one of my Manfrotto Super Boom cranks is *stuck*

[AtlantaTerry]

There are two cranks on the photographer's end. These control rotation and pitch of what ever device is attached at the equipment end.

Of of my boom's cranks works normally. The other seems stuck or jammed. The last time I used the boom everything worked properly. Then I moved to a house with low ceilings so I did not use it for several years.

Now that I'm in a different house with high ceilings I can put the Super Boom back to work. The only problems is the stuck crank.

I'm not about to force anything.

Before anyone asks:
a. no one helped me move the boom to the new residence
b. I did not drop the boom during the move
c. it would cost *way* too much to ship it to Bogen for repairs

I have searched the Internet looking for suggestions or help. Nothing is listed on Bogen's website. I sent the service people at Bogen a "Help" email a few minutes ago.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thank you.

Terry
Atlanta

[RexK_Cozumel]

not too familiar with how the bogen super boom works but in general if something has not been used for a while and jams up it could be rust.

[AtlantaTerry]

I agree with your rust idea but the room where I stored it was an unused bedroom which doubled as the place where people got changed for photography. So it got adequate heating and cooling and not much moisture. Other equipment in the same bedroom didn't have any moisture issues including rust.

There is no rust on any of the metal parts of the boom or the Manfrotto crank-up light stand. So I kinda doubt there is rust inside.

I have no idea how the boom works on the inside. But I would guess that the cranks move some sort of cords or belts on the inside of the boom tube. And these cords or tubes are connected to the pitch and rotation narly bits. I really don't want to take the dang thing apart if I don't have to...

Thank you for the suggestion.

Terry

[RexK_Cozumel]

Sorry like I said I really have no idea how the bogen super boom works since I dont have one. Hopefully the service guys will be able to help you out.

[WooD]

Those are super nice boom arms!

I'd try a little WD40 on it.

[AtlantaTerry]

WooD:

That's a good idea. But just where would you suggest I squirt the WD-40 along the eight foot boom? The crank area or the pitch/roll working area?

Terry Thomas...
the photographer
Atlanta, Georgia USA

BTW, is there a better place to ask for help on this other than Chit Chat?

[WooD]

Originally Posted by AtlantaTerry

WooD:

That's a good idea. But just where would you suggest I squirt the WD-40 along the eight foot boom? The crank area or the pitch/roll working area?

Terry Thomas...
the photographer
Atlanta, Georgia USA

BTW, is there a better place to ask for help on this other than Chit Chat?

I'd start with the crank, and if that didn't help the working area. I'd spray as little as possible.

[lputman]

Originally Posted by AtlantaTerry

BTW, is there a better place to ask for help on this other than Chit Chat?

Hi Terry, probably in the Digital Photography Equipment and Gear in the Other Gear section would work.