How can I make a stiff, jerky tripod head pan more smoothly?
Asked 12/30/2011
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2 answers
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I bought a used tripod a few months ago, and the head doesn’t move freely when panning left or right. I have to apply noticeable force to get it moving, and then it tends to jump rather than move in small, controlled increments. Is this normal for some tripod heads? Can it be improved by adjusting screws or using a dry lubricant, or should I avoid oiling it?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
5
Quintessentially I think that the problem is that you've got a cheap tripod. In order to have a smooth pan and tilt you need to get an expensive tripod head suitable for film and video work.
Because the cheaper heads work on friction you can make them move smoother using oils or other lubricants, however this will also prevent them from locking up completely meaning that you may get some drift at some point or even, if unlucky, render the head unusable until cleaned.
There isn't really a way around the problem as far as I know. Cheap heads are stiff and jerky while expensive heads aren't.
Originally by user7226. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user7226
14y ago
0
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This is common with cheaper friction-based tripod heads. They often have noticeable “stiction,” so instead of moving smoothly they resist, then jump.
A few things may help:
- Check any tension/locking screws and loosen them slightly, a little at a time.
- If the head uses plastic-on-plastic friction surfaces, a dry lubricant such as powdered graphite or talcum powder may improve smoothness.
- Avoid oil or liquid lubricants. They can reduce the head’s ability to lock securely and may make drift or other problems worse.
That said, there are limits to what you can fix. Smooth, controlled pan/tilt movement is a major difference between inexpensive heads and better tripod heads, especially video/fluid heads. If adjustments and a dry lubricant don’t help enough, the real solution is usually replacing the head with a better one.
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