VariZoom SOLO JIB CF KIT User Manual

Thanks for purchasing a Solo Jib from
VariZoom. This lightweight telescoping jib is very
easy to set up and use, but because it’s a
counterweighted system that elevates your
camera, you must exercise caution when
operating the Solo Jib. Without proper setup and

operation, damage to the equipment and/or
injury to the user and people around the
equipment may occur.

Included items: Solo Jib, mounting stud & hand
knob for bowl-mount tripods, 5.5 lbs counter
weight (“2.5kg”), bar fitting and nut/spacers for
mounting counterweight, carrying bag.

Watch the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6dRv1vBr7g#t=52

1) Never remove the camera or counterweights without the appropriate support to

prevent the jib from swinging up or down.

2) Do not extend the telescoping sections of the jib while the camera is mounted. The

weight of the camera might cause a section to slide suddenly and pinch your hands
or even damage the camera.

3) Make absolutely certain that the jib is securely mounted to the tripod and leveled so

no slipping or loosening can occur. Also make sure the tripod is adequately level and
stable relative to the ground.

4) Tighten all joints thoroughly to prevent unwanted extension/contraction.

5) Never swing the jib around in a crowd of people.

6) Set up your camera and jib exactly as you intend to use it before going out on a

shoot. The main factor to dial in is the amount of counterweight needed. Unless your
camera is very small, to use the jib at its longest extension, you will need additional
weights. Likewise, using the jib at its shortest may require smaller weights. Standard
barbell plates with a 1” hole can be purchased at sporting goods stores. We
recommend buying one each 1.25, 2.5, 5 and 12.5 lbs plate for maximum flexibility. For
the maximum 7lbs load at the camera platform at full extension, you’ll need about 19
lbs total.

This manual covers both the aluminum and carbon fiber versions of the Solo Jib. Setup
and Operation for both are identical, with the only substantial difference being the lighter
weight of the carbon fiber version. If you have any questions or concerns about using
your Solo Jib, please contact us [e-mail] or call 512-219-7722.

Step 1 – Setting up the Tripod

The Solo Jib can be mounted to nearly any type of industry-standard tripod, including
65mm & 75mm bowl-mount, flat base w/ 3/8”-16 stud, and 100mm bowl-mount (with
purchase of optional adapter). However, if you are using a tripod from another
manufacturer, please make sure it is capable of handling the load of the jib,
counterweights, and camera, and that it’s sufficiently stable to handle the operational
demands of the jib. It may be a good idea to sandbag or counterweight your tripod to
add stability and prevent tipping over, and always make sure the leg sections are
properly tightened to prevent sliding and toppling of the entire assembly.

When setting up the tripod, make sure you have an adequate radius of clearance to
operate the jib. You should have at least an arm-span of clearance all the way around
the tripod to be safe. Set the tripod height and level the legs as best possible. Lock the
legs and secure the tripod. Next you will mount the jib to the tripod.

Step 2 – Attaching the Solo Jib to the Tripod

We recommend tightening the tilt brake and pan brake before attaching the Solo Jib to
your tripod.

Option A (75mm or 65mm tripod) - If you’re mounting to a
75mm or 65mm tripod (like the VariZoom VZTK75A), you will
need to attach the supplied mounting stud to the jib base.
Tighten the stud thoroughly, then fit the jib base into the
bowl mount of the tripod and use the supplied hand knob
to tighten and level the jib base. To prevent the jib from
shifting, make sure you tighten the knob thoroughly.

Option B (flat-base tripod with 3/8”-16 stud) - If
you’re mounting to a flat-base tripod with 3/8”-16
stud, the jib base will thread directly onto that stud.
Use the set screws on the flat base to prevent
loosening.

Option C (100mm tripod) – If you want to mount the
jib to a 100mm tripod, you will need the optional adapter plate (VZBR10075, not pictured).
Then the tightening will work

Once you have attached the jib to your tripod, level it and lock it in place. It is very
important that you secure the tripod and jib so nothing can slip, fall over, or collide with
people or surrounding objects.

Step 3 – Setting the Length of the Solo Jib

The Solo Jib has a 2-stage telescoping arm and single­telescoping tail design that allows a balance of maximum
extension with good rigidity. The longer the arm (front of jib) is
extended, the more you will have to extend the tail (back of
jib). The jib will operate well at the shortest and longest
configurations as long as it’s properly set up and used within
the specifications.

Start by adding the supplied counterweight to the tail of the
jib. Before you can add the counterweight, you must attach
the bar fitting to the tail, then add the weight itself. You can
use the second spacer/nut if you add more than one weight.
The jib will start a little tail-heavy, but as you extend the jib it
will balance out. Decide how long you want to extend the
jib, then start by extending the first stage.

Loosen the first set of twist locks (the larger set closest to the
tripod), grab the camera platform (front end w/ “Solo Jib”
printed) and pull out the first stage to the desired length. Note
the bubble level on the camera platform (under the camera
plate). Use the bubble level to even the tube lengths until the
camera platform is level. You may also have to slightly twist
the camera platform side-to-side to get the bubble centered and the platform exactly
level. Tighten the twist locks.