spacers under the mounting plate per a great thread on this forum that explains it (I will search for it). Also on my cx760 the cg point was not achievable without removing material from the mounting plate between the one horizontal and 3 vertical slots. The adjustable camera rail will allow to adjust the camera to any point forward and backward if your CG happens to land right where mine did in the dead zone of the stock mounting plate. https://www.quadrocopter.com/Adjustable-Camera-Rail_p_847.html
I got the V1 adjustable tilt bars, and while they definitely fixed my issues with my 5D Mark III, the Sony CX still won't balance. I ordered the V2 tilt bars (with upper and lower adjustable) in the hopes that it'll shorten up just a bit. But if not, I will order longer M3 screws (45mm or so) and get some spacers to physically raise the camera in the saddle, so to speak. I don't want to do that because I'm worried that it'll compromise the stability, but I don't see any other way. It simply won't balance otherwise.
With the CX760 you need to raise the standard plate 15mm to get the tilt to balance. I recently changed to these and it works good also giving you maybe a bit more vibration isolation. maybe. If you are having issues with the camera colliding with the back or top of the gimbal you will need a longer downtube. Longer tilt arms are helpful in getting the whole gimbal in balance. If you need more details I can take some photos. Joe
I like the weed guard too -- I'm using 2 1/2" long, 2 1/2" diameter of solid pool noodle for the same purpose -- also reduces G-forces on the gimbal when I do an alleged "landing." Joe: Where did you find a good source for spirit level vials? I've been cruising the net, but haven't yet found a good source... Andy.
I followed Joes excellent instructions but used 14mm spacers and 50mm bolts. It is rock solid. http://www.mcmaster.com/#unthreaded-spacers/=mbjqll
Andy Don't hate me... Home Depot sells little tin gift boxes (to put gift cards in) that have these el cheapo spirit vials built into the lid. Pop them out and then use the tin to hold small parts. Joe
Joe: Hey, I'm not proud....I'll happily hit up Home Depot. Although I've found it best never to explain to anyone at Ace, Home Depot, Lowe's etc, what one is going to do with things one buys there....it provokes too many blank stares. Like the time I went into Radio Shack to buy a replacement laser pointer that I needed for a wood-turning thickness gauge, and I said to the kid: Me, showing him the dead one: "I need a laser pointer, but it has to be the same diameter as this one." Long pause. "What's a diameter?" he said. "Never mind....I don't think you have what I need," I said. Sigh. Andy.
Thanks Joe. So just to be clear on the parts to make my CX760V balance on the tilt like better... Replace Stock 100mm down tube with longer 125mm down tube to lower the gimbal. (use one existing stock side tube for this to save $) Replace both stock 125mm side tubes with longer 180mm side tubes. Purchase the 15mm risers from QC or these from McMaster-Carr. (I chose the 8mm OD spacers) Purchase landing gear extensions and fabricate weed-wackers with Makerbot. Take the Gimbal completely apart, fit with longer tubes and then reassemble and rebalance. Morgan