Miller Cineline 70 User Manual

cineline

Fluid Head

OPERATOR’S
MANUAL

#1055 Cineline 70 Fluid Head

70

Features and Controls

Side Load Lock Lever

Pan Handle Clamp

Pan Handle

Safety Lock Knob

Tilt Lock

Pan Lock

Front Box Mounting

Threaded Stud

Clamp Nut

Fig. 1

2

Features and Controls

Camera Plate (Arri Type)

Camera Screws

Counterbalance Selector

Pan Drag Control

Accessory Mounting

Tilt Drag Control

Bubble Level

Fig. 2

3

Introduction

Safety Instructions

Thank you for purchasing the Cineline 70 Fluid Head. The

Cineline 70 Fluid Head is purpose-built for lm/digital

production cinematographers who want a new dimension in
professional camera support.

The robust design and construction of the Cineline 70 Fluid

Head is ideal for use on feature lms, documentaries and

high-end television commercial productions that require heavy

payload, frequent re-rigging and a diverse range of lenses and

camera accessories. It is set to accommodate industry-leading

cameras, including Arri, Sony, RED, and Canon.

The Cineline 70 features an Arri-compatible side-loading

camera platform, along with an easy-to-t 1225 Mitchell Base

Adaptor to suit traditional Mitchell Base tripods. Side and
front mounting locations are also provided to accommodate

a wide range of accessories such as the view nder and the

front box.

The Fluid Drag and Counterbalance system was designed
to provide excellent ergonomics and control by offerring
progressive and equal increments of drag and torque to give

ultra-soft starts / stops and perfect diagonal drag transition.

The controls are located on a single backlit panel and allow
the users a highly functional means of controlling all aspects
of the camera motion.

The Cineline 70 will give best performance when used on
a Miller Ø150 HD Tripod or the Miller HD Mitchell Base
Tripod. This will ensure maximum system stability to suit any
professional set-up.

Please use this manual to familiarise yourself with the
operation of the Cineline 70 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 SIDE LOAD 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 camera securely whilst adjusting the CLAMP NUT to

level the Fluid Head.

4

Technical Data

Weight 5.7 kg (12.7 lbs)

Payload Range 4.5 – 37.5 kg (9.9 – 82.5 lbs)

Maximum Capacity 45 kg (99 lbs)

Tilt Drag 7 Selectable uid drag positions + 0

Tilt Range + 90˚ / -75˚

Tilt Lock Positive Lock caliper brake system

plus Safety Lock.

Pan Drag 7 Selectable uid drag positions + 0

Pan Range 360˚

Pan Lock Positive Lock caliper brake system

Counterbalance
System

Camera Platform Quick release side loading camera

Mounting Base Ø150 (5.9”) mm Ball Levelling with 3 x

Ball Level Range 15˚

Handle 2 x HD telescopic pan handles with

Temperature range -40˚ C to +65˚ C

Construction Lightweight diecast Aluminium alloy,

Sealing Water & Dust resistant

Finish

Warranty 3 Years.

8 Selectable positions (see
performance graph)

plate (Arri type) with 150 mm (5.90")

travel and 2 x 3/8” camera screws.

M5 holes for Mitchell Base Adaptor.

adjustable reach & angle.

moulded reinforced plastics

Matt black (low sheen) durable powder
coated with anti-corrosive pre treatment

Height
above
bowl

Height
above
Mitchell
base

5

Fig. 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.

The Cineline 70 Fluid Head can be mounted on a 150mm
TRIPOD BOWL or on a MITCHELL BASE.

1 Fluid Head Set-up (Mitchell Base)

1.1 Loosen the PAN HANDLE CLAMP fully then rotate the
PAN HANDLE until it is approximately perpendicular to the

THREADED STUD (g. 1) 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

Attach the MITCHELL BASE ADAPTOR (#1225) to the

CLAW BALL, as shown, and tighten the three M5 screws

using a 4mm Hex Key.

1.3 Ensure that the TRIPOD is level, adjust the TRIPOD if
necessary, such that the bubble is inside the black circle
(g. 5).

1.4 Place the LOCATION BOSS into one of the three LOCATION
SLOTS and tighten the CLAMP NUT.

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

 Select Counterbalance to position 8 (top setting).

 Select Pan & Tilt Drag to position 0.

 Tighten the PAN LOCK and TILT LOCK.

Pan Handle Clamp

Pan Handle

Illumination Button

Bubble Level

Clamp Nut

Fig. 4

6

Operating Instructions

2 Fluid Head Set-up (Tripod Bowl)

2.1 Ensure that the TRIPOD BOWL is approximately

horizontal. Place the Fluid Head into the TRIPOD BOWL,

adjust the BUBBLE LEVEL such that the bubble is inside
the black circle and tighten the CLAMP NUT.

Location Boss

4mm Hex Key

Threaded Stud

Mitchell Flat Base Adaptor

Location Slots

Tripod Bubble Level

Fig. 5

7

Operating Instructions

3 Camera Set-up

3.1 Remove the CAMERA PLATE by pressing and holding
the SAFETY RELEASE KNOB then pulling the SIDE LOAD
LOCK LEVER outwards. Lift the SAFETY LATCH LEVER
and remove the CAMERA PLATE from the BASE PLATE.

3.2 Attach the CAMERA PLATE to the camera and securely
tighten the screws. Refer to the Camera’s owner’s
manual for correct method of attachment to the CAMERA
PLATE.

3.3 Attach camera accessories and the battery to the camera,

it is recommended to estimate the camera’s Centre of
Gravity (C o G) for the purpose of correctly positioning
the camera on the CAMERA PLATE. The camera’s C o 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 o G – is achieved. It is recommended to identify
this point on the CAMERA PLATE as it will be useful in
step 3.5.

Slide Lock Pad

Side Load Lock Lever

Safety Release Knob

Safety Latch Lever

Safety Latch

Lock Screw

Adjusting Screw

Fig. 6

8

Operating Instructions

3.4 Align the edge of the CAMERA PLATE with the BASE

PLATE, and then side load the CAMERA PLATE into the

BASE PLATE. Once the CAMERA PLATE is in position an

audible sound will be heard. At this point, the CAMERA
PLATE can slide forward / backward only.

3.5 Position the CAMERA PLATE such that the camera’s C

o G is directly above the centre axis of the Fluid Head,

then push the SIDE LOAD LOCK LEVER into the locked
position. Check that the CAMERA PLATE is secure.

C of G

Camera Plate (Arri Type)

Side Load Lock Lever

Safety Lock Knob

Fig. 7

9

Operating Instructions

4 Camera Plate Lock Adjustment

The Camera Plate Lock is designed to secure the

CAMERA PLATE in a set position. The Cineline 70 BASE
PLATE can accept a third party (Arri type) CAMERA

PLATE, however, the Camera Plate Lock may need to be

adjusted to account for small dimensional variations in

third party CAMERA PLATES that can signicantly affect

the locking function.

4.1 Press and hold the SAFETY RELEASE KNOB then pull the
SIDE LOAD LOCK LEVER outwards.

4.2 With the CAMERA PLATE in place, gently push the

SIDE LOAD LOCK LEVER towards the BASE PLATE until
resistance is felt – this is the start of the locking action.
Check the position of the SIDE LOAD LOCK LEVER as

shown in gure 9.

4.3 Adjustment is necessary if the SIDE LOAD LOCK LEVER

position is outside the recommended range. Follow gure

9 to determine the correct method of adjustment.

3mm Hex Key

Unlock Lock

Flat Screwdriver

10

Counter
Clockwise

Clockwise

Fig. 8

4.4 Using a 3 mm Hex key unlock the LOCK SCREW (g. 6),
then using a broad at screw driver turn the ADJUSTING
SCREW (g. 6) in the direction shown by 1/8 of a turn
and re-check step 4.2, repeat 4.4 if necessary. When
adjusted correctly, the SIDE LOAD LOCK LEVER will be

smooth to operate and require modest effort to lock the
CAMERA PLATE.

4.5 Once the correct adjustment is achieved, remove the

CAMERA PLATE and lock the LOCK SCREW.

Turn Adjustment Screw
Counterclockwise to
compensate for a wider
camera plate.

Camera Plate

Correct position of Side
Load Lock Lever at the
start of locking action.

Camera Plate

Turn Adjustment Screw
Clockwise to compensate
for a narrower camera plate.

Camera Plate

11

Fig. 9

Operating Instructions

5 Counterbalance Control

The counterbalance system was designed to neutralise the

effect of the camera weight when it is tilted. The Cineline 70
Fluid Head offers an 8 position counterbalance system which

can be operated via the COUNTERBALANCE SELECTOR (g.

2). The COUNTERBALANCE SELECTOR must be operated

when the CAMERA 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. The camera must be held securely while
changing the Counterbalance setting.

5.1 For safety ensure that Counterbalance position 8 is selected.

5.2 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 7 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 CAMERA

PLATE - see step 3.5.

Counterbalance Performance

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

C of G above Camera Plate (mm)

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65

Camera Payload (kg)

Payload Capacity kg (lbs)

C of G* Min Max

100 (4”) 5.4 (11.9) 43 (94.6)

125 (5”) 4.7 (10.3) 37.8 (83.2)

150 (6”) 4.2 (9.2) 33.7 (74.1)

175 (7”) 3.8 (8.4) 30.4 (66.9)

200 (8”) 3.5 (7.7) 27.7 (60.9)

*C of G: Centre of Gravity for camera height above camera plate

12

Fig. 10

Operating Instructions

5 Pan / Tilt Drag Control

The Cineline 70 Fluid Head offers 7 selectable positions of uid
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

7, 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 & TIL DRAG CONTROL is
between settings.

• The drag setting can be changed at any tilt or pan angle.

6 Pan / Tilt Lock Control

The Cineline 70 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.

7 Illumination

The Cineline 70 Fluid Head offers illumination of the PAN, TILT,

COUNTERBALANCE CONTROLS AND 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

Illumination Button

o

c

a

b

Bubble Level

Counterbalance Selector

n

a

r

e

t

n

u

nce

la

t

l

i

t

p

Pan Drag Control

13

Fig. 11

Maintenance

The Cineline 70 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 Cineline 70 Fluid Head uses a single GP23A type - 12 Volt
battery for Illumination. Miller recommends the following batteries

to provide long life performance – GP23A, Duracell MN21/23 or

Vinnic L1028.

1 Using a Phillips Head #1 screw driver, remove the RETAINING

SCREWS and the BATTERY DOOR.

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

screws lightly.

Illumination Button

Battery Housing

Battery CoverBattery

Retaining Screws

14

Fig. 12

Storage Service, Sales and Support

The Cineline 70 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 12V P3798

Camera Plate Assembly CL70 (Includes 2 x 3/8”
screws), (Arri type)
Camera screw 3/8” P0037

Camera screw 1/4” P0036

HD Telescopic Pan Handle assembly (including
Handle Clamp)
HD Telescopic Pan Handle #697

Multi Hard Case with wheels #318

Clamp nut P8459

Accessory Mounting Bracket Ass’y #1221

Accessory Mounting Adaptor Ass’y #1217

Mitchell Base Adaptor #1225

Accessory Front Box Adaptor #1223

#1065

#698

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

216 Little Falls Road (Unit 15 & 16), 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 Avenue, Shepperton, Middlesex TW17 8BA

United Kingdom

Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Warranty

Please refer to warranty card for complete details.

www.millertripods.com

15

www.millertripods.com

MILLER CAMERA SUPPORT EQUIPMENT
30 Hotham Parade
Artarmon, Sydney
NSW 2064 Australia

Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

D8774-1