Really Right Stuff BH-55 User Manual
OPERATION
Attach the BH-55 to Tripod
1. Tighten the Pan Lock Knob to lock the Panning Base with
light to medium torque.
2. Screw the ballhead onto the 3/8”-16 threaded stud on the
top of the tripod (stud should not protrude more than 3/8”
above platform or 5-6 threads). Tighten the ballhead onto
the tripod snugly, but do not over-torque or it will be difficult
to remove.
1
Adjust the Drag Set
Some photographers prefer to have tension (drag) on
the ball at all times to prevent the camera from suddenly
flopping when the Main Lock Knob is loosened. The
optimal amount of drag depends on the size and shape of
equipment being used as well as the angles at which you
wish to place the equipment (steeper angles require a
higher drag setting).
To set the drag, either remove your camera or hold it in place.
1. Loosen the Main Lock Knob and Drag Set Knob.
2. Tighten the Main Lock Knob to your preferred amount of
resistance.
3. Turn the Drag Set Knob until it stops.
Your Drag is now set and will remain at the same
resistance until the Drag Set Knob is adjusted again.
Using the Drop Notch
1. Loosen the Pan Lock Knob and rotate the body so one drop
notch is facing forward.
2
Set Up Your Tripod
Set up your tripod to match the required camera position.
Orient the Ballhead
Loosen the Pan Lock Knob and rotate the body of the BH-55
ballhead as shown, so you may operate the Main Lock Knob
with your left hand while your right hand is free to operate
the camera controls. This orientation allows you to easily tilt
the camera body over from horizontal to vertical using the
drop notch.
Note: It is easy to forget that you set the drag and then
try to loosen the Main Lock Knob with no apparent effect
on the operation of the ball. If this happens to you, please
check the drag setting first and do not over-loosen the
Main Lock Knob.
Tighten the Main Lock Knob (optional) and expose the
image.
We recommend that you tighten the Main Lock Knob
before exposing an image. However, many photographers
simply rely on the Drag Setting and do not fully lock
the Ball using the Main Lock Knob. This is fine for many
situations depending on your equipment and how high
the drag setting is. If using a long telephoto at slow
shutter speeds, it is best to tighten the Main Lock Knob
before exposing your shot. Conversely, you may want to
leave the drag setting loose and only use the Main Lock
Knob to control both drag and lock. Experiment and see
what works best for you.
As you adopt a procedure that works for you, it’s best to
practice that working mode consistently until it becomes second
nature. This will save you time in the field and help avoid costly
mistakes. Seasoned pros are able to setup and shoot literally
within seconds.
2. Fully seat camera into the drop notch.
**Visit our website to see a ballhead video tutorial.
® , ™, © 2014 Really Right Stuff, LLC. All rights reserved.
KEY FEATURES
MAINTENANCE
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1. Pan Lock Knob — Our exclusive drum and band panning brake
is locked with one of the industry’s largest pan lock knobs. Crisply
knurled for superior lock up, you can easily apply enough clamping
force to unscrew the ballhead without the panning base slipping.
2. 55mm Ball — The 55mm ball is hollow for reduced weight, and
easily handles heavy loads with ample lock-up. Its shape and finish
allow for smooth and precise movement.
3. Drag Set Knob — Use this knob to add tension on the ball and
prevent the camera from dropping when the Main Lock Knob is
loosened. Control is independent from the Main Lock Knob to
ensure logical operation and absolute reliability in the field.
4. Quick-Release Clamps — Really Right Stuff quick-release
clamps feature the option of screw-knob or lever-release styles. We
offer many sizes, from mini clamps to extra long clamps. Though
any of our quick-release clamps may be installed, the B2 AS II and
B2-Pro II clamps are the best choices.
5. Main Lock Knob — Our snag-less, large diameter knob is
designed for comfort and easy locking of the ball.
6. Dual Drop Notches — Two drop notches are spaced 90° apart,
positioned for flexibility when tilting the camera into vertical aspect
or at steep downward or upward angles.
7. Body — The CNC machined body serves as both the structure
and the clamping mechanism of the ballhead. This is furnished by
a unique split body design, which is robust, lightweight and sealed
to prevent dust contamination. Finished with satin black anodizing,
it can withstand abrasion and corrosion while looking beautiful.
8. Engraved Pan Base — The pan base is laser engraved in 2.5º
increments from ±0º-90º-0º. Located on the main body just below
the drop notch is an index mark for tracking progressive panning,
used in multi-shot panoramic photography.
General Care
The BH-55 is finished with a protective anodize plating that protects the
aluminum from corrosion and mild abrasion. It will not protect it from
scraping against or dropping on rocks/concrete/etc.
The BH-55 comes packed in our protective LB-55 Cordura Pouch. Keep
the BH-55 in this pouch whenever practical. When transporting your
tripod, cover ballhead with the pouch and tighten the drawstring around
the bottom to keep it in place.
Cleaning
Take whatever precautions you can to prevent your BH-55 from getting
fouled in mud, dirt, or sand. A good habit is to keep a plastic bag with
your camera gear to quickly cover your camera and ballhead if you get
caught in a rain/sandstorm. If the BH-55 is fouled, dry dust and dirt can
be blown off and/or wiped off with a soft cloth. Mud or salt water should
be lightly rinsed off with fresh water and then thoroughly dried. DO NOT
submerge the ballhead when washing and do not direct a high-pressure
stream of water at the ballhead.
All the knobs are captive, meaning they cannot come off without damaging
them so do not attempt to remove the knobs. If fine sand/grit fouls the
knob, simply run a gentle stream of water around the knob while rotating
it one-half turn back and forth.
Break-In
The ballhead is tuned to maximize holding capacity and deliver super-fast
lockup. If you like to work with a fully loose ball with no pre-set tension,
the ballhead is ideal for you “out of the box”. However, those who like to
operate the ballhead with a given amount of drag may find that articulating a
pre-tensioned ballhead is not as silky smooth as desired. Keep in mind, after
using the head for a period of time there will be some noticeable softening
of the action. Customers have been known to lubricate their ballhead for
increased fluidity of motion, however we do not recommend this.
Lubrication
The BH-55 is lubricated at the factory and parts that require lubrication
are sealed. NO LUBRICATION IS REQUIRED BY THE USER. Especially
DO NOT LUBRICATE THE BALL as this will decrease the lock-up capacity
and tend to attract dirt/dust. Just keep the ball free from contamination
to maintain smooth action.
GUARANTEE
All Really Right Stuff brand products are guaranteed to
the original purchaser to be free of defects in materials or
workmanship for five (5) years from the date of purchase.
Products will be repaired or replaced at our option.
1146 Farmhouse Lane, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 USA
1-805-528-6321 | 1-888-777-5557
www.ReallyRightStuff.com
BH-55 BALLHEAD
BH-55 LR
Pictured
THANK YOU for choosing a Really Right Stuff BH-55
Ballhead. It is the culmination of years of development based
on first-hand experience and abundant input from seasoned
professionals. Please review this manual to see how you can
get the most from your BH-55.
SPECIFICATIONS: BH-55 LR
Load Capacity ................................................... 50 pounds (23kg)
Ball Articulation ..................................................... ±40-45º, 2x90º
Tension Adjustment ................................................. Independent
Panning Base ..................................... 2.5º increments, ±0º-90º-0º
Height (top of clamp jaw) ......................................... 3.7” (94mm)
Tripod Mount ........................................... Stainless Steel 3/8”-16
Base Diameter .................................................... 2.86” (72.6mm)
Ball Diameter ........................................................ 2.165” (55mm)
Weight ..................................................................... 1.9lbs (861g)
Clamp Options .................. B2 AS II, B2-40 LR, B2-Pro II, or PCL-1
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