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Nodal Ninja 6 Operating Manual

v.1.2

Copyright © 2020 Nodal Ninja

It is important to note that SKU numbers, configurations, and models may

change as products evolve. Please source current configurations with your

local authorized dealer.

Copyright Information

This manual was written by Bill Bailey, CEO Nodal Ninja USA 2004-2019, on

behalf of Nick Fan of Fanotec.

Nodal Ninja

is owned & operated by

Fanotec

. Both Nodal Ninja and Fanotec

are registered trade names. All rights reserved. No part of this publication

may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any

means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or

mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher

(Fanotec), except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews

and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For

permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed “Attention:

Permissions Coordinator,” at the address below.

Fanotec International Limited

Flat 2, 4/F, Kar Wah Indl.
Bldg. 8 Leung Yip Street
Yuen Long
Hong Kong
Email: [email protected]

Summary of Contents for Nodal Ninja 6 Series

Page 1: ...i Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v 1 1 Copyright 2020 Nodal Ninja OPERATING MANUAL November 24 2020 Nodal Ninja 6 ...

Page 2: ...ed View of NN6 Parts 16 Configurations 18 NN6 Nadir Adapter w Lower Rotator RD10 19 NN6 w Lower Rotator RD10 20 NN6 w No Lower Rotator Nadir Adapter 21 NN6 w No Lower Rotator 22 Additional Configurations 23 Dual Camera Multi row Attachment SKU F6043 23 Features 23 Dual Axis MECHA E2 C1 with NN6 and Nadir Adapter SKU F9908 24 Other Models 25 Specifications 26 Accessories 27 Using the Nadir Adapter ...

Page 3: ... Operating Manual v 1 2 Copyright 2020 Nodal Ninja Finding the No Parallax Point of a Lens 34 Lower rail setting 34 Upper rail setting 35 Abbreviations 37 Warranty 39 Copyright Information 40 Resources 41 Disclaimer 42 ...

Page 4: ...etailed and high resolution composite The Nodal Ninja 6 NN6 series heads can also act as a free movement gimbal head giving added use and flexibility making it ideal for wildlife photography as well While the market is currently dominated with lower cost one shot solutions there is no substitution for quality output when using DSLR Micro Four Thirds or even compact cameras Our heads allow the phot...

Page 5: ...r for 180º vertical assembly rotation Arca Swiss lower rail Lower rail stop integrated with hex key magnetic holder 2ea adjustable tension detent plunger knobs Adjustable index ring with 2 5º demarcations and 10º numbered markings RD10 Advanced Rotator w 10 stops 5º 72 stops 7 5º 48 stops 10º 36 stops 15º 24 stops 18º 20 stops 30º 12 stops 36º 10 stops 45º 8 stops 60º 6 stops 90º 4 stops Uses 2nd ...

Page 6: ...urability with very high tolerances Upgradable and can be reconfigured to better suit user needs Pre assembled at the factory quick and easy to setup and begin shooting Built in spirit level to aid in leveling Upper and lower Rail Stops help to remember a camera lens position Closed rail design assures your expensive camera won t slip off accidentally Large knurled knobs making operation easy espe...

Page 7: ...e package all Nodal Ninjas are pre assembled at the factory The user has the flexibility to swap out or add some components such as the lower rotator and Nadir Adapter and Offset T adapter To learn more about finding the NPP of a lens visit section Finding the No Parallax Point In this section we show the setup of the NN3 series which is very near identical to the same way user would setup the NN6...

Page 8: ...ge knurled vertical rail mounting knob Note the relative position of vertical assembly before mounting Step 1 Mount rotator to the tripod Every Nodal Ninja uses a 3 8 female mounting system We also include a 3 8 1 4 thread adapter for free to accommodate mounts using male threads Mount rotator to tripod Loosen upper rotator knob Mount vertical assembly to lower rail and tighten vertical rail knob ...

Page 9: ...ep 5 After the rail is rotated to a vertical position tighten using the upper rail rotator knob turning clockwise Step 6 Located on the underside of the lower rail is the hex key holder Remove the hex key by rotating and pulling straight out The hex key is held in place by a magnet located inside its holder Step 4 Flip or rotate upper assembly rail 180 ...

Page 10: ... slightly using the hex key Lift up the anti twist plates Retighten screws slightly to keep them in place Step 7 Loosen the 4 set screws of the anti twist plates slightly using the provided hex key Step 8 Lift or slide upwards the anti twist plates Step 9 Retighten set screws slightly to hold them in place ...

Page 11: ...late and secure by gently tightening the camera mounting knob being careful not to overtighten Step 11 Check to ensure the camera is aligned to the upper rail by looking from the bottom view side of the camera Use straight line features as assistance Rotate the camera slightly if needed Note how the red line centers through the barrel of the lens and runs parallel to upper rail If your camera appe...

Page 12: ...ody and retighten NOTE THE ANTI TWIST PLATES SHOULD NOT BE PRESSING OR RESTING AGAINST OR ON THE CAMERA S REAR DISPLAY DIRECTLY USE INCLUDED FITTINGS FOR ADDED CLEARANCE Press the anti twist plates against the back of camera body Step 12 Once you are satisfied with the camera lens alignment finish by tightening the camera mounting knob securely Next loosen the set screws of the anti twist plates w...

Page 13: ...y using the camera mounting knob Slide the stop plate against the camera mounting plate Tighten screw to set position for that camera and lens Slide camera to the non parallax point NPP of the lens Tighten securely using camera mounting knob Step 15 Slide the upper rail stop plate against the camera mounting plate Using the provided hex key tighten the set screw to aid in remembering the position ...

Page 14: ...lide back and forth on the lower horizontal rail Loosen the vertical rail mounting knob slightly Holding camera Loosen the screw of hex key holder which also acts as a stop plate Step 17 Slide camera and position so the center of the lens is directly positioned over the center of the lower rotator Next slide the stop plate against the vertical rail and tighten to remember this position ...

Page 15: ...el There are two positions for the lever unlock and lock 7 5 In the unlock position the upper rotator horizontal rail can be positioned at any point from 0 to 90 When in the lock position and after the upper rotator knob is loosened the upper rotator can be positioned and locked into any 7 5 increment You could also use any combination of 7 5 increments such as 15 30 etc In the lock position with ...

Page 16: ...16 Nodal Ninja 6 Operating Manual v 1 2 Copyright 2020 Nodal Ninja Exploded View of NN6 Parts The NN6 comes preassembled from the factory This is a basic breakdown of the major components ...

Page 17: ...17 Nodal Ninja 6 Operating Manual v 1 2 Copyright 2020 Nodal Ninja This is a more detailed view of the build components of the NN6 ...

Page 18: ... please send an image of it to the manufacturer https www fanotec com contact 20 Each of the products listed in the manual noted by SKU s is provided as packages These packages give the user everything an average user needs to begin shooting including a case hex keys spare washers etc Only a small percentage of users may need additional components such as offset adapters We will list some of the p...

Page 19: ...he fly The range of intervals is suitable for shooting super wide fisheye lenses to longer lenses up to 200mm equivalent focal length 10 different degree stop increments are included with an equivalent number of stops around SKU F6002 Load limit 3 5lb 1 59kg Weight 2lb 920g Upper rail length 190mm Lower rail length 200mm Level Amateur Pro Lenses 8mm 200mm focal length DSLR Popular Uses Real Estate...

Page 20: ...The range of intervals is suitable for shooting ultra wide fisheye lenses to longer lenses up to 200mm equivalent focal length 10 different degree stop increments are included with the equivalent number of stops around include SKU F6001 Load limit 3 5lb 1 59kg Weight 2lb 920g Upper rail length 190mm Lower rail length 200mm Level Amateur Pro Lenses 8mm 200mm focal length DSLR Popular Uses Real Esta...

Page 21: ...RD8 RD10 RD12 RD16 RD16 II SKU F6003 Load limit 3 5lb 1 59kg Weight 2lb 920g w RD10 Lower Rotator Upper rail length 190mm Lower rail length 200mm Level Amateur Pro Lenses 8mm 200mm focal length DSLR Popular Uses Real Estate 360 Panoramas Landscape Wildlife Gigapixel Cameras Up to larger DSLR s with battery pack This configuration does NOT include a lower rotator This is convenient if you already h...

Page 22: ...ca Swiss Style Stop Plate SKU F2106 Arca Swiss Style Right Angle Dual Clamp SKU F9131 Advanced Rotator Handle SKU F1115 Arca Swiss Style Quick Release Plate for Advanced Rotators SKU F1191 Dual Camera Multi row Stereo Attachment SKU F6043 Fanotec rotators designed to fit the NN6 Mecha E1 w DC1 Controller automated SKU F9905 RD8 RD10 RD12 RD16 RD16 II This configuration does NOT include a lower rot...

Page 23: ...ight angle connector for lens plate and NN3 MK3 or NN6 Paired with 2 QRC 38DS to form a compact dual lens ring mount stereo bracket to mimic an Interpupillary distance IPD of 65 100 mm 2 55 3 94 perfect for most small lenses and cameras for both indoor and outdoor Features Load Rating 3 kg 6 6 lbs Screw knob Mini Clamp 38 mm jaws Low profile and lightweight Adjustable inter lens distance of 65 100...

Page 24: ...g for turntable object VR Or use as a dual axis rotator for both horizontal and vertical movements This setup supports a camera lens up to 3 0 kg 6 6 lb and NPP up to 145mm from the pivot point making it ideal for mirrorless and full size DSLR cameras Shoot 360 panoramas or even high resolution gigapixel images Weight without spare and case 2 4kg 5 3 lb There are also several configurations using ...

Page 25: ... any reason simply return for a full refund excludes S H VAT and or custom s fees This manual details the NN6 series heads Here is a quick breakdown of other models and what applications they might be best suited for NN3 Series Level Amateur Semi Pro Lenses 8mm 50mm focal length Features Compact Inexpensive Durable Popular Uses Real Estate Travel Hobbyist Amateur Cameras Compact Micro Four Thirds ...

Page 26: ...kg Included Upper assembly with Nadir Adapter lower assembly with rotator misc bits hex key spare parts NN6 w Lower Rotator RD10 SKU F6001 Weight Load 7 7lb 3 5kg Included Upper assembly lower assembly with rotator misc bits hex key spare parts NN6 w No Lower Rotator Nadir Adapter SKU F6003 Weight Load 3 3lb 1 5kg Included Upper assembly with Nadir Adapter lower assembly NO rotator misc bits hex k...

Page 27: ...w Knob SKU F6025 NN3 MK3 NN6 QR Nadir Adapter SKU F6026 NN3 MK3 NN6 Camera Mounting Plate w Knob SKU F6027 NN3 MK3 NN6 Right Angle Connector for Lens Plate BETA SKU F6042B NN3 MK3 NN6 Dual Camera Multi row Stereo Attachment SKU F6043 NN3 MK3 NN6 Lower Rail Stop SKU F6044 NN3 MK3 NN6 Camera Plate Fittings SKU F6045 NN3 MK3 NN6 Lower Rail Stop and Hex Key Holder SKU F6046 NN3 MK3 NN6 U5 T Adapter wi...

Page 28: ...pecially if bracketing your shots or needing longer exposures 1 Loosen NA Lock Knob 2 Slide NA to the end of the lower rail 3 Rotate upper assembly 180 either left or right 4 Tighten NA Lock Knob 5 Note the ground position of the lower rotator as if you dropped a plumb line directly from the center of the lower rotator to the ground Mark with a coin or something small 6 Move tripod camera lens so ...

Page 29: ...nt may be desired such as with tiled or mosaic flooring U5 30mm Tripod Offset Bracket SKU F3315 Unlike the older style T Adapters which were designed for older Nodal Ninja s this CNC machined universal adapter was designed exclusively for the NN3 and NN6 series heads It provides up to a 30mm offset for use on cameras that do not have a camera mounting screw directly in line with the center axis of...

Page 30: ...Mount bracket to the base of the camera 2 Loosen bracket set screw 3 Slide bracket so the camera mount is positioned with the center axis of the lens 4 Adjust tabs on Camera Mounting Plate as needed 5 Mount bracket to Camera Plate 6 Tighten Camera Mounting Knob securely ...

Page 31: ...extend the minimum NPP setting to 32mm allowing use for a greater variety of lenses Although the standard camera mounting knob is easy to grip and glove friendly its size limits the minimum NPP setting to 48mm While it is non issue for most lenses it is too short for some pancake type lenses Using the small camera mounting knob will extend the minimum NPP setting to 32mm This will work for a lot m...

Page 32: ...t 2020 Nodal Ninja Remove the stop plate Remove the standard camera mounting knob from the end of rail Install the small camera mounting knob from the end of rail Change the drag screw to the top if needed Remove the camera and camera mounting plate ...

Page 33: ...he knob Reinstall the stop plate from the end of rail Tighten the knob fully Bend the handle of the knob to gain more leverage While holding the camera loosen the knob half to one turn Slide the camera to the NPP position Loosen the screw slightly Slide the stop plate against the camera mounting plate and tighten the screw ...

Page 34: ...ion the camera lens on the upper rail so that it is pointing downwards to the ground The geometric location of the entrance pupil is the vertex of the camera s angle of view and consequently its center of perspective perspective point viewpoint projection center or no parallax point This point is important in panoramic photography because the camera must be rotated around it to avoid parallax erro...

Page 35: ... Tighten and set with lower rail stop Note Once the lower rail setting is set this will never change with the camera body regardless of the lens or focal lengths used Upper rail setting 1 Loosen upper rotator knob and position camera lens so that it points horizontally or parallel to the ground then tighten 2 Holding the camera loosen the Camera Mounting Knob enough to allow the camera lens to sli...

Page 36: ...e of the frame as shown 5 Then move the camera to the right so lamps are now on the right side of the frame Watch the movement of both lamps as you rotate left and again to the right You will see an apparent movement of lamp B in the background to lamp A in the foreground This is called parallax and the camera will need to be moved on the upper rail until this movement is no longer apparent 6 Our ...

Page 37: ...sed abbreviations Variable SKU options C1 MECHA First Generation Controller D Number of Detent Options followed by a number e g 8 10 12 DSLR Digital Single Lens Reflex E1 MECHA First Generation Automated Rotator E2 MECHA Second Generation Automated Rotator GB Gigabyte III Third Generation kg s Metric Kilogram s lb s Imperial Pound s LR Lower Rotator M4 3 Micro Four Thirds MFT Micro Four Thirds MK3...

Page 38: ... Nodal Ninja NPP No Parallax Point RD Advanced Rotator ball bearings with number of detents RD10 Advanced Rotator ball bearings with 10 selectable detent options SKU Internal Identification Number denoting specific packages and or parts T Adapter T Shaped Adapter w with ...

Page 39: ...te or has been removed or changed after the original purchase of the product by the consumer from the originating authorized dealer Fanotec may repair or replace Fanotec products with new or reconditioned parts or products of equivalent to new performance and reliability Fanotec may also replace products with equivalent models where the original has been discontinued or is no longer available In t...

Page 40: ...tered trade names All rights reserved No part of this publication may be reproduced distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means including photocopying recording or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher Fanotec except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyri...

Page 41: ... user NodalNinja Finding the NPP of a lens without a pano head Google YouTube Nodal Ninja finding the No Parallax Point of a lens Finding NPP without a pano head http michel thoby free fr Banknotes_intro html https docsbay net how to take a perfect nadir image for spherical panoramas without taking the camera from the panohead https forum nodalninja com forum product solutions authorized nodal nin...

Page 42: ...ribed herein are subject to change without prior notice due to the manufacturer s continuous development program Fanotec makes no representations or warranties concerning this manual or for the products described herein and shall not be liable for any damages losses costs or expenses direct indirect or incidental consequential or special arising out of or related to the use of this material or the...

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