Fluid Head
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
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Compass
Compass
Compass
Compass
Compass
x
2 Fluid Head
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6 Fluid Head
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8 Fluid Head
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10 Fluid Head
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14 Fluid Head
Features and Controls
Spare Camera Screws
Tilt Lock
Tilt Drag Ring
M10 Stud
Platform
CB PLUS Selector
Counterbalance Selector Ring
LED Button
Pan Drag Ring
Ball Clamp
Safety Release Lever
Slide Lock Lever
Handle Clamp
Accessory Mounts
Pan Lock
Fig. 1 Fig. 2
2
Introduction Safety Instructions
Thank you for purchasing the Compassx Fluid Head. The
Compassx Fluid Head has been designed to suit a wide range of
cameras, lenses and accessories as demanded by professional
users.
The robust design and construction of the Compassx Fluid Head
offers maximum stability and durability and includes a precision
drag plate system in the pan and tilt assembly to deliver true uid
drag performance over the entire temperature and payload range.
The uid drag and the counterbalance system were designed to
provide excellent control and repeatability and offer progressive
equal increments of drag and torque through the unique radial
ring design.
The Compassx Fluid Head will give best performance when
used on a wide range of Miller tripods, including SOLO, Toggle,
Sprinter II and HD Tripods (depending on bowl size). This will
ensure maximum system stability to suit any professional setup. The Compassx Fluid Head will suit most industry standard
75mm and 100mm tripods as well, please refer to manufactures’
manual for mounting details.
Please use this manual to familiarise yourself with the operation
of the Compassx 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 maximum payload capacity of the Fluid
Head.
• Do not leave the camera unattended on the Fluid Head.
• Do not release the SLIDE LOCK LEVER whilst the camera is at
an angle.
• Do not adjust the tripod whilst the camera is attached to the
Fluid Head.
• Ensure PAN HANDLE CLAMP and CLAMP NUT 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.
• Hold camera securely whilst adjusting the CLAMP NUT to
level the Fluid Head.
3
Operating Instructions
2. Mounting Your Camera
2.1 Remove the CAMERA PLATE by lifting the SAFETY
RELEASE LEVER on the PLATFORM (SLIDE LOCK LEVER
must be unwound (clockwise)) (Fig. 3a).
2.2 Attach the CAMERA PLATE to the camera1 such that
the Centre of Gravity (C of G)2 mark on the camera is
approximately in the middle of the camera plate.
2.3 Tighten PAN/TILT LOCKS, mount the CAMERA PLATE
to the PLATFORM non-locking side rst. 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 (60mm) until
SLIDE LOCK LEVER is tightened.
2.4 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 (g. 3b), camera should be balanced (if
not slide camera backward or forward). Once balanced
tighten the SLIDE LOCK LEVER (anti-clockwise)3 and
tighten TILT LOCK.
If this cannot be achieved then reposition the CAMERA
PLATE on the Camera – step 2.2.
NOTES:
1 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.
2 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.
3 Ensure SLIDE LOCK LEVER is tightened at all times when
you are not nding C of G or mounting/dismounting camera.
Slide Lock Lever
Safety Release Lever
C of G
Platform
Tilt Lock
Pan Lock
Fig. 3a
Centre Axis
Fig. 3b
4
Operating Instructions
3. Counterbalance Control
The counterbalance system was designed to neutralise the
effect of the camera weight when it is tilted. The Compassx
Fluid Head offers a 16 position counterbalance system which
is operated with the CB SELECTOR RING and the CB PLUS
SELECTOR (Fig. 4). With the Compassx 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 RING and the CB PLUS SELECTOR must
be operated when the BASE PLATE is in a horizontal position.
After changing the counterbalance setting it may be
necessary to tilt the camera back and forth to ensure that the
CB spring has engaged.
3.1 For safety it is generally better to start at a higher
counterbalance position (e.g. position 14) and work your
way to the correct setting, this is to reduce any chance of
unwanted tilt drops (Fig. 4).
3.2 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
RING to cycle through all even number positions (eight
positions including zero).
3.3 Finer adjustments can be made by engaging the CB PLUS
SELECTOR (upward direction).
3.4 Correct counterbalance setting has been achieved when
the camera does not spring back or drop when pan
handle is released.
CB PLUS off
CB PLUS on
CB Selector Ring
CB PLUS Selector
Fig. 4
5
Operating Instructions
4. Pan/Tilt Drag Control
The Compass
uid 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 on CX2 and CX6 models and
position 5 on CX8, CX10 and CX14 models, 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.
5. Pan/Tilt Lock Control
The Compassx Fluid Head offers high capacity caliper disc
brake system to hold the Fluid Head in a xed 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.
6.Illumination
The
Compassx
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.
x
Fluid Head offers selectable positions of
Fluid Head offers illumination of the BUBBLE
Fig. 5
6
Maintenance
The Compassx Fluid Head offers high quality surface coatings,
dust and moisture seals. Miller 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
T
he
Compassx Fluid Head uses a single 11A type - 6 Volt battery for Illumination. Miller recommends the following batteries
to provide long life performance – GP11A, Duracell MN11 or
Vinnic L1016.
1. Using a Phillips Head #1 screw driver, remove the
RETAINING SCREW and the BATTERY COVER.
2. Using a small at screw driver remove the battery.
3. Align the new battery as shown on the back of the
BATTERY DOOR and place into the BATTERY HOUSING,
then push down the battery into place. A small at screw
driver may be used to push down the battery into the
BATTERY HOUSING.
4. Align the BATTERY DOOR into the body then tighten the
screw lightly.
Battery
Battery Cover
Fig. 6
7
Specications
109 0 C o mp a ss
Weight 2.3kg (5.1lbs) 2.3kg (5.1bs) 2.5kg (5.5lbs) 2.5kg (5.5lbs) 2.5kg (5.5lbs)
Payload range 0-8kg (0-17.5lbs) 0-12kg (0-26.4lbs) 0-12kg (0-26.4lbs) 0-12kg (0-26.4lbs) 0-14kg (0-30.9lbs)
Pan-tilt drag 3 selectable fluid drag positions
+ 0
Pan range 360° 360° 360° 360° 360°
Pan-tilt locks Positive lock calliper
brake system
Tilt angle +90˚/-75˚ +90°/-75° +90°/-75° +90˚/-75˚ +90˚/-75˚
Counterbalance 16 selectable positions
(0 +15 position)
Camera platform Side loading, 60mm balance
travel camera plate with 1/4”
and 3/8” screws
Sliding range 60mm (2.4”) 60mm (2.4”) 60mm (2.4”) 60mm (2.4”) 60mm (2.4”)
Height above bowl 167mm (6.6”) 167mm (6.6”) 167mm (6.6”) 150mm (6.0”) 150mm (6.0”)
Mounting base 75mm (2.9”) ball levelling 75mm (2.9”) ball levelling 75mm (2.9”) ball levelling 100mm (3.9”) ball levelling 100mm (3.9”) ball levelling
Illuminated controls Bubble Level Bubble Level Bubble Level Bubble Level Bubble Level
Temperature range -40° to +65°C
(-40° to +149°F)
Pan handle Fixed 390mm (15.4”) Fixed 390mm (15.4”) Fixed 390mm (15.4”) Fixed 390mm (15.4”) Fixed 390mm (15.4”)
x
2
109 2 Compass
3 selectable fluid drag positions
+ 0
Positive lock calliper
brake system
16 selectable positions
(0 +15 position)
Side loading, 60mm balance
travel camera plate with 1/4”
and 3/8” screws
-40° to +65°C
(-40° to +149°F)
x
6
109 3 Compass
5 selectable fluid drag positions
+ 0
Positive lock calliper
brake system
16 selectable positions
(0 +15 position)
Side loading, 60mm balance
travel camera plate with 1/4”
and 3/8” screws
-40° to +65°C
(-40° to +149°F)
x
8
109 6 Compass
5 selectable fluid drag positions
+ 0
Positive lock calliper
brake system
16 selectable positions
(0 +15 position)
Side loading, 60mm balance
travel camera plate with 1/4”
and 3/8” screws
-40° to +65°C
(-40° to +149°F)
x
10
109 7 Compass
5 selectable fluid drag positions
+ 0
Positive lock calliper
brake system
16 selectable positions
(0 +15 position)
Side loading, 60mm balance
travel camera plate with 1/4”
and 3/8” screws
-40° to +65°C
(-40° to +149°F)
x
14
8
Specications
75mm
CX2
CX6
CX8
9
Specications
100mm
CX10
CX14
10
Storage Service, Sales and Support
The Compassx Fluid Head can be stored for extended periods;
Miller recommends storage in a Miller case and the following:
• Clean the external surfaces.
• Keep in a dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Loosen off PAN & TILT LOCK.
Spare Parts and Accessories
ITEM ITEM NO.
Battery P3798
Camera screw 3/8” P0037
Camera screw 1/4” P0036
Serrated washer PN12501
Pan handle - xed with clamp 679
Pan handle - telescopic with clamp 696
Accessory mounting block 1255
Sliding plate assembly (Euro)* 1210X
Sliding plate assembly (Mini Euro)* 1206X
1/4” screw and pin carriage 493
Camera plate 1205
Camera plate (short) 1209
Camera plate (long) 1207
Warranty
MILLER offers 3 years parts and labour warranty.
Please refer to MILLER Warranty card D3993 for complete
details.
Miller Authorised Service Agents must carry out all service
and repair work. Failure to observe this requirement may void
warranty.
It is advisable to notify Miller or a Miller Authorised Service Agent
if a change of performance is observed as a result of dropping
or rough usage. For information regarding sales and service of
Miller products or for your nearest Miller representative please
contact us via our website or at the following:
MILLER CAMERA SUPPORT EQUIPMENT
30 Hotham Parade
Artarmon, Sydney, NSW 2064 Australia
P +61 2 9439 6377
sales@miller.com.au
MILLER Camera Support (LLC) USA
216 Little Falls Road (Unit 2),
Cedar Grove, New Jersey 07009 USA
P +1 (973) 857 8300
F +1 (973) 857 8188
sales@millertripods.us
MILLER FLUID HEADS (EUROPE) LTD.
12A, Shepperton Business Park
Govett Avenue, Shepperton
Middlesex, TW17 8BA
United Kingdom
P +44 (0) 1932 222 888
sales@millertripods-europe.com
millertripods.com
11
millertripods.com
MILLER CAMERA SUPPORT EQUIPMENT
30 Hotham Parade
Artarmon, Sydney
NSW, 2064, Australia
Tel: +61 2 9439 6377
Fax: +61 2 9438 2819
Email: sales@miller.com.au
D12728-4
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