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VariZoom USA - Austin, TX
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www.varizoom.com
Go ahead and mount the camera with its center of gravity at the middle of the platform and
tighten the camera screw(s). Now rotate the camera so it points straight up or down. If your
camera/lens is long enough that you’re concerned about it striking the CPM base when tilting
straight up or down, you may either
a) set soft limits on your controller (when available), or b)
purchase the VZCPM-HE3 head extension
If the platform stays in position, you should be balanced enough. If the platform drifts
downward, you need to adjust the platform position slightly, upward. Conversely, if the
platform drifts upward, you need to adjust the platform position slightly downward.
Although the CPM will hold position even if the camera isn’t balanced, but it will operate more
efficiently with a balanced load, and particularly when used on a jib a balanced camera leads to
smoother overall operation. The balance doesn’t have to be
perfect, but it should be close.
Operating the CPM Head
First, make sure you disable OIS (optical image stabilization) if present on your camera/lens. OIS
can respond badly to the head’s motion,
resulting in odd and unwanted visual effects, almost
like the image is drifting off slightly to the side. Mount your camera securely - with multiple
screws whenever possible. Also make sure the head is securely mounted and there is some
slack in the cabling so that the head’s servos aren’t fighting cable drag.
The controls at your disposal will depend on the controller model you purchased. As a baseline,
you will always have speed, direction, smoothing and deadband control. Refer to the controller
manual for further instruction on setup and options.
