Miller Camera Support DS5 User Manual

DS5 Operator’s Manual

#180 DS5 Fluid Head

Introduction

2

Fig 1

The DS5 fluid pan and tilt head

Thank you for purchasing the Miller DS5 fluid head for use with
professional tripods and portable video camcorders. The DS5 is a true
fluid pan and tilt head with professional features including 75mm ball
levelling, adjustable drag control, quick release camera plate, bubble level
and adjustable/detachable pan handles.

The DS5 is intended for use by professionals in the video production industry,
and is therefore built to withstand the rigours of continuous field operation.

The DS5 fluid head is supplied with a single Pan Handle and clamp, fitted to
the right side of the head. The DS5 #686 handle is 350mm in length (14”)
with a 12mm (.5”) shaft. A second Pan Handle and Clamp can also be fitted.

Before operating 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.

1.1 Unscrew CLAMP NUT from threaded stud. (See Fig 1)

1.2 Place DS5 head in your tripod bowl (75mm) and re-fit CLAMP NUT. Do
not tighten CLAMP NUT.

1.3 Level the fluid head by centring the bubble in the BUBBLE LEVEL.
Then tighten the CLAMP NUT.

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

Handle Mounting

Operating Instructions

1. Install and Level the Head

3

2. Mount Your Camera

The DS5 is equipped with a Quick
release plate housing a removable _” &
pin carriage. The _” & pin carriage is
captive in the plate and is the standard
mounting method for palmcorders and
lightweight MiniDV camcorders.

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

2.2Remove CAMERA PLATE from
CAMERA PLATFORM by unlocking
SLIDE LOCK. The rear of the Camera
plate (with captive _” & pin) will flip
out of the platform.

2.3 Attach CAMERA PLATE by fastening

CAMERA SCREW & locating pin into
camera’s base. N.B. there is about
20mm of sliding movement on the
camera plate to allow for optimum
Centre of Gravity (CofG) placement
of the camera on the fluid head.

2.5Attach camera to fluid head by
inserting the camera plate (front first)
into the space in the platform, then
push the camera plate down into the
rear to engage the locking
mechanism. The camera plate should
be securely held in the platform by
pushing the yellow locking lever
(beneath the platform) until it is tight.

Cleaning

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

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

The DS10 (DS20) fluid head features protective coatings, dust and
moisture seals and anti-corrosive fittings to ensure long and
trouble-free operation in harshest of location environments. 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.

Storage

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

Maintenance

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

1/4” and pin adaptor
carriage

Camera plate

Pan handle clamp

Quick release

Pan handle

Bubble level

75mm claw ball

Clamp nut

MILLER FLUID HEADS (Australia)

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

MILLER FLUID HEADS (Europe)

Unit 21 Ford Lane Business Park
Ford Lane, Nr, Arundel, West Sussex,
BN18 OUZ United Kingdom
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

MILLER CAMERA SUPPORT (LLC)

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

MILLER TRIPODS Canada

1055 Granville Street
Vancouver BC V6Z1L4, Canada
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

D9998 – August 2003 – Issue 1

Technical Data

Specifications – DS5 Fluid Head

Description DS10 (#182)

Weight 1.7kg (3.4lb)

Maximum Load 2.5kg (5lb) approx

Mounting Standard 75mm ball levelling

Pan/Tilt System True Fluid Drag

Tilt Angle +90°/-70°

Camera Plate Sliding Quick Release

Attachment System _” screw & pin carriage

Pan Handle 12mm Vert/Hor. Adjust

Temperature range -40°/+65°C (-40°/+140°F)

Spare Parts

ITEM ITEM NO.

DS5 Camera Plate – with #493 carriage #487

Camera Carriage 1/4” and pin #493

Pan Handle to suit DS5 #686

Pan Handle to suit DS 10 w/handle carrier #679

Pan Handle to suit DS20 #688

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.

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

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.