CARTONI HF 1800 Fluid Heads User Manual
- June 8, 2024
- CARTONI
Table of Contents
CARTONI HF 1800 Fluid Heads
SAFETY & SET-UP INTRODUCTION
Built of magnesium alloy and aluminum the FOCUS 18 Fluid Head is specifically designed for ENG digital camcorders weighing from 6 to 18 kg (13.2 to 40 lbs).
CARTONI has employed the latest in design technology to offer a Fluid Head which is extremely rugged, lightweight and cost-effective.
FOCUS 18 offers a host of advanced features including infinitely
adjustable tension settings, a Euro-style quick-release Camera plate and
switchable illuminated bubble level.
The award-winning, patented Fluid dampening system ensures consistent drag
levels and smooth Camera movements throughout the range.
Featuring an infinitely variable counterbalance with easily-readable numerical
reference, the FOCUS 18 provides excellent performances at any tilt angle from
+90° to -70° degrees (-90° with sliding base plate).
FOCUS 18 interfaces with all 100 mm bowl base tripods.
- Before using the product read this user manual.
- Before installing the Fluid Head on the Tripod check the Tripod sta-bility.
- Verify that the Camera payload (including lenses and accessories) is lower than the maximum capacity of the Fluid Head.
- Before installing the Camera make sure that the Fluid Head is in good conditions and bares no evident damages.
OPERATING ELEMENTS
- Camera plate
- Sliding Camera platform
- Pan bar attachment
- Pan bar extension
- Pan drag selector
- Pan brake lever
- Tilt brake lever
- Camera plate release lever
- Safety button
- Sliding platform lock
- Tilt drag selector
- Illuminated spirit level
- Counterbalance selector
- Tie down knob
- Pan bar
PROCEDURES
- Place the FOCUS 18 on your Tripod by loosening the tie-down knob (14) under the Fluid Head and level using the illuminated spirit level (12). In low light conditions, press near button (12) for light.
- Connect the Pan bar (15) to the Fluid Head tightening the lever (3) on the Pan bar attachment and select your desired operating angle. The telescopic Pan bar length can be adjusted via lever (4).
- Lock both Pan and Tilt brakes (6 & 7), turn both Tilt drag selector (11) and counterbalance knob (13) to the minimum.
- Open the Camera plate lock lever (8) completely to release the Camera plate (1).
- Remove the Camera plate (1) from the sliding Camera platform (2) by squeezing simultaneously Camera plate lever (8) and the safety button (9). Attach the Camera plate (1) to the bottom of the Camera and tighten the clamping screw to secure the Camera. Try to center the Camera plate on the Camera, keeping the center of gravity (CG) position in mind.
- Lock the sliding platform lever (10), click the Camera into the quick-release sliding platform (2), the plate will lock into place.
- Hold the Camera in horizontal position with the Pan bar (15) and re-lease the Tilt brake lever (7). Release the sliding platform lever (10) and find the correct center of gravity (CG) position, by sliding the Camera platform (2) back and forth until you have achieved the correct balance. Lock the sliding platform lock (10).
- Set the counterbalance system by turning the balance knob clockwise (13) to appropriate tension. The Camera has to stay at any tilt angle. Eventually fine-tune by adjusting the sliding plate.
- Unlock the Pan brake lever (6) and set the Fluid drag control by adjusting selectors (5 & 11).
- When the illuminated spirit level light fails it is time to replace the batteries (12). Pull out the battery tray.
- For easy mounting on a slider, the threaded shaft on the head bowl can be removed with a 10 mm Allen key and a 3/8 inch threaded hole will allow the connection.
SPECIFICATIONS
Maintenance
With indoor use – when needed – just clean the FOCUS 18 and Tripod with a soft cloth. Dirt accumulated during storage may be removed using a brush or Air spray.
CARTONI products main mechanisms are sealed as they are also built for
professional outdoor use.
However, use under rough conditions will require special care. Salt water is
very corrosive and can cause extreme damages. In atempt to avoid further
damage the Fluid Head should be washed off with fresh water at the earliest
opportunity and dried before storage.
Sand and dirt are abrasive and should be removed using a semi-stiff brush or
Air spray.
Disconnect the illuminated spirit level battery during long term storage.
Warranty
All CARTONI Fluid Heads & Pedestals have a free of charge three (3) year
warranty. Register your product at www.cartoni.com
within 30 days from date of first purchase/invoice to receive further two (2)
year warranty for the unsurpassed free five (5) year warranty.
Tripods, spreaders, dollies and all accessories are guaranteed one (1) year
from the date of first purchase/invoice.
CARTONI warrant that the product supplied will – under proper use – be free from defects in workmanship and materials and agrees that it will, at its option, either repair or replace any defective part within duration of warranty from date of first purchase with no labour charge.
This warranty does not apply to any CARTONI product that has been damaged in
shipping or handling, abused, misused, operated contrary to instructions for
use, neglected, normal wear or tear, modified or changed in design or
construction or serviced by unauthorized parties.
Repairs or misuse by any unauthorized parties will void this warranty.
Warranty claims must be submitted – in writing – to the factory for
verification or to an authorized distributor/dealer designated by CARTONI.
It is the end user’s responsibility when ordering to ensure that the products
ordered conform to his requirements.
All freight of product to CARTONI must be prepaid. All implied warranties are
limited to the time period set forth herein & subject to change without
notice.
No liability can be accepted for any variation.
Accessories & product line
For the complete Accessories list & Product line please visit CARTONI’s
official website www.cartoni.com.
Every product has an updated list of compatible items sorted by groups,with
descriptions and technical data.
CARTONI S.p.A
Via di Portonaccio, 33/B – 00159 Rome (Italy)
Phone +39 06 4382002
Fax +39 06 43588293
Email: [email protected]
www.cartoni.com