CARTONI MASTER 25 Fluid Head User Manual

: September 3, 2024
: CARTONI

Table of Contents

CARTONI MASTER 25 Fluid Head
Safety & Set-Up Introduction
OPERATING ELEMENTS
PROCEDURES
SPECIFICATIONS
MAINTENANCE
WARRANTY
ACCESSORIES & PRODUCT LINE
CERTIFICATE
FAQ
CONTACT
References
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CARTONI MASTER 25 Fluid Head

Safety & Set-Up Introduction

The new MASTER 25 is a robust, yet lightweight Fluid Head. Designed to support the latest cameras complete with long lens, viewfinders, prompt-ers and pan bar controls for new studio production as well as OB/ENG/EFP applications, with a payload capacity of up to 30 kg (66 lbs).
The MASTER 25, weighs only 4.4 kg (9.7 lbs) thanks to the extensive use of extremely lightweight magnesium alloys, features a tilt range of +/-90° and easy to use rings that allow the camera operator or grip to preselect the continuously adjustable fluid drag and counterbalance on a numerical scale from 0 to 10.
Both the pan and tilt brake levers are easy to reach, also the Head features a convenient horizontal lock for setup and a switchable illuminated spirit level completes the operating specs.
With a 150 mm bowl, it offers a wide and stable base on tripods or hi-hats. The Head base includes 4 bolt threads for direct interface to most of the Pedestals.
Additionally, the Camera platform is equipped with a sliding Camera plate, compatible with competitor gear as the Vinten Vision 250, with a stan-dard 11 cm plate or 22 cm extra-long plate for balancing off-set Camera configurations.
The MASTER 25 is the ultimate premium Head, with a combination of perfect patented balance and a super-smooth, continuously variable pat-ented fluid drag on pan and tilt modes, perfectly suited for the camera operators needs.

That means the Head can precisely track slow moving objects and whip pan in an instant.

Before using the product read this user manual.
Before installing the Fluid Head on the Tripod check the Tripod stability.
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 3 Pan bar attachment
Pan bar extension
Pan drag selector
Tie down shaft removable
Tie down knob
Horizontal lock lever
Tilt brake lever
Pan brake lever
Pan Bar
Slide lock release button
Sliding platform lock
Tilt drag selector
Illuminated spirit level
Counterbalance selector
Level Bubble Light button
Clamping screws
Battery tray

PROCEDURES

Place the MASTER 25 on your Tripod by loosening the tie-down knob (7) under the Fluid Head and level using the level bubble (15). In low light conditions, press button (17) for light.
Connect the Pan bar (11) 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 (9 & 10), turn both Tilt drag selector (14) and Counterbalance knob (16) to the minimum.
Hold the platform (2) in horizontal position and place the horizontal lock lever (8) on the red dot for setup the camera.
Unlock the lever (13) and move the camera plate (1) from the platform (2) by sliding the plate to the back.
Press the Release button (12) in order to release the Camera plate (1).
Remove the Camera plate (1) by sliding it from the Camera platform (2).
Attach the Camera plate (1) to the bottom of the Camera and tight-en the Clamping screws (18) to secure the Camera. Try to center the Camera plate on the Camera, keeping the center of gravity position in mind.
Place the Camera by sliding the plate (1) forward on the platform (2) until the lock button (12) clicks and when the camera is centered, lock the lever (13).
Place the horizontal lock lever (8) on the green dot, hold the Camera in horizontal position with the Pan bar (11) and release the Tilt brake lever (9).
Release the sliding platform lever (13) and find the correct center of gravity position, by sliding the Camera platform (2) back and forth un-til you have achieved the correct balance. Then lock the sliding plat-form lever (13).
Set the Counterbalance system by turning the balance knob clockwise (16) 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 (10) and set the Fluid drag control by ad-justing selectors (5 & 14).
The MASTER 25 can be attached to most of the sliders via a 3/8” treaded hole under the Head. The Head base also includes 4 bolt thread for direct interface to most of the Pedestals. Remove the Tie down shaft (6) with a 10mm wrench and find the relative fixing holes underneath.
When spirit bubble light (15) fails it is time to replace the batteries. Pull out the battery tray (19) and replace n.1 x C1220-3V Battery.

SPECIFICATIONS

Minimum payload	3 Kg	6.6 lbs
Maximum payload	30 Kg	66.1 lbs
Weight	4,4 Kg	9.7 lbs
Bowl diameter	150mm/Flat
Fluid Drag	Continuous
Counterbalance	Continuous
Pan range	360°
Tilt range	+-90°
Temperature range	-40 /+60 °C	-40 /+140 °F

MAINTENANCE

With indoor use – when needed – just clean the MASTER 25 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. Saltwater is very corrosive and can cause extreme damages. In attempt 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.

CERTIFICATE

FAQ

Q: What is the maximum payload capacity of the MASTER 25 Fluid Head?
- A: The maximum payload capacity is up to 30 kg (66 lbs), suitable for professional cameras with long lenses and accessories.
Q: Can I use competitor gear camera plates with the MASTER 25 Fluid Head?
- A: Yes, the Camera platform is compatible with competitor gear like the Vinten Vision 250, with standard 11 cm plate or an extra-long 22 cm plate for balancing off-set camera configurations.