promaster Professional Gimbal Head GH26 Instruction Manual

promaster Professional Gimbal Head GH26 Instruction Manual

Assembling the GH26

When you first unbox the GH26 you will find some of its parts in a disassembled state inside the included bag. Begin by removing the components which include the: Pan Base (12), Upright (16)
Platform (6), Smooth-control Handle (9), and Quick Release Plate (15). The Pan Base and Upright should already be connected and the rest of the parts will be loose.
Set the QR Plate (15) aside for now. Connecting the plate is explained in the next section of this manual.

Take ahold of the Platform (6) and loosen its Platform Knob (5). Now slide the Platform (6) onto the Arm (3) so it appears like the main figure in the Parts Diagram. Note, the Arm (3) is part of the
Upright (16) assembly. The Platform (6) will reach a stopping point at the bottom of the Arm (3). Now tighten the Platform Knob (5) to hold it in place.

Locate the Smooth-control Handle (9). The use of this handle is optional. The Smooth-control
Handle (9) offers greater leverage and control over your camera rig and can be especially useful when capturing video footage. To attach the Smooth-control Handle (9) loosen the Arm Tension
Control Knob (1) as well as the Arm Lock Knob (2). Rotate the Arm (3) and Platform (6) about 90 degrees upward so the bottom of the Platform (6) is facing you while the Arm (3) is to your left.
Notice the connection port in the bottom of the Platform (6) directly on the underside of the Quick Release Receiver (7). Attach the Smooth-control Handle (9) to this area and use the Smoothcontrol
Handle Attachment Knob (10) to tighten it in place. Notice the Smooth-control Handle (9) can be attached in a variety of positions. Begin with a position similar to that shown in the main figure. As you become proficient you may choose to place it in a different position, depending on your rig and the desired movement. Once the handle is attached, return the Arm (3) and Platform (6) to their normal resting position.
Now mount the GH26 to your tripod, or other mounting base, as you would a typical photographic head. Be sure it is attached firmly and all grub screws (where applicable) on your tripod are properly tightened.

• Please note, when disassembling the GH26 the Pan Base (12) and Upright (16) can be left together for storage in the bag. Optionally, these two parts can be further disassembled from each other for compact storage and transport. To separate these components, pull down on the red-colored Upright Safety Release Knob (19) and slide the Upright (16) completely off the Pan Base (12).

Attaching Your Camera, Lens, or Rig to the GH26

Attach the Quick Release Plate (15) to the tripod port on the bottom of your camera, video camera, or lens. In most cases you will use the Small Mounting Bolt (22) which is a 1⁄4”-20 type thread.
However, the Large Mounting Bolt (21) may be necessary with some gear. It has a 3/8”-16 thread.
Professional lenses and cameras may have two mounting holes, for which you can use both the Small Mounting Bolt (22) and Large Mounting Bolt (21) simultaneously.
If you prefer to remove one of the mounting bolts, remove the Rubber Cover (23) from the bottom of the QR plate, slide out the bolt, and replace the Rubber Cover (23).
When mounting any camera, camcorder, or lens, slide the bolt(s) within the slot in the QR plate to achieve the best positioning of the plate. Always mount the plate parallel to the direction of your lens for proper operation of this gimbal.

The Anti-twist Pin (20) is designed for an anti-twist hole found in the bottom of some camcorders and lens mounting rings. If your camera or lens does not have this hole you can remove the pin by unscrewing it from the bottom of the QR Plate with a flathead screwdriver. Or, since the pin is spring loaded, you can leave it in place and it will retract on its own when it makes contact with the bottom, flat surface of your camera or lens.
Before mounting your rig to the GH26, tighten the Arm Lock Knob (2) and the Base Lock Knob (13). With the QR Plate (15) firmly attached to your equipment, open the jaws of the Quick Release Receiver (7) by turning the Quick Release Knob (8) counterclockwise. Place the QR Plate (15) into the receiver. Continue to hold your rig as you now firmly tighten the Quick Release Knob (8). Once you are sure the QR Plate (15) is firmly connected to the GH26 you can slowly let go of it. Take note of the two Safety Bolts (24) in the bottom of the QR Plate which prevent the plate from accidentally sliding out of the gimbal. These bolts can be removed but be cautious in doing this as your equipment can slide out of the gimbal and fall more easily.

Operating the GH26

Begin by balancing your rig. With the Base Lock Knob (13) tightened, slowly/slightly loosen the Arm Lock Knob (2) followed by the Arm Tension Control Knob (1). If the Arm (3) of the GH26 begins to move, the rig is out of balance. Tighten the Arm Tension Control Knob (1). With a firm hold on your rig slightly loosen the Quick Release Knob (8). Once this knob is loosened enough to slide the rig and its QR Plate (15) within the Quick Release Receiver (7), slide it forward or backward a little bit to counteract the movement of the Arm (3). Tighten the Quick Release Knob

• and repeat these steps again until a balance point is

Now you will adjust the gimbal so your rig pivots properly, rather than swings. Loosen the Platform Knob (5) and slide your rig upward with the Platform (6) along the Arm (3) until the center of your lens is aligned vertically with the white triangle-shaped marker at the top of the Vertical Adjustment Scale (4). The “center of your lens” refers to the vertical center of its barrel. You can also use the vertical center of the lens-to-camera mount as a visual guide for this. Once you have found this proper pivot-point for the lens, tighten the Platform Knob (5) and once again loosen the Arm Tension Control Knob (1) slowly. Your camera should remain in place, level on the GH26. If it does not, repeat the balancing process as described in the above paragraph.

With your camera and lens attached and balanced you can now enjoy using the GH26. For fast action type movements loosen the Base Lock Knob (13), the Pan Tension Control Knob (11), the Arm Tension Control Knob (1), and the Arm Lock Knob (2). A properly balanced rig will provide fast movements for quick tracking of objects with these controls loosened. This is how most gimbals are used. The GH26 is also capable of smooth, controlled movements. Apply some tension using the Arm Tension Control Knob (1) and the Pan Tension Control Knob (11) to slow down and control the movements in a fluid-like fashion. Use different amounts of tension on these controls to achieve your desired movement or lock the arm or base in place (using the appropriate lock knobs) to isolate movement to just the other. Use the Smooth-control Handle (9) to apply movement to the GH26 in the most controlled fashion. This is especially useful when capturing video footage and when using smaller, lighter-weight cameras, lenses, or camcorders.

• Note, the Arm Lock Knob (2) must always be loosened before the Arm Tension Control Knob (1) will function. The Base Lock Knob (13) must always be loosened before the Pan Tension Control Knob (11) will function. The Arm Lock Knob (2) and Base Lock Knob (13) are not tension controls. They are designed strictly to lock-in a particular position or to release it and allow the corresponding tension control to take over that range of movement .

Operating the GH26

Begin by balancing your rig. With the Base Lock Knob (13) tightened, slowly/slightly loosen the Arm Lock Knob (2) followed by the Arm Tension Control Knob (1). If the Arm (3) of the GH26 begins to move, the rig is out of balance. Tighten the Arm Tension Control Knob (1). With a firm hold on your rig slightly loosen the Quick Release Knob (8). Once this knob is loosened enough to slide the rig and its QR Plate (15) within the Quick Release Receiver (7), slide it forward or backward a little bit to counteract the movement of the Arm (3). Tighten the Quick Release Knobs .

Now you will adjust the gimbal so your rig pivots properly, rather than swings. Loosen the Platform Knob (5) and slide your rig upward with the Platform (6) along the Arm (3) until the center of your lens is aligned vertically with the white triangle-shaped marker at the top of the Vertical Adjustment Scale (4). The “center of your lens” refers to the vertical center of its barrel. You can also use the vertical center of the lens-to-camera mount as a visual guide for this. Once you have found this proper pivot-point for the lens, tighten the Platform Knob (5) and once again loosen the Arm Tension Control Knob (1) slowly. Your camera should remain in place, level on the GH26. If it does not, repeat the balancing process as described in the above paragraph.

With your camera and lens attached and balanced you can now enjoy using the GH26. For fast action type movements loosen the Base Lock Knob (13), the Pan Tension Control Knob (11), the Arm Tension Control Knob (1), and the Arm Lock Knob (2). A properly balanced rig will provide fast movements for quick tracking of objects with these controls loosened. This is how most gimbals are used. The GH26 is also capable of smooth, controlled movements. Apply some tension using the Arm Tension Control Knob (1) and the Pan Tension Control Knob (11) to slow down and control the movements in a fluid-like fashion. Use different amounts of tension on these controls to achieve your desired movement or lock the arm or base in place (using the appropriate lock knobs) to isolate movement to just the other. Use the Smooth-control Handle (9) to apply movement to the GH26 in the most controlled fashion. This is especially useful when capturing video footage and when using smaller, lighter-weight cameras, lenses, or camcorders.

• Note, the Arm Lock Knob (2) must always be loosened before the Arm Tension Control Knob (1) will function. The Base Lock Knob (13) must always be loosened before the Pan Tension Control Knob (11) will function. The Arm Lock Knob (2) and Base Lock Knob (13) are not tension controls. They are designed strictly to lock-in a particular position or to release it and allow the corresponding tension control to take over that range of movement.

Operational Tips

1. The GH26 has a rated, maximum load capacity of 22 lbs / 10 kg. This assumes a properly balanced load. If the camera and lens are not properly balanced there is a danger of tipping and falling which could lead to damage to your equipment or to your person. Always be sure to properly balance your rig
2. Be advised that while the GH26 can handle a load up to 22 lbs / 10 kg, your tripod (with the GH26 attached) must also be able to handle this load, including movements you will apply to the rig via the gimbal (swings and pans).
3. The Locking Knobs (2 and 13) are not infinitely adjustable. These use internal gears that lock into place every few degrees for the most solid, stable lock-system.
4. While the Upright (16) and Pan Base (12) may remain together for storage in the included bag, they can, alternatively, be separated. See the note at the end of the section labeled “Assembling the GH26” for more information.
5. This head is designed for use with Dovetail (arca-type) quick release If the included plate is not long enough to achieve proper balance with your camera and lens, consider a longer plate such as the ProMaster 5547 or 5554, or similar, which are designed for this task.
6. A solid, vertical white line can be found on the Horizontal Adjustment Scale (18) between 11 and 12. Line up the white triangle marker on the Upright (16) with the white line and the Gimbal’s Quick Release Receiver (7) will be centered above the center point of the Pan Base’s rotation point. This will give you natural looking pans rather than a swinging type motion.

Here are some tips to help ensure a stable tripod setup:

• If possible, attach the GH26 directly to the column platform of your tripod. Do not connect the GH26 to a ball head or pan/tilt head as this will reduce
• Always use the tripod’s legs to achieve your desired working height rather than its Only extend the column if absolutely necessary. Extending the column of the tripod greatly reduces stability.
• If your tripod has multi-angle legs and you can achieve your desired working height with the legs set at a wider angle, thereby creating a larger base, do This improves stability.
• Always be sure your tripod is level even if the ground it is placed on it not. Use the leg adjustments of the tripod to achieve a level state for the gimbal before mounting your camera and balancing it.

Cold weather performance is only a guide. The GH26’s performance in cold weather can be affected by moisture as well as temperature and working load. With increases in moisture and/or decreases in temperature you will notice the GH26’s movements begin to slow down as the unit’s joints become stiff. In this case you may want to be sure all of the tension adjustments on the
GH26 are set to their loosest setting to regain movement. If possible, do your best to keep the GH26 dry to prevent moisture from affecting performance.

ONE YEAR UNCONDITIONAL WARRANTY

If for any reason, this ProMaster product fails within ONE YEAR of the date of purchase, return this product to your ProMaster dealer and it will be exchanged for you at no charge. ProMaster products are guaranteed for ONE FULL YEAR against defects in workmanship and materials. If at any time after one year, your ProMaster product fails under normal use, we invite you to return it to ProMaster for evaluation.

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Made in ChinaWWW.PROMASTER.COM | FAIRFIELD, CT 06825

Parts Diagram

Parts Diagram

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