Videndum V4105-0001 Vision Blue 5 Pan and Tilt Head User Guide
- May 15, 2024
- Videndum
Table of Contents
Vision blue5 Pan and Tilt Head
V4105-0001
V4105-0001 Vision Blue 5 Pan and Tilt Head
Operators Guide
V4105-4980/6
Copyright © 2022
All rights reserved.
Original instructions: English
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stored in a retrieval system, transmitted, copied or reproduced in any way,
including, but not limited to, photocopy, photograph, magnetic or other record
without the prior agreement and permission in writing of the Videndum Group
plc.
Trademarks
Vinten™, Vision® and Quickfit® are registered trademarks of the Videndum Group
plc.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this manual is believed to be correct at the time
of printing. Videndum Production Solutions Ltd reserves the right to make
changes to the information or specifications without obligation to notify any
person of such revision or changes. Changes will be incorporated in new
versions of the publication.
We are making every effort to ensure that our manuals are updated on a regular
basis to reflect changes to product specifications and features. Should this
manual not contain information on the core functionality of your product,
please let us know. You may be able to access the latest revision of this
manual from our website.
Videndum Production Solutions Ltd reserves the right to make changes to
product design and functionality without notification.
Published by:
Videndum Production Solutions Ltd.
Supports Technical Publications Department
E-mail:
technical.publications@Videndum.com
Safety – read this first
Warning symbols in this Operators Guide
Safety warnings and cautions are included in these instructions. These safety
instructions must be followed to avoid possible personal injury and avoid
possible damage to the product.
Usage
The Vision blue5 pan and tilt head is designed for use by professional camera operators to support and balance high-performance lightweight cameras and ancillary equipment weighing up to 12 kg (26.5 lb). The head must be mounted onto a suitable tripod designed to support the total payload.
WARNING!
- Do NOT attempt to use this product if you do not fully understand how to operate it.
- Do NOT use this product for any other purpose than that specified in this usage statement.
- Refer all maintenance beyond that detailed in this Operators Guide to an authorised Vinten service centre.
Disposal of waste batteries
Waste Batteries and Accumulators Directive (2006/66/EC)
Waste batteries must be carefully disposed of according to European Union and
local regulations.
By disposing of waste batteries correctly you will help prevent negative
consequences for the environment and human health, and conserve natural
resources.
- Do not dispose of batteries with general household waste.
- Do not dispose of batteries in a fire because they may explode.
Parts of the electronics within your product are powered by a battery. Always
read the instructions within this manual on how to safely replace the battery.
When replacing the battery, use only the same or an equivalent type of battery
recommended for use with the product.
Do not short-circuit the battery. Accidental short-circuiting can occur when a
metallic object causes a direct connection between the positive (+) and
negative (-) terminals on the battery.
Short-circuiting of the battery terminals may damage and discharge the
battery.
Technical specification
Weight (incl. pan bar, camera plate and bowl clamp assembly). . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . 2.4 kg (5.3 lb)
Height (to mounting face) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.1 cm (4.8 in.)
Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.9 cm (5.1 in.)
Width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14.8 cm (5.83 in.)
Capacity range @ 100 mm C of G – See balance chart (Fig. 3) . . . . . 5.5–12
kg (12.1–26.5 lb)
Tilt range. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ±90°
Pan range. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360°
Counterbalance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
fully variable Perfect Balance system
Tripod fixing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 mm ball
Level bubble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . illuminated, high contrast blue LED
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12V
Vision blue5 front and left-hand side (Fig. 1)
[1] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1/4 in.
camera screw and pin assembly
[2] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . Slide plate
[3] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . Tilt brake lever
[4] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . Pan brake lever
[5] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . … .
. . . .Tilt drag adjustment knob
[6] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . Slide plate clamp
[7] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . Pan bar clamp
[8] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
. . . . . . . . . . .Pan bar
Vision blue5 rear and left-hand side (Fig. 2)
[9] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .
. . Platform
[10] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. Battery compartment
[11] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .
. Perfect Balance knob
[12] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Push
button for illuminated level bubble
[13] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pan drag
adjustment knob
[14] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . .Bowl clamp assembly
[15] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Illuminated level bubble
[16] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .
. . . Pan bar mount
[17] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . Slide lock release
Introduction and description
The Vision blue5 pan and tilt head has been designed to support and perfectly
balance a range of professional digital video cameras. The head embodies an
adjustable spring counterbalancing mechanism and LF drag assemblies for pan
and tilt motions, and an adjustable camera mounting plate. The placement of
the pan and tilt brakes, drag controls and counterbalance allows the operator
to easily adjust the settings whilst operating the camera.
Perfect Balance
The balance system is adjusted using the Perfect Balance knob [11] located at
the rear of the head. Maximum and minimum payloads that can be balanced, and
the range of tilt angles achievable with the payload, are dependent on the
weight of the camera payload and on the camera’s Centre of Gravity (C of G)
height.
The counterbalance chart (Fig. 3) shows the range of payloads and C of G
height that can be maintained in balance. The shaded area of the chart
corresponds to those payload/C of G combinations that can be balanced over the
full tilt range. The areas to the right indicate the progressively reducing
tilt range with greater load and higher C of G. Where a payload/C of G
combination falls outside of the chart range, it will be necessary to increase
or decrease the weight or the C of G height to enable the head to balance the
load.
Pan and tilt drag
Both pan and tilt mechanisms incorporate the patented Vinten lubricated
friction (LF) system to ensure smooth movement of the camera about these axes.
Pan and tilt drag is adjusted using the pan drag adjustment knob [13] and tilt
drag adjustment knob [5]. The whip-pan facility is unaffected by the pan drag
setting.
Pan and tilt brakes
Both pan and tilt brakes allow each axis on the head to be locked at any
chosen position. The pan brake lever [4] and tilt brake lever [3] are located
on the left-hand side of the head.
Illuminated level bubble
Levelling the head is achieved using the level bubble [15]. In situations of
low light, the level bubble can be illuminated by pressing the push button
[12]. The bubble will remain illuminated for 15 seconds. The battery for the
level bubble is contained within a battery compartment [10] located under the
platform.
Pan bar
Pan bar mounting points [16] are located at the rear of the head on either
side of the platform.
The pan bar [8] is attached using a pan bar clamp [7], with angular adjustment
available on the mount serrations. A fixed pan bar is supplied, with an option
to fit another pan bar, if required.
Camera mounting
The camera is attached to the head using a slide plate [2] that is attached to
the camera and then loaded from the rear of the platform [9] and secured in
position by the slide plate clamp [6].
The clamp prevents inadvertent removal of the camera from the head. The slide
plate [2] is supplied with a 1/4 in. camera fixing screw and pin [1] and two
3/8 in. camera screws.
Operation
Fitting the pan bar
A single pan bar is supplied and is fitted to either the right or left side of
the head onto the pan bar mounting [16]. To fit the pan bar:
Position the pan bar [8] on the pan bar mounting point [16].
Rotate the pan bar clamp [7] in a clockwise direction, until the pan bar is
secured.
A second pan bar can be fitted to the other side of the head, if required (see
the Parts list on page 14 for further information).
Installing the head on a tripod
The Vision blue5 pan and tilt head is supplied with an integral 75 mm ball
mount, designed for installation onto a compatible Vinten tripod. Adaptors are
available which enable the head to be installed on tripods fitted with other
mountings.
To install the head onto the tripod:
Remove the bowl clamp assembly [14] from the head by turning it in an anti-
clockwise direction.
Position the head on the tripod, carefully lowering the head into the tripod
bowl.
Using the pan bar [8] to steady the head, refit the bowl clamp assembly [14]
from below the tripod bowl, turning it in a clockwise direction, until the
head is secured.
Apply the pan brake [4] and tilt brake [3] by turning the levers in a
clockwise direction.
CAUTION! Do NOT use force on the brake levers. Hand tighten only.
Using the level bubble [15] adjust the position of the head, until the head
sits level in the tripod bowl. Tighten the bowl clamp assembly [14] to secure
the head in position. The level bubble can be illuminated by pressing the push
button [12].
Mounting the camera
The head is supplied with a camera slide plate [2], that can be fitted with a
1/4 in. screw and pin assembly [1], two 1/4 in. or two 3/8 in. camera screws,
depending on the camera attachment.
To mount the camera onto the head:
Remove the slide plate [2] from the head. Release the slide plate clamp [6]
and press the slide lock release [17], then slide the plate out to the rear of
the platform [9].
Attach the slide plate [2] to the camera or camera mounting plate under the
approximate centre of the camera’s weight.
Set the platform [9] level and apply both the pan and tilt brakes ([4], [3]).
CAUTION! Do NOT use force on the pan and tilt brake levers. Hand tighten only.
Lower the camera onto the rear of the platform [9] and slide the plate into
the track in the platform, ensuring the slide lock release [17] snaps into
position.
Using the pan bar [8] to steady the camera, tighten the slide plate clamp [6]
in a clockwise direction to secure the camera in position.
Balancing the head
A perfectly balanced head allows operators to control camera movement with a
minimal amount of effort. Once balanced, the head and its payload can be set
to any tilt position and remain at that position, allowing operators to work
hands-free.
WARNING!
-
Do NOT exceed the maximum capacity of either the head or the tripod.
The system will become unstable and may fail. -
Always support the camera payload when adjusting the Perfect Balance knob [11] to prevent it falling away suddenly.
-
Keep hands clear of the moving platform to avoid trapping fingers.
Before balancing the head, ensure that the camera and lens, pan bar and all ancillary equipment has been fitted. The head must be balanced whenever the camera and/or lens is changed, or when ancillary equipment is added or removed. To check the camera balance:
WARNING!
Steady the camera payload using the pan bar. Be prepared to prevent the head
falling away suddenly.
Reduce tilt drag to a minimum level by turning the tilt adjustment drag knob
[5] anti-clockwise. Reduce the counterbalance to a minimum level by turning
the Perfect Balance knob [11] in an anti-clockwise direction.
Hold the pan bar [8] to steady the camera payload. Release the tilt brake [3].
Tilt the head backwards and forwards to determine if the camera position is
equally balanced in both directions. The camera and payload must be positioned
over the C of G.
If the C of G of the camera and head are not aligned, set the platform level
and apply the tilt brake [3]. Position the camera correctly on the head by
releasing the slide plate clamp [6] and then sliding the camera on the camera
slide plate [2] backwards or forwards until it balances horizontally. Tighten
the slide plate clamp [6] to secure the camera in position. Recheck and adjust
as necessary.
WARNING!
Securely apply the slide plate clamp when the camera is positioned, to prevent
the camera payload slipping.
Using the pan bar [8] to tilt the head backwards and forwards, turn the
Perfect Balance lever [11] clockwise, until the camera remains in position and
does not fall away when the head is tilted and then released (hands free).
Repeat the setup, until perfect balance is achieved, when the camera remains
set at any angle from +90° to -90° without falling away or springing back.
NOTE: Maximum tilt angle is less than 90° for heavy payloads with a high
C of G – refer to the counterbalance chart (Fig. 3).
Apply the tilt brake [3] to prevent the camera from moving accidentally when
not in use.
Camera image stabilisation
Video camera image stabilisation is a great feature when going handheld, but
it can cause issues when the camera is mounted to a tripod. If the image
stabilisation is switched on when you frame up to a position and stop, the
picture will continue to move or drift after the camera has stopped moving,
suggesting there is springback within the tripod system. This is not the case,
it is simply the lag within the camera image stabilisation system.
It is recommended that you switch off image stabilisation when mounting the
camera to a tripod.
Operating the pan and tilt brakes
Friction brakes on each axis allow the head to be locked at any chosen
position. The operating levers for the pan brake [4] and tilt brake [3] are
fitted on the left-hand side of the head.
CAUTION!
- Do NOT use force on the brake levers. Hand tighten only.
- Do NOT use the brakes to supplement drag, the head may be damaged.
Always ensure they are fully released when the head is not in use.
To apply the brake turn the brake lever fully clockwise.
To release the brake turn the brake lever fully anti-clockwise.
Operating the pan and tilt drag
Both the pan and tilt mechanisms incorporate the Vinten LF system to ensure
smooth movement of the camera about these axes. The tilt drag adjustment knob
[5] is located at the front of the head on the right-hand side and the pan
drag adjustment knob [13] is located on the rear of the head. Both drag
adjustment knobs are provided with graduated scales.
NOTE: The whip-pan facility is not affected by the pan drag setting.
To increase drag, turn the adjustment knob towards a higher graduation.
To decrease drag, turn the adjustment knob towards a lower graduation.
CAUTION! Reduce drag to a minimum when the head is out of use for long
periods, to minimise wear on drag components.
Maintenance
General
Vinten products are robustly made to high engineering standards and little
attention is required to maintain serviceability except regular cleaning.
Attention to the following points will ensure a long and useful service life
with minimum need for repair. Do not make any adjustments to the head beyond
those described in this manual. Should the product become defective, return
the head to an authorised Vinten service centre.
Cleaning
During indoor use, the only cleaning required should be a regular wipe over
with a lint-free cloth.
Dirt accumulated during storage may be removed using a semi-stiff brush or
vacuum cleaner.
Particular attention should be paid to the ball mounting face of the head, the
space between the tilting assembly and the base and the mounting bowl of the
tripod.
CAUTION! Do NOT use solvent or oil-based cleaners, abrasives or wire
brushes to remove accumulations of dirt, as these damage the protective
surfaces.
Use only detergent-based cleaners.
Use out-of-doors under adverse conditions will require special attention. Salt
spray should be washed off with fresh clean water at the earliest opportunity.
Sand and dirt acts as an abrasive and should be removed using a semi-stiff
brush or vacuum cleaner.
Routine maintenance
During use, check the following:
Check the illumination of the level bubble. Replace battery, if necessary.
Check the effectiveness of the pan and tilt drag controls. Reset as necessary.
Check the effectiveness of the pan and tilt brakes. Reset as necessary.
No further routine maintenance is required.
Replacing the battery (Fig. 4)
The battery illuminates the level bubble [15] when the push button [12] is
pressed. The battery should be replaced yearly or whenever the illumination is
considered inadequate.
WARNING!
If a payload is not fitted to the head, turn the Perfect Balance knob fully
anti-clockwise to reduce the counterbalancing force before tilting the head
forwards.
To replace the battery:
Tilt the head forwards to allow access to the battery compartment [10]. Apply
the tilt brake [3].
Using a thin-bladed screwdriver or similar tool, carefully remove the battery
cover [10.1].
Remove the battery from the battery compartment [10].
Observing the correct polarity, insert the replacement battery [10.2] into the
battery compartment [10].
Refit the battery cover [10.1].
Press the push button [12] and ensure that the level bubble [15] illuminates
for approximately 15 seconds.
Adjusting the brakes levers and drag control knobs
The pan and tilt brakes levers ([3], [4]) and drag adjustment knobs ([5],
[13]) may require adjustment after prolonged use. Only competent persons
should undertake the adjustment of the drag controls. These adjustments can be
made as part of regular servicing of the head. Contact an authorised Vinten
service centre to discuss the servicing of your Vision blue5 pan and tilt
head.
Pan and tilt brake lever adjustment (Fig. 6) (Fig. 7)
WARNING!
Remove the payload before adjusting the pan brake lever. The pan and tilt
brake levers are set during manufacture, so that the brakes are fully applied
before the levers reach their upper stops.
As the brakes bed in during use, it may be necessary to reset the levers.
To adjust the brakes levers:
Turn the brake lever fully anti-clockwise to its lower stop (OFF position).
Using a flat-blade screwdriver or similar tool, unscrew the screw [19]
securing the brake lever, until its stop is reached.
Turn the lever approximately 15 degrees below the off position, then carefully
pull the lever off the shaft [18].
Turn the brake shaft [18] clockwise by hand, until the brake is fully applied
(ON position).
Turn the brake shaft anti-clockwise approximately 60 degrees.
Push the lever onto the brake shaft [18], turning the lever slowly anti-
clockwise, until it fits into position (approximately 15 degrees).
Turn the lever clockwise to the OFF position and push it inwards.
Using the flat-blade screwdriver or similar tool tighten the securing screw
[19]. Do not overtighten.
To test the brake, turn the lever clockwise and ensure that the brake is fully
applied before the upper stop is reached. Then turn the lever fully anti-
clockwise and ensure that the brake is fully released before the lower stop is
reached. Re- adjust the position of the lever as necessary.
Drag knob adjustment (Fig. 8)
The pan and tilt drag control knobs ([13], [5]) are set so that drag begins to
be felt in the arrow area on the indicator [13.2].
To reset the drag knobs:
Release the pan and tilt brakes.
Turn the drag control knob [13], until the grub screw [13.1] is accessible.
Using an Allen key slacken the grub screw by six turns.
Hold the indicator [13.2] stationary and slowly rotate the drag knob [13] 18
degrees to the left. Eighteen degrees is two clicks of the detent mechanism or
half the pitch of the control knob lobes.
Using an Allen key, carefully tighten the grub screw [13.1], adjusting the
position of the control knob as necessary, so that the grub screw seats
correctly in a slot in the indicator and can be fully tightened.
To test the adjustment, decrease drag to zero. Then increase drag and ensure
that drag begins to be felt in the arrow area on the indicator [13.2] and that
‘9’ on the indicator can be reached. Re-adjust the drag control until this can
be achieved.
Parts list
The following lists include main assemblies, user-replaceable spare parts and
optional accessories. For further information regarding repair or spare parts,
please contact Vinten or your local Vinten distributor. For more information
visit our website at www.vinten.com.
Main assemblies
Vision blue5 pan & tilt head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . V4105-0001
Bowl clamp knob assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . V4150-1100
Pan bar assembly (incl. clamp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . 3219-110
User-replaceable spare parts
Bowl clamp knob assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . V4150-1100
Brake Knob Assembly Kit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . 3431-900SP
Slide Plate Assembly Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . V4043-1901
1/4 in. camera screw and pin assembly . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .
. . V4045-1006
1/4 in. camera screw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . V4045-2073
3/8 in. camera screw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . V4045-2074
Battery (12V) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . C550-021
Optional accessories
Extended ENG slide plate assembly (incl. 3/8 in. camera screws) . . . . . . .
. 3330-33
ENG Quickfit automatic adaptor with wedge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . 3471-3
ENG Quickfit® wedge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . 3763-11
75 mm ball to 100 mm bowl adaptor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. . . . . . . . 3330-243
Fixed pan bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3219-110
Telescopic pan bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3219-113
Two-stage aluminium pozi-loc tripod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . 3819-3
Floor spreader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3363-3
Mid-level spreader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . V4032-0001
Set of three feet (for use with mid-level spreaders) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . 3378-902SP
Tripod carrying strap. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . 3425-3P
Soft case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3358-3
Vision blue5 Pan and Tilt Head
V4105-0001
Operators Guide
V4105-4980/6
for more information, visit
www.vinten.com