Platyball Elite Ball Head User Manual
- June 13, 2024
- Platyball
Table of Contents
USER’S MANUAL
PLATYBALL® USER’S MANUAL:
Congratulations on acquiring a new Platyball tripod ballhead!
FEATURES:
- Upside-down design: allows the upper portion to be used as a handgrip support to position your camera. Eliminates the need to level your tripod orPlatypod® base. Level panning is maintained throughout the pan because the fluid motion panning turntable is located at the top of the unit.
- Knobless controls: 2 large buttons in front progressively tighten or loosen the ball locking mechanism with each button press, eliminating protruding knobs for better handling and stowage.
- Twist action Arca-compatible quick release clamp: locks practically any Arca-compatible quick release plate with a simple half-twist of the locking collar. Convenient safety button prevents accidental release of the clamp.
- Elite only: LED level indicators. User calibratable electronic level with a brightness adjustable LED display. Visible even with camera mounted, from almost any angle, day or night, accurate to within +/- 0.5°.
ELITE AND ERGO MODELS:
A. Pedestal base: slotted for transport on a carabiner (not included).
A. (bottom): 3/8”-16 standard tripod socket – stainless steel reinforced and
adaptable to 1/4”-20 with included reducer bushing.
B. 35 mm ball: holds 22lb. (10 kg.) off axis load.
C. Forged aluminum chassis.
D. Progressive variable tension locking button.
E. Progressive variable tension unlocking button.
F. Locking wheel for panning turntable.
G. Twist-locking collar for Arca-compatible quick release clamp (with 360°
panning markings). Press safety button (H) and twist the collar
counterclockwise to lock the clamp or clockwise to unlock (as viewed from
above).
H. Arca compatible clamp safety button.
I. Arca compatible clamp/platform with two security slots to accommodate QR
plates that include security bolts.
J. Indicator arrows for panning markings.
K. Arca type quick release/calibration disk with bubble level and 1/4” stud:
excellent for small cameras and smartphone mounts. For larger equipment, we
recommend Arca compatible L-brackets available from other manufacturers.
L. 1/4”-20 reducer bushing: tighten in place with flat screwdriver or coin
prior to mounting on tripod.
Protective jacket (not shown): includes bungee loop to wrap around pedestal
stem and a slotted pocket for spare battery storage
ELITE MODEL ONLY:
M. Master Power switch for Elite electronic level.
N. Button 1 (left): activates/sleeps leveling LEDs (auto sleep after 1 minute,
auto power down after 4 minutes to save battery power). When the unit auto
powers down, use the Master Power Switch to turn off the Elite for 2 seconds
and on again to restart.
O. Button 2 (right) Multifunctional: 1 second push toggles brightness (three
levels). >6 seconds push sets zero-point calibration – (use the provided
calibration disk or a torpedo level to determine the zero point). >12 seconds
push resets the Elite to factory defaults.
P. Low battery indicator – activated when battery power is <10% capacity.
Replace soon with common A23 alkaline battery.
Q. Calibration indicator – blinks after “button 2” is pressed for >6 seconds.
Release “button 2” to set indicators to zero.
R. Battery screw cap (+ end of battery faces the cap).
S. Leveling module service release screw (Do not remove).
T. 2-axis leveling indicators: To achieve perfect horizontal and vertical
leveling, angle the position of the Platyball body until all 4 central green
arrows are continuously lit. Horizontal level positioning alone may be
maintained as long as the two horizontal central green arrows are continuously
lit, even though the unit is tipped upward or downward.
CARE OF YOUR PLATYBALL:
Simple cleaning with a damp cloth, soap and water as needed.
Do not soak, use lubricants, or harsh cleansers.
The Platyball is weather sealed to protect against rain, snow and salt-spray.
It is not meant to be used underwater.
MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY:
Warranty: 3 years for all mechanical parts and 1 year for the electronic
module. The Electronic module is user replaceable at no cost during the the 1
year warranty period. If the user elects to have Platypod Pro LLC do the
replacement, then the user is responsible for shipping both ways. A dated
proof of purchase is required for all warranty service.
NOT COVERED:
- Physical scratches, dents, and non-manufactured user damage.
- Damage from underwater immersion.
- Any damage due to improper use or negligence by the user.
Platyball® is a registered trademark of Platypod Pro LLC
