SCG PRO T8 Fluid Head Tripod System Instruction Manual
- June 4, 2024
- SCG PRO
Table of Contents
SCG PRO T8 Fluid Head Tripod System
Product Description
Safety Instructions
Please use this manual to familiarise yourself with the operation of the T8 Fluid Head and observe these instructions to prevent any damage to your equipment. Ensure that all equipment is operating correctly and free from defects and damage, also please ensure that the tripod is steady, secure and that the bowl is approximately horizontal when attaching the camera. The operator is responsible for the safe operation of this piece of equipment.
- Do not exceed the safety payload capacity of the Fluid Head.
- Do not leave the camera unattended on the Fluid Head.
- Do not release the CAMERA PLATE LOCK whilst the camera is at an angle.
- Do not adjust the tripod whilst the camera is attached to the Fluid Head.
- Ensure PANBAR LOCK is securely tightened.
- Apply TILT LOCK when adding/removing equipment from the camera or when attaching/removing the camera from the Fluid Head.
- Hold camera securely whilst changing Counterbalance, Pan Drag or Tilt Drag settings.
- Hold the camera securely whilst releasing the SAFETY RELEASE LEVER.
Mounting Your Camera
- Remove the CAMERA PLATE by turning anti-clockwise the CAMERA PLATE LOCK and pushing the SAFETY RELEASE on the PLATFORM.
- Attach the CAMERA PLATE to the camera such that the Centre of Gravity (C of G) mark on the camera is approximately in the middle of the camera plate.
- Tighten PAN/TILT LOCKS, mount the CAMERA PLATE to the PLATFORM non-locking side first. The side load lock mechanism will capture camera plate (distinct click sound will be made when CAMERA PLATE is retained). CAMERA PLATE will be able to slide freely until CAMERA PLATE LOCK lever is tightened.
- Untighten TILT LOCK, slide the CAMERA PLATE such that the camera’s C of G is directly above the centre axis of the Fluid Head, camera should be balanced (if not slide camera backward or forward). Once balanced tighten the SLIDE LOCK LEVER (anti-clockwise) and tighten TILT LOCK. If this cannot be achieved then reposition the CAMERA PLATE on the Camera – step 2.2.
NOTES:
- Refer to the camera’s owners manual for correct method of attachment to the CAMERA PLATE. Remove the 1/4’’ screw or 3/8’’ screw as required.
- The camera’s C of G can be estimated by placing the camera on to a round rod and then shifting it backwards or forwards until a balance point – C of G – is achieved. It is recommended to identify this point on the camera as it will be useful in step 2.2.
- Ensure CAMERA PLATE LOCK lever is tightened at all times when you are not finding C of G or mounting/ dismounting camera
Counterbalance Control
The counterbalance system was designed to neutralise the effect of the camera
weight when it is tilted. The T8 Fluid Head offers a 8 position counterbalance
system which is operated with the Counterbalance (CB) SELECTOR. With the T6
systems it is also possible to disengage counterbalance (position zero).
NOTE: Be careful when disengaging counterbalance as you could damage your
equipment with an unwanted tilt drop. The CB SELECTOR must be operated when
the BASE PLATE is in a horizontal position. After changing the counter-
balance setting it may be necessary to tilt the camera back and forth to
ensure that the CB spring has engaged.
- For safety it is generally better to start at a higher counterbalance position (e.g. position 6) and work your way to the correct setting, this is to reduce any chance of unwanted tilt drops.
- Hold the camera and release the TILT LOCK, then gently tilt the camera from the horizontal position forward then backward and observe its response. If the camera ‘springs back’ to the horizontal position then a lower counterbalance setting is required, use the CB SELECTOR to cycle through all even number positions (eight positions including zero).
- Correct counterbalance setting has been achieved when the camera does not spring back or drop when pan handle is released.
Pan/Tilt Drag Control
The T8 Fluid Head offers selectable positions of fluid drag in the Pan and
Tilt (including zero positions).
The settings are equally stepped from lighter drag in position 1 up to heavier
drag in position 3, the drag plates are completely disengaged in position
zero.
- Do not pan or tilt the Fluid Head whilst adjusting PAN or TILT DRAG CONTROL or whilst the PAN and TILT DRAG CONTROL is between settings.
- The drag setting can be changed at any tilt or pan angle.
Pan/Tilt Lock Control
The T8 Fluid Head offers high capacity caliper disc brake system to hold the Fluid Head in a fixed pan and/or tilt position. Camera position will not change when applying or releasing the Pan-tilt locks.
- Do not pan or tilt the Fluid Head whilst the PAN or the TILT LOCK is partially applied.
Illumination
The T8 Flu- id Head offers illumination of the BUBBLE LEVEL when the low
ambient light conditions exist.
Illumination can be achieved by pressing the LED BUTTON once. The light will
switch off after 10 seconds.
Maintenance
The T8 Fluid Head offers high quality surface coatings, dust and moisture seals. SCG recommends keeping the Fluid Head clean at all times by using soft brushes and lint free cloth to wipe over the surfaces.
- Do not immerse the Fluid Head in any liquid.
- Do not use stiff brushes, abrasives, harsh detergents and solvents.
Battery Replacement
- Use fingernail to open the battery tray.
- Using a small flat screw driver remove the battery.
- Align the new battery as shown on the back of the BATTERY DOOR and place into the BATTERY TRAY, then push down the battery into place.
- Push back the battery tray.
SPECIFICATIONS
MOUNTING BASE: 75mm ball
75mm mounting ball, with the help of level bubble and receiving bowl of the tripod, makes leveling easy and the system stable.
COUNTERBALANCED LOAD CAPACITY: 8 steps for 2-10kg
For camera rigs weighing 2-10kg, the weight is fully offset or neutralized
with the proper counterbalance setup.
You won’t have to hold the camera by hand for specific shooting angles, even
when tilting. This frees your mind to focus on content creation. Only high-end
brands like Sachtler offer similar mechanisms.
TRUE FLUID DRAG: 3 Steps + 0 Pan/Tilt Drag
The 4-step (3+0) genuine fluid drag system ensures silky smooth footage by providing consistently smooth and uniform drag that neither deviates nor deteriorates over time and usage.
OPERATING TEMPERATURE: -40/+60 ° C
SCG T8 excels in the harshest environments one can possibly work in, whether it’s sweltering heat or bitter cold.
TILT RANGE: +90° /-80°
The independent tilt lock features a vertical turning mechanism to secure the tilt position, intuitively differentiating it from the horizontally turning pan lock, preventing any potential misuse.
PANNING RANGE: 360°
The independent pan lock is horizontally turning to secure the pan position, intuitively differentiate from the vertically turning tilt lock, preventing any potential misuse.
STRUCTURAL MATERIAL: Alloy
SCG T8 is built to be durable with 99% of its parts made by alloy or other durable metals.
CAMERA PLATE: Quick release, sliding plate
The quick release plate and its 12cm sliding range makes camera balancing and changing a breeze.
BUBBLE LEVEL: Illuminated
The bubble level is illuminated, providing a clear and convenient white light that comes in handy for quick leveling when working in low-light conditions.
OTHER USER-FRIENDLY FEATURES:Dual replaceable rosettes
SCG’s dual rosette is separate from the head and easily replaceable, significantly extending the service life of the video fluid head.
SPARE PLATE SCREWS
Two spare plate screws (1/4″ and 3/8″ ) are parked on sides of the head and become handy when you lost your other screws.
WEIGHT: 2.18kg
Compact and light weight, easy to carry around.
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