Velbon Super Mag Slider

[Cap'n Bill]

I have just bought one of these and it is very stiff, quite hard work moving it.There doesn't seem to be any friction adjustment.
Is this normal for a new unit and is it likely to ease with use? I'm debating whether to return it.

 

[sureshot]

There is adjustment just screw these in or out

 

[Cap'n Bill]

You mean the sleeve nuts? Yes, thanks for the suggestion, but I have tried releasing them completely and it helped a bit but the drive is still far too tight. The traverse is also a bit tight but nothing like the focus slide.

It's all slathered in thick grease and the bevel gears have a definite tight spot. I'll investigate further and see if I can free things off. As it is I couldn't adjust the rail without moving the camera alignment on the subject.