Majestic head stiff

Hi all!

tl;dr how to adjust the side tilt on a Majestic?

My first post here now that I’m spending more of my energy in lf.

First some context so I can clearly formulate the question without feeling like an idiot.

A 3 way tripod head can rotate (pan), tip it forward and back, and tilt it side to side.

A majestic geared head is geared only forward / back, rotates around its dented post on a primitive hand screw tightened collar on its center post, and similarly tilts side to side just like a traditional 3-way head. Hipsters seem to really like these Majestic heads for large format because they can hold a 35lb camera, and can be purchased for only about $100.

My Majestic 1201 has a 6”x7” platform and sits on an aluminum center post I had machined to accept a standard 3/8-16 screw so it can sit on my ancient Gitzo series 5 tele studex.

The problem with the head is after completely loosening the lock, the side to side tilt is stiff. So stiff, I have to yank it it back and forth a few times until it’s close to centered, after which I have to wait a few seconds as it wanders back before deciding if it needs another go. Precisely setting the position is is impossible on that axis only. I’ve tried partially disassembled the unit to see if there is anything to adjust or relubricate, without success.

I know somebody is going to say off topic it’s crazy to lug around this 22lb monstrous combination, why? I agree, I mostly use a 4x5 field camera on a Manfrotto 405 geared head on a Benro aluminum series 4 sticks. First, although I’m middle aged, I’m a fitness nut and need daily exercise. I can squat over 200lb and run a mile in about 5 1/2 mins. Second, sometimes that setup is simply not rigid enough. For example, some landscapes I like to shoot using a Fujinon 600T, and after being frustrated trying to print 16x20, I use this lens only on a Toyo studio monorail (still 4x5).

I have a couple of older grey heads, but one really got stiff... A first attempt with spraying silicone spray (with acetone) and working the individual axis for awhile started to loosen the stiffness to where it was slightly stiff, but reasonable with a heavy camera load on top, and it didn't just slip too much when locks were released dangerously...

The crank drive was barely turning, but repeated shots of the spray finally unstiffened it too... Shoot some spray through open bottom into gears and bearings while working it...

Keep the spray away away from plastics and painted surfaces as it contains the solvent acetone...

Try this first...

Good luck!!!

Steve K

Quote:

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Originally Posted by peoplemerge

The problem with the head is after completely loosening the lock, the side to side tilt is stiff. So stiff, I have to yank it it back and forth a few times until it’s close to centered, after which I have to wait a few seconds as it wanders back before deciding if it needs another go. Precisely setting the position is is impossible on that axis only. I’ve tried partially disassembled the unit to see if there is anything to adjust or relubricate, without success.

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The side to side tilt positioning is not precise since it's sliding surfaces, I've always had to bump it to get it to where I need it.
If it's very stiff the bearing surfaces of the tilt needs to be cleaned and relubricated with grease, that means taking the head apart.

The tilt crank is often bent from a fall, ruining it

The side to side needs a heavy camera ON IT to work well

Grease not spray

Buy only perfect ones with OE camera screw as it is adjustable and spring loaded which allows the thread to move down to attach camera or sled of QR

The superficial disassembly allowed me to spray naphtha in the bearings, which has worked for me in the past to loosen vintage focusing helicoids. If it loosens it temporarily, that suggests it’s worth a regrease operation.

In this case, there was no improvement. I did not try acetone.

The horizontal pan knob has a spring. Oddly the one I have a problem with does not, so maybe that is missing.

I hadn’t considered the possibility of fall or abuse. Cosmetically it’s no show boat, but not signs of severe trauma.

A full disassembly is probably a bit beyond my skills, but I do have a tripod repair specialist Transfilm not too far from me. He mostly does the cinema tripods for film studios, but will know what to do with it. I had him fix another large head and it came back good as new.

Thanks everyone for you helpfully informative contributions and moral support !

I've owned a couple of these heads, they are relatively simple to disassemble and clean. Once clean, apply new grease (I used synthetic lube) and reassemble. Old heads, old grease, and lotsa dirt stiffens them.