Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
Troubleshooting<br />
16. Troubleshooting<br />
TROUBLE OPERATING<br />
If things don’t feel right, if your <strong>Merlin</strong> 2 doesn’t<br />
seem to behave like the ones in the DVD, check<br />
out these possibilities.<br />
Yawing (rolling). <strong>Merlin</strong> 2 is probably<br />
excessively bottom-heavy, a too-rapid pendulum.<br />
Try counter clocking the Guide Ring until the<br />
‘drop-time’ approaches one full second. Once<br />
trimmed, side-to-side, don’t let the camera<br />
‘swing’ – use a light touch on guide to keep the<br />
camera level.<br />
Erratic, unsmooth. Excessive finger<br />
pressure on the guide—use a lighter touch, and<br />
almost let go if the shot needs no correction.<br />
Off-level. Trim side-to-side, and pay more<br />
attention to the bubble level until level shooting<br />
becomes second nature (if that doesn’t work, see<br />
WON’T STAY TRIMMED below)<br />
MECHANICAL TROUBLE<br />
Won’t stay trimmed. This may indicate that<br />
your <strong>Merlin</strong> 2 isn’t bottom heavy enough—<br />
screw the Guide Ring in clockwise a turn or<br />
two and check the drop time. Note: trim is not<br />
a cure-all, nor is it necessarily permanent, after<br />
folding and unfolding—your guide hand must<br />
ultimately keep your camera level.<br />
Inadvertent pan/tilt shake or drag.<br />
1. Check that Upper and Lower Caliper<br />
Locking Knobs are tightened.<br />
2. Possible dirt in Gimbal bearings—unscrew<br />
the Guide Ring fully to remove, and blow<br />
dry the Gimbal with “Dust-off” dry gas.<br />
Reinstall. If this doesn’t work, pack the<br />
Gimbal handle assembly carefully and<br />
send back to <strong>Tiffen</strong> for service (see contact<br />
information on page one). (Use of <strong>Merlin</strong><br />
2 in sandstorms, etc. not recommended).<br />
3. Possible bent gimbal components – return<br />
handle assembly to <strong>Tiffen</strong> for replacement<br />
– Avoid violent panning moves<br />
above 1.5 “G”!<br />
Guide won’t lock (rotates freely). Broken<br />
detent on guide – tape with electrical tape to<br />
temporarily prevent inadvertent rotation of<br />
guide during panning. Return to <strong>Tiffen</strong> for<br />
replacement.<br />
Avoid ultra violent panning moves.<br />
17. Maintenance<br />
During normal operation your <strong>Merlin</strong> 2 should<br />
require minimal maintenance. Spar, Stage,<br />
Hinge and Dovetail Lock tightness should be<br />
checked occasionally.<br />
42
Change language