Low Rider Resources Page
Mounting the Low Rider
Touch & Go
The Low Rider comes with its own Touch and Go plate with 4 mounting screws instead of the typical 2. The staggered hole pattern on the top plate is to accommodate different styles and models of heads.
To mount the Low Rider off the right side of the OConner 2575 or 2065, bolt the touch and go plate as shown in the image. Move the plate two holes in towards the acme screw for the right side of the OConner head.
Always mount the Low Rider as close to the fluid head as possible. This reduces the cantilever effect and will reduce the total flex in the setup.
Mounting & balancing the camera
Before you mount the camera, make sure the quick release base or dovetail is as close to the fluid head as possible. The mounting holes are slotted to adjust where the camera mounts on the Low Rider to accommodate different sized builds.
To balance, use the dovetail or euro-plate on the OConner to slide the head and camera forward or back. Unfortunately, because of the nature of the Low Rider, the camera will always be bottom heavy. If you need to tilt up for the shot, be sure to crank down the counterbalance as much as you can.
Although there are no rosettes on the Low Rider itself, the thin profile leaves the existing rosettes on the fluid head exposed with enough clearance to reach them.
Mounting the fluid head
Because the Low Rider is adjustable, mounting the fluid head as low as possible may not always be the best choice. It's dependent upon what you're trying to achieve in the shot.
If you're having to tilt up a lot in the shot, mounting the head to something more elevated like a tri-hat or hi-hat will allow you to drop the camera to the exact height you need to clear the back of the camera when you tilt up.
If you're simply trying to get low and pan across the ground, then mounting the head as low as possible like a low-hat would be best.
Sliding Dovetail Maintenance
Cleaning the dovetail
If the crank handle feels crunchy or tough to operate, first make sure you loosened the lock knobs before operating the crank handle. I know, but you'd be surprised. If it still feels tough, then dirt or debris may have been caught in the sliding dovetail.
Lower the Z-Plate to its most extended position. Generously apply a solvent such as acetone or isopropyl alcohol to the surfaces and clean off any old oil or dirt that is visible. Run the crank handle up and down fully while applying more solvent to flush out the remaining oil and dirt. Canned or compressed air may also be needed. Wipe away any excess solvent with a lint-free paper towel.
Lubricating the dovetail
Re-lubricate the sliding dovetail surfaces using a lubricant like Triflow or any other kind of machine oil. Avoid WD-40 or dry lubricants like graphite or garage door lube. Those will just make a mess of the situation and attract more debris.
Generously apply the lubricant in between the sliding dovetail surfaces with a dropper, and crank the handle up and down to distribute the lubricant along the entirety of the faces. Wipe away any excess with a clean paper towel.
Acme Screw Maintenance
Cleaning the acme screw and nut
The thin film of grease on the acme screw and on the brass acme nut can attract dirt and dust and may cause difficult operation.
Similar to the sliding dovetail, generously apply a solvent to the screw and nut. While pinching the acme screw with a lint-free rag, run the crank handle up and down, making sure the rag is wiping inside the threads of the screw. This may take several full rotations to remove all of dirt and grease.
Use a generous amount of solvent to flush out any grease or dirt from the acme nut while running the crank handle up and down. Make sure the screw and nut are dry before applying new grease.
Maintenance Materials
Replacement parts and part information
Camera Bolts
I make these myself, so if you lose them and need more, contact me at agdesignfab@gmail.com and I'll send you some.