Vinten Video 10 Head help

[Lost in Alaska]

I use a tripod with a Vinten Video 10 head. This has obviously seen better days. About 20 degrees from level in either direction the tilt lock does not lock. My camera will drift, usually up. The counter balance is also completely shot. It does absoultly nothing. Is there any way to fix either of these problems or is it time to find a new tripod head?

[Lensmith]

Go here and find the closest service center.

http://www.vinten.com/level.php?cn=enquiries&lang=1

I talked to them years ago when I had a problem with a broken leg on my tripod...in the end, I came across another solution for my problem but I remember my conversation with the Vinten folks and they seemed to have a quick turn-around time on repairs as well as offering loaner equipment to cover you while the repairs were being made.

This was five years ago. Things may have changed but your problem sounds like it's in need of their expert attention.

[cameragod]

It sounds like the locks are shot or the counterweight is too high. This usually what happens to Vinten’s if you use them without having set up the head right.

Do not let the camera fall while doing this!!!

Balancing the head
Balancing the Vision 250 head achieves two objectives. Firstly, when a head is correctly balanced
the operator will need a minimum amount of even effort to move the head. Secondly, once balanced,
the head and its payload can be set to any tilt position and the head will maintain this position
with ‘hands off’.
Prior to balancing the head ensure that the pan bars and any ancillary equipment have been fitted
in order to prevent upsetting the balance once it has been achieved.
1. Release the centre lock (3) and the tilt brake (12). Turn the balance knob (2) counterclockwise
until the head falls away from horizontal under the weight of the camera.
2. Release the slide plate clamp (15) and slide the camera backwards or forward until it balances
horizontally. Apply the slide plate clamp (15).
3. Turn the balance knob (2) clockwise until the camera does not fall away when the head
is tilted and released.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until perfect balance is achieved, when the camera will remain set
at any angle from +90° to –90° without falling away or springing back. Re-apply the centre
lock (3) and the tilt brake (12).
Press the switch (9) and make a note of the digital display (7). This will facilitate rebalancing this
particular payload.
WARNING! Be prepared to prevent the head falling away suddenly.
NOTE: If the digital balance setting of the particular payload is known, press the
switch (9) and turn the balance knob until the digital display (6) shows that
setting.
NOTE: Maximum tilt angle is less than 90° for heavy payloads with a high C of G - see
balance graph.

cant seem to post the graph so it at http://www.vinten.com/uploads/documents/3465_8_EN.pdf