Miller DS20 User Manual

DS5/DS10/DS20 Fluid Head Operator’s Manual

#180 DS5 Fluid Head
#182 DS10 Fluid Head
#184 DS20 Fluid Head

Features and Controls

1/4” and pin carriage

Sliding camera plate

Pan handle clamp

Counterbalance selector

Slide lock

Tilt lock

Tilt drag

Pan lock

Pan drag

75mm claw ball

Clamp nut

Fig 1.1

2

DS5

Fig 1.2

DS10

Introduction

1/4” and pin carriage

Sliding camera plate

Slide lock

Tilt drag

Pan handle clamp

Counterbalance selector

Pan lock

Pan drag

75mm claw ball

Clamp nut

Fig 1.3

DS20

Camera

screws

Thank you for purchasing the Miller DS5/DS10/DS20 fluid head for
use with our professional tripods and portable video camcorders.
All fluid heads are 75mm ball levelling design and boast similar
physical appearance and size. The DS5 utilises a single position
counterbalance system to handle camera payloads up to 2.5kg
(5.5lb). The DS10 utilises 2 selectable counterbalance positions
to handle payloads from 2.5-5kg (5.5-11lb) while the DS20 offers 2
selectable counterbalance positions for larger camcorders ranging
from 5-10kg (11-22lb).

The DS5/DS10/DS20 fluid head is designed for maximum stability,
accuracy and repeatability and includes 4 precision ball bearings
and a fluid drag plate system in the pan and tilt assembly to deliver
true fluid drag performance over a wide temperature range and
payload. The DS10/DS20 fluid head also includes a friction drag
adjustment.

The DS5/DS10/DS20 fluid head will give best performance when
used on Miller SOLO DV (#1630, #1501) or Toggle Lightweight DV
(#440, #420) tripod. This will ensure maximum system stability to
suit any professional set-up. The DS5/DS10/DS20 fluid head will
fit most industry standard 75 mm tripods as well, please refer to
manufacturers’ manual for mounting details.

Handle Mounting

The DS5/DS10/DS20 fluid head is supplied with a fixed length pan
handle and clamp fitted to the right side of the head. A second
pan handle can be attached to the DS5/DS10/DS20 for dual pan
handle operation. Refer to spare parts section.

3

Operating Instructions

Before using please read the following operating instructions.
Do not omit any step. N.B. The safe operation of this piece of
professional equipment is the responsibility of the operator.

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

Note: If adjusting the level with your camera mounted, first
ensure the camera is securely held before loosening CLAMP NUT.

2. Camera Set-up

Please note that the best camera control can be achieved by
balancing camera centre of gravity (C of G) over centre axis
of the head, and by selecting the appropriate counterbalance
position to suit the weight of the camcorder payload.

The DS5/DS10/DS20 is equipped with a sliding camera plate and
a removable 1/4”-pin carriage which is standard mounting for
DV and MiniDV camcorders. The DS20 is also fitted with a 3/8” &
1/4” screws which is standard mounting for DVCAM (see Fig1.3).

4

The 3/8” & 1/4” screws also allow the DS20 to attach to a
proprietary Quick Release Tripod Adaptor or “tripod base plate”
such as the Sony VCT-14 or Panasonic SHAN-TM700.

2.1 Lock PAN and TILT LOCKS (rotate both levers clockwise until
firm).

2.2 Remove CAMERA PLATE from CAMERA PLATFORM by
unlocking the SLIDE LOCK, pushing SAFETY TAB and sliding
the CAMERA PLATE rearward

2.3 With accessories and battery fitted 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 as it will be
useful in step 2.5.

2.4 Refer to the Camera’s owners manual for correct method of
attachment to the CAMERA PLATE. Attach the camera or the
Quick Release Tripod Adaptor to the CAMERA PLATE and
securely tighten the screws.

2.5 Check that the SLIDE LOCK is loose, then align the
CAMERA PLATE with the CAMERA PLATFORM and
slide it forward until the safety mechanism is engaged.
Then, slide 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 or the Quick Release Tripod Adaptor on the
SLIDING PLATE – step 2.4. This will ensure that the system
has maximum stability.

Operating Instructions

Counterbalance

3.

4. Pan / Tilt Lock

Contr

The counterbalance system was designed to neutralise the effect
of the camera weight when it is tilted. The DS10 & DS20 Fluid
Head offers a 2 position counterbalance system which can be
operated via the COUNTERBALANCE SELECTOR (Fig. 2 & 3). The
DS5 Fluid Head has a single position Counterbalance system and
is preset. 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.

3.1 For safety ensure that Counterbalance position 2 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 select
Counterbalance position

1. 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 2.5.

ol

Fig 2
DS10 CB Selector

Control

The DS5/DS10/DS20 Fluid Head offers high
capacity calliper 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.

WARNING: Do not pan or tilt the Fluid Head whilst the PAN or
the TILT LOCK is partially applied.

Fig 3

DS20 CB
Selector

5

Operating Instructions

Cleaning

5. Pan / Tilt Drag

Control

5.1 The DS10/DS20 fluid head provides adjustment for tilt and
pan drag control (Fig 4.). Rotate clockwise to engage friction
resistance, anticlockwise to return to fluid action.

Note: The fluid drag plate system has been designed to suit
most operating conditions. The friction drag adjustment should
only be utilised when extra resistance is required.

Fig 4

Drag
control
knobs

The DS5/DS10/DS20 fluid head features protective coatings, dust
seals and anti-corrosive fittings to ensure long and trouble-free
operation in extreme location conditions. To ensure optimum
performance throughout the life of the head Miller recommends
regular cleaning.

When the fluid head has been used in harsh environments (such
as sand, mud or salt water spray), wipe over with a soft damp
cloth as soon as possible. Use a soft brush to clean crevices.
Remove and clean CAMERA PLATE.

WARNING: Do not immerse a fluid head in any liquid.

WARNING: Do not use stiff brushes, abrasives or solvents.

Storage

When storing for extended periods: clean fluid head and place
in a safe, dry place, away from direct sunlight. The fluid heads
can be stored horizontally or upright. However, it is not advisable
to leave the head for extended periods with the tilt locked in an
extreme position, either forward or backward.

Maintenance

With the exception of cleaning, the DS5/DS10/DS20 fluid head
does not require additional maintenance. Miller recommends
periodic servicing by a Miller Authorised Service Agent. Miller
Authorised Service Agents must carry out all service and repair
work. Failure to observe this requirement may void warranty.

6

Technical Data

Specifications – DS5/DS10/DS20 Fluid Head

Description DS5 (#180) DS10 (#182) DS20( #184)

Weight - kg (lb) 1.6 (3.5) 1.7 (3.7) 1.75 (3.9)

Payload Range - kg (lb) 0.5 - 2.5 (1.1 - 5.5) 2.5 - 5.0 (5.5 - 11.0) 5.0 - 10.0 (11.1 - 22.0)

Pan/Tilt Drag Fluid Drag plate system Fluid Drag plate system Fluid Drag plate
system with friction boost. system with friction boost.

Pan/Tilt Lock brake system Calliper Disk Brake Calliper Disk Brake Calliper Disk Brake

Tilt Angle Range +90˚/-75˚ +90˚/-75˚ +90˚/-75˚

Counterbalance System Single Position Two Position Two Position

Position # 1 capacity - kg (lb) Up to 2.5 (5.5) Up to 2.5 (5.5) 2.5 - 5.0 (5.5 - 11.0)

Position # 2 capacity - kg (lb) - 2.5 - 5.0 (5.5 - 11.0) 5.0 - 10.0 (11.0 - 22.0)

Camera Platform Type Quick Release Sliding Camera Quick Release Sliding Camera Quick Release Sliding Camera
Plate with 60 mm travel. Plate with 60 mm travel. Plate with 60 mm travel.

Camera Plate Standard DS with Standard DS with Standard DS with
1/4” + Pin Adapter Carriage 1/4” + Pin Adapter Carriage 1/4” + Pin Adapter Carriage
1/4” and 3/8” screws

Bubble Level Yes Yes Yes

Mounting Base 75 mm ball levelling 75 mm ball levelling 75 mm ball levelling

Handle Standard Pan Handle Standard Pan Handle Standard Pan Handle

Temperature Range - ˚C (˚F) -40˚/+65˚ (-40˚ / +149˚) -40˚/+65˚ (-40˚ / +149˚) -40˚/+65˚ (-40˚ / +149˚)

7

Spare Parts

Service, Sales & Support

ITEM ITEM NO.

DS5/DS10 Camera Plate (inc. #493 carriage) #490

DS20 Camera Plate (inc. #493, 3/8” & 1/4” screws) #489

1/4”– Pin carriage #493

Camera Screw 1/4” P0036

Camera Screw 3/8” P0037

Fixed Length Pan Handle #688

Fixed Length Pan Handle & clamp #680

Pan Handle Clamp P3436

Clamp Nut P2321

Warranty

Miller offers a comprehensive parts and labour warranty with
all it’s camera support products. For complete details please
refer to the warranty card enclosed or contact your nearest
Miller sales or service centre.

Website www.millertripods.com

For information about the complete range of Miller camera
support products, or to find the address of your nearest
authorised Miller sales centre, please visit our website at
www.millertripods.com.

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
your nearest authorised Miller sales or service centre, please visit our
website at www.millertripods.com.

MILLER CAMERA SUPPORT (Australia)

30 Hotham Parade, Artarmon, Sydney
NSW 2064 Australia
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]

MILLER CAMERA SUPPORT LLC (USA)

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

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