VariZoom VZFH100 User Manual

VZ-FH100 100mm Video Fluid Head

Thank you for your purchase of our professional 100mm ballleveling fluid head for cameras up to 22 lbs. We expect you to have a great experience shooting with this product. However, to ensure the best possible results, please review the manual for an explanation of the FH100 and its features.

User Manual

Design Features: 1 - Progressive counterbalance adjustment for heavier cameras

2 - Variable drag adjustment for pan

3 - Variable drag adjustment for tilt

4 - Locking levers for tilt and pan

5 - Button-activated backlight for leveling bubble

6 - Indexed quick-release plate with ¼”-20 and 3/8”-16 mounting screws.

Shown with optional 2nd pan handle

7 - Telescoping pan handle (2nd accessory pan handle can be added at extra cost)

Failure to Follow These Warnings Will Void Your Warranty:

-Only mount the FH100 to standard 100mm-bowl type tripods. Do not attempt to mount it to any other type of tripod, or damage to the camera and head may result.

-Never disassemble any part of the FH100 or your warranty will become void.

-Do not add lubricants to the FH100 or attempt to service it – doing so will void your warranty.

-Store in room temperature conditions and never expose the FH100 to liquids. Do not expose the FH100 to extreme heat (>110F) or severe cold (<25F) for extended periods.

-Always make sure the camera mounting screw is thoroughly tightened.

-Do not pan the FH100 with the pan locking lever engaged and do not tilt the FH100 with the tilt locking lever engaged.

-Damage caused by impact or misuse is not covered under warranty.

First-Time Operating Notes Note that when you first unpack the FH100, the locking levers for pan and tilt may be locked. Unlock

them prior to operating the head. Set up your 100mm-bowl tripod to the desired height and lock the legs. Remove the triangular knob

from the base of the FH100 and place the FH100 into the tripod bowl. Secure the FH100 to the tripod with the triangular knob and check the leveling bubble before tightening.

Attach the pan handle, adjust the angle, tighten securely, and then extend to the desired length. Note: Because the head may have been sitting in a cold warehouse for some time, you may need to

rotate the pan axis and tilt axis a few times to loosen it up and reach optimal consistency in the fluid action.

Practice with the drag settings of pan and tilt to get a sense of the adjustment range. Remove the quick-release plate from the FH100 by loosening the lever, depressing the silver release

button on the opposite side, and sliding the plate back toward the handle. (note: quick-release plate will not slide out in the forward direction as a safety precaution).

Attach the plate to your camera using the supplied mounting screws. If your camera has ¼”-20 and 3/8”-16 mounting holes, you may wish to use both screws for added stability and safety. Place the center of the plate as close as possible to the camera’s center of mass. If you have trouble determining this center of mass, try balancing the camera front to back on a pencil or pen. The point where it comes closest to balancing is the center of mass.

Slide the quick-release plate (w/ camera attached) into the FH100 from the back – it will not insert from the front. Adjust the front-to-back position until the camera feels balanced. If the camera tends to tilt down on its own, try adjusting the position backward. If it tends to tilt up on its own, try adjusting the position forward.

Counterbalance Adjustment Tilt the camera up and down. If the camera tends to take a nose-dive when you tilt down AND falls

back when you tilt up, you can add additional counterbalance force by adjusting the “Balance” knob. Turn it clockwise to increase the counterbalance force. This will counteract the tendency of the camera to fall as you tilt. The heavier the camera, the more you need to adjust the counterbalance knob.

Drag Adjustment This is more a matter of personal preference. If you need very smooth, slow motion, increase the

drag adjustment. If you want very heavy drag, you may need to sandbag / weight your tripod to prevent it from shifting. Do not use the locking levers for drag - they are only for holding position.

Warranty: 1 year parts & labor – www.varizoom.com – 512-219-7722