compass
20
Fluid Head
OPERATOR’S
MANUAL
#1036 Compass 20 Fluid Head
Features and Controls
Camera Plate
Release Knob
1/4” + Pin Carriage
Quick Release Knob
Safety Tab
Tilt Drag Control
Accessory Mounting
Counterbalance Selector
Bubble Level
Pan Drag Control
Fig. 2
2
Introduction
Safety Instructions
Thank you for purchasing the Compass 20 Fluid Head. The
Compass 20 Fluid Head has been designed to suit payload
capacities from HDV to standard configuration XDCAM and P2HD
cameras.
Attaching/removing the camera.
Please use this manual to familiarise yourself with the operation
of the Compass 20 Fluid Head and observe these instructions
to prevent any damage to your equipment. Ensure that all
equipment is operating correctly and free from defects and
damage, also please ensure that the tripod is steady, secure and
that the bowl is approximately horizontal when attaching the
camera. The operator is responsible for the safe operation of this
piece of equipment.
The robust design and construction of the Compass 20 Fluid Head
offers maximum stability, accuracy and durability and includes
precision ball bearing mounted Fluid Drag Plate system in the Pan
and Tilt assembly to deliver true fluid drag performance over the
entire temperature and payload range.
•
Do not exceed the maximum payload capacity of the
The Fluid Drag and the Counterbalance system were designed to
provide excellent control and repeatability and offer progressive
equal increments of drag and torque.
Fluid Head.
•
•
Do not leave the camera unattended on the Fluid Head.
Do not release the SLIDING PLATFORM LOCK whilst the
The Compass 20 Fluid Head also offers Illuminated Bubble level.
camera is at an angle.
The Compass 20 Fluid Head will give best performance when
used on a wide range of Miller tripods, including SOLO DV
(#1501 & 1630) and Lightweight (#440 & 420) tripod. This will
ensure maximum system stability to suit any professional set-
up. The Compass 20 Fluid Head will suit most industry standard
75 mm tripods as well, please refer to manufactures’ manual for
mounting details.
•
•
•
Do not adjust the tripod whilst the camera is attached
to the Fluid Head.
Ensure PAN HANDLE CLAMP and CLAMP NUT is
securely tightened.
Apply TILT LOCK when adding/removing equipment from the
camera or when attaching/removing the camera from the
Fluid Head.
•
•
•
Hold camera securely whilst changing Counterbalance, Pan
Drag or Tilt Drag settings.
Hold the camera securely whilst releasing the
RELEASE KNOB.
Hold camera securely whilst adjusting the CLAMP NUT to
level the Fluid Head.
3
Technical Data
Weight
2.7 kg (6.0 lb)
Payload Range
Max. Capacity
Tilt Drag
2.0 – 12.0 kg (4.4 - 26.5 lb)
20.0 kg (44.0 lb)
5 Selectable fluid drag positions + 0
+ 90˚ / -75˚
Tilt Range
Tilt Lock
Positive Lock caliper brake system
5 Selectable fluid drag positions + 0
360˚
Pan Drag
Pan Range
Pan Lock
Positive Lock caliper brake system
Counterbalance System
4 Selectable positions
(see performance graph)
HEIGHT
ABOVE BOWL
Camera Platform Type
Camera Plate
Quick release sliding platform
with 60 mm travel.
Quick release mini euro camera plate
and 1/4”, 3/8” and 1/4” + Pin
Carriage
Mounting Base
Ball Level Range
Handle
Ø75 mm Ball Levelling
10˚
Standard black anodised pan handle
with adjustable angle.
Temperature range
-40˚ to +65˚ C (-40° to +149° F)
Construction
Lightweight diecast Aluminium alloy,
moulded reinforced plastics
Sealing
Finish
Water & Dust resistant
Matt black (low sheen) durable
powder coated with anti-corrosive
pre treatment
Warranty
3 Years.
Fig. 3
4
Operating Instructions
The operating instructions are described in six steps. Please read
and understand these instructions before using this equipment.
Do not omit any steps.
Pan Handle Clamp
Pan Handle
1 Fluid Head Set-up
1.1 Loosen the PAN HANDLE CLAMP fully then rotate the
PAN HANDLE until it is approximately perpendicular to the
THREADED STUD (fig. 4) and tighten the PAN HANDLE
CLAMP - avoid contact wear between the serrations on
the Fluid Head and the PAN HANDLE CLAMP, if this occurs
then unwind the PAN HANDLE CLAMP further.
Illumination Button
Bubble Level
1.2 Ensure that the TRIPOD BOWL is approximately horizontal.
Place the Fluid Head into the TRIPOD BOWL, adjust the
BUBBLE LEVEL (fig. 4) such that the bubble is inside the
black circle and tighten the CLAMP NUT.
1.3 Set the initial control settings as follows – see Figure 1 & 2:
• Select Counterbalance to position 4 (top setting).
• Select Pan & Tilt Drag to position 0.
Threaded Stud
• Tighten the PAN LOCK, TILT LOCK and the SLIDING
PLATFORM LOCK.
Clamp Nut
Fig. 4
5
Operating Instructions
2. Camera Set-up
2.1 Remove the CAMERA PLATE by pulling down the SAFETY
TAB while rotating the QUICK RELEASE KNOB to the left.
The CAMERA PLATE should pop out.
2.2 Refer to the Camera’s owners manual for correct method of
attachment to the CAMERA PLATE. Inspect the CAMERA
PLATE and remove the 1/4” and 3/8” screws (for HDV
mount) or the 1/4” + PIN CARRIAGE (XDCAM/P2HD mount)
as required. The 1/4”and 3/8” screws can be stored
underneath the SLIDING PLATFORM (fig. 1).
2.3 Attach camera accessories and the battery to the camera,
it is recommended to estimate the camera’s Centre of
Gravity (C of G) for the purpose of correctly positioning
the camera on the CAMERA PLATE. The camera’s C of G
can be estimated by placing the camera on to a round rod
and then shifting it backwards or forwards until a balance
point – C of G - is achieved. It is recommended to identify
this point on the camera as it will be useful in step 2.5.
C of G
2.4 Attach the CAMERA PLATE to the camera or the QUICK
RELEASE TRIPOD ADAPTOR and securely tighten the
screws.
Sliding
platform
2.5 Align the CAMERA PLATE with the SLIDING PLATFORM
Sliding
platform
lock
and slide it in until the safety mechanism is engaged.
2.6 Release the SLIDING PLATFORM LOCK and slide the
SLIDING PLATFORM such that the camera’s C of G is
directly above the centre axis of the Fluid Head and tighten
the SLIDING PLATFORM LOCK (fig.5). If this can not be
achieved then reposition the CAMERA PLATE on the
Camera or the QUICK RELEASE TRIPOD ADAPTOR – step
`
2.4. This will ensure that the system has maximum stability.
Fig. 5
6
Operating Instructions
3. Counterbalance Control
Counterbalance Performance
The counterbalance system was designed to neutralise the
effect of the camera weight when it is tilted. The Compass 20
Fluid Head offers a 4 position counterbalance system which
can be operated via the COUNTERBALANCE SELECTOR (fig.
2). The COUNTERBALANCE SELECTOR must be operated
when the SLIDING PLATFORM is in a horizontal position. After
changing the Counterbalance setting it may be necessary to
tilt the camera back and forth to ensure that the CB spring has
engaged. The camera must be held securely while changing the
Counterbalance setting.
3.1 For safety ensure that Counterbalance position 4
is selected.
3.2 Hold the camera and release the TILT LOCK, then gently tilt
the camera from a horizontal position forward then
backward and observe its response. If the Camera ‘Springs
Back’ to the horizontal position then a lower
Counterbalance setting is required, select Counterbalance
position 3 and recheck, select lower setting again if
necessary. Correct counterbalance setting has been
achieved when minimum effort is required to move the
camera over the entire tilt range.
TIP Fine tuning can be achieved by adjusting the SLIDING
PLATFORM – see step 2.6.
Fig. 6
7
Operating Instructions
4. Pan / Tilt Drag Control.
The Compass 20 Fluid Head offers 5 selectable positions of
fluid drag + zero setting in the Pan and Tilt. The settings are
equally stepped from light drag in position 1 up to heavy drag in
position 5, the drag plates are completely disengaged in position
zero.
Tilt Drag Control
Counterbalance Selector
•
Do not Pan or Tilt the Fluid Head whilst adjusting PAN or
TILT DRAG CONTROL or whilst the PAN & TIL DRAG
CONTROL is between settings.
•
The drag setting can be changed at any tilt or pan angle.
5. Pan/Tilt Lock Control.
The Compass 20 Fluid Head offers high capacity caliper disc
brake system to hold the Fluid Head in a fixed pan and/or tilt
position. Camera position will not change when applying or
releasing the Pan / Tilt locks.
Illumination Button
Bubble Level
•
Do not pan or tilt the Fluid Head whilst the PAN or the TILT
LOCK is partially applied.
Pan Drag Control
6. Illumination.
The Compass 20 Fluid Head offers illumination of the BUBBLE
LEVEL when the low ambient light conditions exist. Illumination
can be achieved by pressing the ILLUMINATION BUTTON once.
The light will switch off after 10 seconds.
Fig. 7
8
Maintenance
Battery Housing
Illumination Button
The Compass 20 Fluid Head offers high quality surface coatings.
Miller recommends keeping the Fluid Head clean at all times by
using soft brushes and lint free cloth to wipe over the surfaces.
•
•
Do not immerse the Fluid Head in any liquid.
Do not use stiff brushes, abrasives, harsh detergents
and solvents.
Battery Replacement
The Compass 20 Fluid Head uses a single 11A type - 6 Volt battery
for Illumination. Miller recommends the following batteries to
provide long life performance – GP11A, Duracell MN11 or Vinnic
L1016.
1
Using a Phillips Head #1 screw driver, remove the
RETAINING SCREW and the BATTERY DOOR.
2
Using a small flat screw driver remove the battery.
3
Align the new battery as shown on the back of the
BATTERY DOOR and place into the BATTERY HOUSING,
then push down the battery into place. A small flat screw
driver may be used to push down the battery into the
BATTERY HOUSING.
4
Align the BATTERY DOOR into the body then tighten the
screw lightly.
Battery Door
Retaining Screw
Battery
Fig. 8
9
Storage
Service, Sales and Support
The Compass 20 Fluid Head can be stored for extended periods;
Miller recommends storage in a Miller Soft Case and the
following:
Miller Authorised Service Agents must carry out all service and
repair work. Failure to observe this requirement may void warranty.
It is advisable to notify Miller or a Miller Authorised Service Agent
if a change of performance is observed as a result of dropping or
rough usage. For information regarding sales and service of Miller
products or for your nearest Miller representative please contact
us via our website or at the following:
•
•
•
•
Remove battery.
Clean the external surfaces.
Keep in a dry place away from direct sunlight.
Loosen off PAN & TILT LOCK.
MILLER CAMERA SUPPORT EQUIPMENT
30 Hotham Parade, Artarmon, Sydney, NSW 2064 Australia
Tel: +61 2 9439 6377
Fax: +61 2 9438 2819
Spare Parts and Accessories
Email: sales@miller.com.au
ITEM
ITEM NO.
MILLER CAMERA SUPPORT (LLC) USA
Battery
P7715
#1208
P0037
P0036
#493
218 Little Falls Road, Cedar Grove, New Jersey 07009-1231 USA
Camera plate Assembly (Including 1/4” + Pin Carriage)
Camera screw 3/8”
Tel: (973) 857 8300
Fax: (973) 857 8188
Email: [email protected]
Camera screw 1/4”
MILLER FLUID HEADS (EUROPE) LTD.
1/4” + pin carriage
Unit A2, Ford Lane Industrial Estate
Standard Pan Handle assembly (incl. Handle Clamp)
Standard Pan Handle
# 680
# 689
# 876
P7850
Ford Lane, Ford, West Sussex BN18 0DF, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1243 555255
Fax: +44 (0)1243 555 001
Email: [email protected]
Soft Case
Clamp nut
Warranty
Please refer to warranty card for complete details.
10
MILLER CAMERA SUPPORT EQUIPMENT
30 Hotham Parade
Artarmon, Sydney
NSW 2064 Australia
Tel: +61 2 9439 6377
Fax: +61 2 9438 2819
Email: sales@miller.com.au
D 7881-1
07/09
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