On Tue, 16 Apr 2002 07:20:15 -0700 (PDT), bigrocketman3@webtv.net (Steve McDonald) wrote:

>
> Another point on modifying tripod heads for better video
>performance, is to consider changing the grease they use to provide the
>"fluid" action. I don't like the sticky, paste-like goop they put in
>Bogen heads, so I disassemble them, clean it out and replace it with a
>waterproof marine grease with lower viscosity. This allows for smoother
>action with a lighter touch and more precise and jerk-free starts and
>stops when panning.
[...]

I'm not sure I'd recommend this for most users...
It makes sense for your use (with the need for swift
pans/tilts), and a "lighter touch" is what marks
better (and FAR more expensive) fluid heads, but
heads designed for a lighter touch are also designed
for good damping of motion and with excellent bearings.
Lighten the grease in one not designed for it, and
you risk seeing the "jerking" effects of the poorer
bearings and insufficient damping. A good head allows
the motion to be accellerated/decellerated from/to "0"
with a light to moderate touch (and fast movements
can be achieved "eventually"...;-) - but a heavy hand
overwhelms the damping; reducing the damping on a
so-so head, like the Bogen, is likely to result
in roughness and underdamping in motion. Though more
expensive, you might prefer a better head (bought
used, if need be...).