CobraCrane 1 UltraLite Trouble Shooting
The CobraCrane mounted okay the last time, now it will not fit.
Rotate the tripod mounting bracket one half a revolution. The holes at the end of the crane should be on the
top of the bars when horizontal.
The Camera no longer matches the same tilt angle as my tripod head.
Loosen up the turnbuckle just a few turns. Realign by locking head and rotating at the camera end. You will be
physically rotating the camera bracket with your hand. The pulley slips easily if it is not tight. When the camera
and head are “in sync”, start tightening the turnbuckle a little, plucking the wire like a guitar string while
tightening. Do not over tighten. The sound of the wire should not be too low or too high (about the same as a
guitars lowest string). If it keeps slipping it is too loose.
I changed battery or microphone and now the crane moves down on its own.
Add some small weights to the weight stack on the back or pull the weight belt back towards the weight
bracket. Whenever you add anything (or remove an accessory) you are changing the weight of the camera,
thus the counterweight must be changed. Keep a supply of 1.25, 2.5 and 5lb weights or purchase one of our
CobraCrane Weight Bags. This will allow you to be able to balance
your crane wherever you are. You never want to be out on a shoot and
not have the right amount of weight. We always keep the weight bag
around so we can always add some rocks, or bolts or anything else. This
way we always prepared for big and small batteries and anything else
thrown our way.
My Craned shots do not look impressive or dramatic.
Utilize foreground objects to your advantage. Place the Crane in the
middle of an open area without any foreground objects in view of the
camera lens. Props or people need to be close to you. It also helps to
have depth in your scene with foreground, middle ground, and background items. Study classic films for more
ideas.
Note: RELEASE PLATE MUST BE SECURE. When using the stock 501 or 503 sliding plate,
this big crane relies on that little release plate for the connection. We like to add a 3/8” bolt
to the bottom of your 501 or 503 fluid head. When inserted, this forces the release plate up
and pins it against the angled holders on the 501 or 503 fluid head. This adds additional
support. We always use this extra bolt. We do not want the crane to slip out of the fluid
head and ruin our cameras. Be careful.
Have more questions? Contact us directly at
or call our cel
at 949 510-7249. See the last page for more contact information.
Optional CobraCrane Weight bag