16
Installation
4.
The payload C of G (Centre of Gravity) must align with the fluid
head’s tilt axis as shown below, slide the payload fore and aft
using the camera plates sliding platform until the load is centered
and balances upright in the vertical position with the tilt lock and
drags off. Lock the tilt when done.
5.
When the C of G of the camera is approximately over the tilt axis,
adjust the counterbalance as follows.
Hold the payload and release
the tilt lock, then gently tilt the load from the horizontal position
fore 30 - 45° and release slowly then aft 30 - 45° and release
again, observing its response.
After adjusting the counterbalance, you may notice slightly
different behaviour when tilting fore as opposed to aft, i.e.
tilting fore may try to fall away from horizontal but tilting aft
is fine. This means that step 4 was not aligned perfectly.
Repeat the process from step 4 to 6 until the camera
will stop in any selected angle. This may require several
repeat attempts to achieve perfect balance.
Tip.
Turn the counterbalance anticlockwise for smaller
payloads.
Turn the counter balance clockwise for larger payloads.
After balancing, exercise the head through both axis to confirm that it
operates smoothly.
Tip
. Before initially
mounting the camera.
If the camera C of G
is unknown, it may be
estimated by placing
the camera on a rod
and shifting it fore and
aft until the balance
point (C of G) is
achieved.
•
If the camera springs back toward horizontal then the
counter balance requires lowering, turn the counterbalance
counterclockwise.
•
If the camera drops away from the horizontal then the
counterbalance needs to be higher, turn the counterbalance
clockwise
6.
When the camera stays in whatever position it is placed in
through the tilt range then counterbalance is correct.
If this cannot be achieved then reposition the camera plate.
It is unlikely that perfect balance will be achieved at this
point without supporting the load. You are looking for the
balancing point between the load falling fore or aft
Tilt Axis
C of G
