Miller 1876, 1872 User manual

compass

Fluid Head

OPERATOR’S
MANUAL

#1033 Compass 12 Fluid Head

Features and Controls

Sliding Platform

Sliding Platform Lock

Tilt Lock

Pan Handle Clamp

Pan Lock

Pan Handle

12

Threaded Stud

Clamp Nut

Features and Controls

1/4” and Pin Carriage

Camera Plate

Release Knob

Tilt Drag Control

Accessory Mounting

Camera Screws

Counterbalance Selector

Bubble Level

Pan Drag Control

Fig. 2

1

Introduction Safety Instructions

Thank you for purchasing the Compass 12 Fluid
Head. The Compass 12 Fluid Head has been
designed to suit payload capacities from DSLR
to DV camera configurations.

The robust design and construction of the
Compass 12 Fluid Head offers maximum
stability, accuracy and durability and includes
precision ball bearing mounted Fluid Drag Plate
system in the Pan and Tilt assembly to deliver
true fluid drag performance over the entire
temperature and payload range.

The Fluid Drag and the Counterbalance system
were designed to provide excellent control
and repeatability and offer progressive equal
increments of drag and torque.

The Compass 12 Fluid Head also offers
Illuminated Bubble level.

The Compass 12 Fluid Head will give best
performance when used on a wide range of
Miller tripods, including SOLO DV (#1501,
#1630), and Lightweight (#440, #420) tripod.
This will ensure maximum system stability to
suit any professional set-up. The Compass 12
Fluid Head will suit most industry standard
75 mm tripods as well, please refer to
manufactures’ manual for mounting details.

Attaching / removing the
camera

Please use this manual to familiarise yourself
with the operation of the Compass 12 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 SLIDING PLATFORM LOCK

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

RELEASE KNOB.

 Hold camera securely whilst adjusting the

CLAMP NUT to level the Fluid Head.

Fig. 1

2

Technical Data

Weight 2.3 kg (5.0 lbs)

Payload Range 2.0 - 9.0 kg (4.4 - 19.8 lbs)

Max. Capacity 20.0 kg (44.0 lbs)

Tilt Drag 3 Selectable fluid drag positions + 0

Tilt Range + 90º / -75º

Tilt Lock Positive Lock caliper brake system

Pan Drag 3 Selectable fluid drag positions + 0

Pan Range 360º

Pan Lock Positive Lock caliper brake system

Counterbalance
System

Camera Platform
Type

Mounting Base Ø75 mm (3.0”) Ball Levelling

Ball Level Range 10º

Handle Standard black anodised pan handle with

Temperature range -40º to +65º C (-40º to +149º F)

Construction Lightweight diecast Aluminium alloy,

Sealing Water & Dust resistant

Finish Matt black (low sheen) durable powder

Warranty 3 Years.

4 Selectable positions
(see performance graph)

Quick release sliding camera plate
with 60 mm (2.4”) travel and 1/4”, 3/8”
and 1/4” + Pin Carriage

adjustable angle

moulded reinforced plastics

coated with anti-corrosive pre treatment

3

Operating Instructions

The operating instructions are described in six steps.
Please read and understand these instructions before
using this equipment. Do not omit any steps.

1. Fluid Head Set-up

1.1 Loosen the PAN HANDLE CLAMP fully then
rotate the PAN HANDLE until it is
approximately perpendicular to the
THREADED STUD (fig. 4) and tighten the PAN
HANDLE CLAMP - avoid contact wear between
the serrations on the Fluid Head and the PAN
HANDLE CLAMP, if this occurs then unwind the
PAN HANDLE CLAMP further.

1.2 Ensure that the TRIPOD BOWL is approximately
horizontal. Place the Fluid Head into the
TRIPOD BOWL, adjust the BUBBLE LEVEL
(fig. 4) such that the bubble is inside
the black circle and tighten the
CLAMP NUT.

1.3

Set the initial control settings as
follows – see Figure 1 & 2:

  Select Counterbalance to position 4

(top setting).

  Select Pan & Tilt Drag to position 0.

  Tighten the PAN LOCK, TILT LOCK

and the SLIDING PLATFORM
LOCK.

Pan Handle Clamp

Pan Handle

Illumination Button

Bubble Level

Threaded Stud

Clamp Nut

Fig. 3

Fig. 4

4

5

Operating Instructions

Operating Instructions

2. Camera Set-up

2.1 Remove the CAMERA PLATE by pressing the RELEASE
KNOB while pulling the CAMERA PLATE out.

2.2 Refer to the Camera’s owners manual for correct
method of attachment to the CAMERA PLATE. Inspect
the CAMERA PLATE and remove the 1/4” and 3/8”
screws (for HDV mount) or the 1/4” + PIN CARRIAGE
(DVCAM mount) as required.

2.3 Attach camera accessories and the battery to the
camera, it is recommended to estimate the
camera’s Centre of Gravity (C of G) for the
purpose of correctly positioning the camera on
the CAMERA PLATE. 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 2.5.

2.4 Attach the CAMERA PLATE to the camera and
securely tighten the screws.

2.5 Check that the SLIDE LOCK is loose, then align the
CAMERA PLATE with the SLIDING PLATFORM and
slide it in until the safety mechanism is engaged.

2.6 Position the CAMERA PLATE so that the camera’s
C of G is directly above the centre axis of the Fluid
Head and tighten the SLIDE LOCK. If this can not be
achieved then reposition the CAMERA PLATE on the
Camera – step 2.4. This will ensure that the system has
maximum stability.

Fig. 5

Sliding Platform

C of G

Sliding Platform Lock

3. Counterbalance Control

The counterbalance system was designed to
neutralise the effect of the camera weight when
it is tilted. The Compass 12 Fluid Head offers a
4 position counterbalance system which can be
operated via the COUNTERBALANCE SELECTOR
(fig. 2). The COUNTERBALANCE SELECTOR
must be operated when the SLIDING PLATFORM
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. The camera must be
held securely while changing the Counterbalance
setting.

300

250

200

150

100

50

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20

C of G above Camera Plate (mm)

Camera Payload (kg)

3.1 For safety ensure that Counterbalance position
4 is selected.

3.2 Hold the camera and release the TILT LOCK,
then gently tilt the camera from a 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, select
Counterbalance position 3 and recheck, select
lower setting again if necessary. Correct
counterbalance setting has been achieved
when minimum effort is required to move the
camera over the entire tilt range.

TIP Fine tuning can be achieved by adjusting the

SLIDING PLATFORM – see step 2.6.

Counterbalance
Performance

Fig. 6

6

Operating Instructions

4. Pan / Tilt Drag Control

The Compass 12 Fluid Head offers 3 selectable positions of
fluid drag + zero setting in the Pan and Tilt. The settings are
equally stepped from light drag in position 1 up to heavy 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 & TILT
DRAG CONTROL is between settings.

 The drag setting can be changed at

any tilt or pan angle.

5. Pan / Tilt Lock Control

The Compass 12 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.

6. Illumination

The Compass 12 Fluid Head offers illumination
of the BUBBLE LEVEL when the low ambient light
conditions exist. Illumination can be achieved by pressing
the ILLUMINATION BUTTON once. The light will switch off
after 10 seconds.

Tilt Drag Control

Counterbalance Selector

Illumination Button

Bubble Level

Pan Drag Control

Fig. 7

Maintenance

The Compass 12 Fluid Head offers high
quality surface coatings. 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

The Compass 12 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 DOOR.

2 Using a small flat 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 flat 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 Housing

7

Retaining Screw

Illumination Button

Battery Door Battery

Fig. 8

Storage

The Compass 12 Fluid Head can be stored for
extended periods; Miller recommends storage in a
Miller Soft Case and the following:



Remove battery.



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 P7715

Camera plate Assembly (Including 3/8”
+ 1/4” screws and 1/4” + Pin Carriage)

Camera screw 3/8” P0037

Camera screw 1/4” P0036

1/4” + pin carriage #493

Standard Pan Handle assembly
(including Handle Clamp)

Standard Pan Handle #689

Soft Case #876

Clamp nut P7850

Accessory Mounting Bracket Assembly #1216

Accessory Mounting Adaptor Assembly #1217

Warranty

Please refer to warranty card for complete details.

#1204

#680

8

Service, Sales and Support

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
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

MILLER Camera Support (LLC) USA

218 Little Falls Road, Cedar Grove,
New Jersey 07009-1231 USA
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

MILLER FLUID HEADS (EUROPE) LTD.

Unit 12A, Shepperton Business Park
Govett Ave, Shepperton, Middlesex TW17 8BA,
United Kingdom
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

9

www.millertripods.com

MILLER CAMERA SUPPORT EQUIPMENT

30 Hotham Parade
Artarmon, Sydney
NSW 2064 Australia
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

www.millertripods.com

10

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