Total weight tripod: 540g per 130g plus counterweight (3 at max weight = 930g)
Tested with compact camera Lumix weight 190g, needed counterweight of about 40g (eg thick washers)
Instructions for use of the limbo tripod:
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1. Static stability
This refers to the orientation of the camera in rest position. The focus of the camera shall be put vertically above the ball (with the lens). Then the camera remains in a horizontal position and not filming up, down or diagonally sideways.
1.1 The best way to start initially with a medium mounting adjustment of the handle. For compact cameras with low weight (approx 200g) has proven itself attachment to one of the two foremost holes.
1.2 Then the arm for the counterweight extend so far as to remain 3cm distance to the handle and that does not strike. If you use a lightweight compact camera initially assemble no counterweights. In a more serious camera with as little start that the camera can tilt at the center of gravity determination yet and is not held by too much importance.
1.3 Subsequently, mount the camera with the mounting screw so that the focus (with extended lens) is above the ball joint. Where: Small light cameras earlier assemble, attach great cameras with heavy lens further back, since the center of gravity through the lens.
1.4 Tilting perform. Tilts the camera forward, the fixing screw must be moved further to the rear. Tilts the camera back attachment must take place earlier. Tilts the camera aside, screw that secures the camera is not directly under the center of gravity. On a fixed tripod that has the advantage that, for example, the battery compartment can be opened without removing the camera from the tripod. When tripod but a balance must be established, in which the fastening screw is moved in the transverse slots aside.
1.5 is the optimal mounting position of the camera found as many counterweights mounted, are as necessary to keep the camera stable in the horizontal position.
2. Dynamic Stability
This refers to the stability during movement of the floating tripod. If the counterweight for example too large, it stabilized at moving back and forth and the filming sway like a ship.
Move 2.1 Steadycam from the rest position quickly forward. Tilts the camera while forward, the counterweight is too large and is lagging behind the movement. The same applies to the acceleration side. Tilts the camera in the direction of movement, the counterweight is too large.
Adjust 2.2 Gradual size of the counterweight so that the camera remains stable at rest in the horizontal, but does not stall during movement possible.
3. Readjustment
If the camera at the end is stable, but not entirely remains in the horizontal, the arm of the counterweights slightly adjusted in length or screw that secures the camera can be adjusted by a few millimeters.
Tips:
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1. Use for finer gradation smaller weights, for example, large washers and nuts. In a lightweight 200g camera only about 70g counterweight including fastening screw required. The 130g large counterweights are too heavy.
2. A drop of oil makes the ball joint smoother, so that even slight panning with little force effectively stabilized
3. Disturbing rubber smell of the handle can be reduced by washing with water and detergent.