Free Replacement Block for Varavon Slidecam Lite
slidecam lite block change from VARAVON on Vimeo.
Varavon now as a FREE replacement for the Top Block of their Slideam Lite Slider. Check out the Varavon site to see how you can exchange your existing Slidecam Lite Top Block (HERE).
If you use EMS for Shipping (click here), although you pay the $25 shipping fee, you receive a FREE Sling Follow Focus and there is a short delivery time.
When the Standard Shipping method is used (click here), you will pay only a $6 shipping fee, however you will not receive a free Sling Follw Focus and the ship time will take longer.
Varavon is doing the replacement because they now produce an updated and optimal quality of roller for their popular Slidecam Lite Slider.
You can find the Varavon Slidecam Lite via the following links (click here).
Varavon Slidecam Lite 24″ and 32″ Portable Video Slider
My Varavon Slider Lite 60 cm just arrived from Amazon one week ago . A friend of mine brought one for me . Do I need to replace the roller ?
@labalbi I would refer to the blog post and decide if you want to pay the $25 for shipping and receive the Free Sling Follow Focus or only the $6 with no Sling Follow Focus. The main difference that you’ll get with the new block is the breaking pad being on the side versus being located in the middle of the track.
Hi Olivia,
Any idea what makes this better than the old one?
The one I have slides perfectly, but the block slightly of teeter-totters front to back. NOt a lot but enough to ruin your shot.
Hopefully this was addressed in the update.
@Pharaoh The main difference that you’ll get with the new block is the breaking pad being on the side versus being located in the middle of the track. As for the teetering, have you tried to adjust the tension on the trolley itself? This should remedy the shakiness. I have yet to use the newest version so I’m not sure if it is more sturdy that the older block. Are you planning to have it shipped?
I have not tried to adjust it but will give that a try.
I’ll probably have the new block shipped since I was planning on ordering the Sling from them anyway.
Thanks!
Thanks, Olivia!
This is great! thanks for the post Olivia.
I bought mine when you guys first blogged about it back in February. It must have been version 1 because they didn’t have the extra mounting plate on the bottom. The tripod attachment point was just a couple of screw holes drilled all the way through the bottom track.
The top brake would always catch on the holes and cause a massive bump in the middle of the slide and ruin the shot. I think I even wrote to them asking if they could do an upgrade/exchange when they first changed design to version 2 but I didn’t get a response. Maybe enough people complained and now they have this retrofit. Looking forward to a bump free slider move!
$52 to ship to Canada by EMS! Pretty steep for a company which readily doles out free shipping when you spend enough.
I’m not going to bother. I don’t use the brake on mine except when I transport it and the original works fine for that.
I bought slidecam lite few months ago, and it still works fine. However the replacement is really great because I feel little noise when i slide original block. I think this happeend because of damage happened during trips. I will definately request the replacement. Its only 6 dollar!
I have this Varavon Lite slider and I feel it wobbles as well. Just tried adjusting the tension knobs on the trolley and doesn’t seem like it helps much. Will order this new block and see if it makes a difference.
Hi i just found your site and its great i am very new to video taping I do thing like wedding, confrences so do u think its better to use a video cam corder or a camera that can take video. I am seeing camera that are meant for still with the hd function to take full plz send reply to my email if u can
thanks beanz
@beanz This question has a variety of answers to be honest with you. If you’ve never shot movies on an DSLR and this is one of your first weddings, I’d advise using a camcorder or teaming up with a versed DSLR shooter. There are so many factors to consider prior to shooting. Pls see THIS ARTICLE about shooting a wedding first then let me know about your further questions. The comments from readers are really great, there is a lot of insight there.
I have another question to add to my above question I have noticed that most tripod are roughly 5 to 6 feet seems to be hard to find one that is 72in and still hadve the fluidhead, at a reasonable price do u have any suggestion I am getting ready to purchase one but i am really confused as i stated i am new I want to be able to use my slider with it as well.
Hey thank for responding to be i am looking at the article, Now i just recieved my first slider, now i was watching a video with the HERE now i know this sound so stupid but when i say i am knew i mean new now with the push and pull u are zooming as you move the head on the slider and i was able to to do the shot of the revieal shot you showed in another video but, when i just moved it from side to side it didn’t apear to move so i assume as you move it side to side you have to rotate the head otherwise it looks like you just in place ? its not like there are classes, i watch your videos and others that have examples and try to mock them til i get the hang of it HELP
@Beanz Not stupid at all! There are a few techniques to getting more “movement” out of your slider. I will do a video on it next week! I’m glad you asked, I think a lot of beginners out there have questions like these. I will explain and show in the video to answer your question.