Fanotec Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Series User manual

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Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1
Copyright © 2020 Nodal Ninja
OPERATING MANUAL
September 7, 2020
Nodal Ninja 3 MK3

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Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1
Copyright © 2020 Nodal Ninja
Contents
Introduction......................................................................4
Features of the NN3 MK3 Series ....................................5
Bullet Point Features Include: ........................................... 6
Step by Step Setup Instructions.....................................7
Basic steps in setting up your Nodal Ninja...................... 7
Congurations ...............................................................16
NN3 MK3 + Nadir Adapter w/Lower Rotator RD10............18
NN3 MK3 w/Lower Rotator RD10.........................................19
NN3 MK3 w/Lower Mini Rotator + Nadir Adapter ............20
Available detent rings: ..................................................... 21
Lower Rotator Mini V2 with choice of pre-installed
detent ring:........................................................................ 21
NN3 MK3 w/Lower Mini Rotator ..........................................22
Available detent rings: ..................................................... 23
Lower Rotator Mini V2 with choice of pre-installed
detent ring:........................................................................ 23
NN3 MK3 w/No Lower Rotator + Nadir Adapter................24
Three Fanotec rotators are designed to t the NN3
MK3:.................................................................................... 24
Popular Accessories: ........................................................ 24
NN3 MK3 w/No Lower Rotator.............................................25
Three Fanotec lower rotators are designed to t the NN3
MK3:.................................................................................... 25
Popular Accessories: ........................................................ 25

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Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1
Copyright © 2020 Nodal Ninja
Other Models..................................................................26
Specications..................................................................27
Accessories .....................................................................28
Using the Nadir Adapter.......................................................30
U5 30mm Tripod Offset Bracket ..........................................31
Small Camera Mounting Knob .............................................33
Changing Detent Ring for Rotator Mini V2.........................36
Finding the No-Parallax Point of a Lens......................39
Lower rail setting: ..................................................................39
Upper rail setting:..................................................................40
Abbreviations .................................................................42
Warranty .........................................................................44
Copyright Information ..................................................45
Resources........................................................................46
Disclaimer .......................................................................47

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Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1
Copyright © 2020 Nodal Ninja
Introduction
Panoramic photography, for our purpose of this manual, is better defined as
capturing multiple adjoining images and stitching them together with the
use of third-party software to form a single seamless higher resolution
composite.
There are various types of panoramic
photography one of which is creating
a full 360°x180° spherical image.
These types of images are easy and
fun to shoot and produce. Wide-angle
lenses such as the Sigma 8mm when
used with full-frame DSLR’s are
capable of capturing a full 360°x180°
spherical image in as little as 4 shots.
Some field workflows can be shot in
seconds and post-production
completed within minutes.
Another type of panoramic
photography is multi-row/multi-column composite/mosaic shooting in
rows and columns. The resulting image becomes an extremely detailed
and high-resolution composite.
The Nodal Ninja 3 ‒ NN3 ‒ series heads can also act as a free movement
gimbal head, giving added use and flexibility.
While the market is currently dominated with lower-cost one-shot solutions,
there is no substitution for quality output when using DSLR, Micro-Four-
Thirds, or even compact cameras. Our heads allow the photographer to
adjust a camera/lens precisely over its horizontal and vertical axis points
(called the entrance pupil, aka Nodal Point). This eliminates parallax error
when shooting multiple images side by side. Without parallax, a
photographer can seamlessly stitch multiple photographs together,
forming a larger, higher resolution composite image.
The Nodal Ninja 3 series heads are a great entry-level solution for those
wanting higher quality panoramas.
Wikipedia:”Panoramic photography is a technique of photography,
using specialized equipment or software, that captures images with
horizontally elongated fields of view. It is sometimes known as wide
format photography.”

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Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1
Copyright © 2020 Nodal Ninja
Features of the NN3 MK3
Series
Fanotec began the development of Nodal Ninja in 2004. The latest
generation NN3 MK3 is created using state of the art computer-controlled
cutting (CNC) machines, resulting in greater precision, uniformity, and
cross-compatibility. Small, sleek, and sexy. The NN3 MK3 is lightweight and
compact. It's Arca-Swiss compatible and suitable for compact cameras,
Micro Four Thirds (MFT) mirrorless cameras, and even smaller DSLRs with a
lens up to about 50mm. The NN3 MK3 is also very similar in design and
function to its big brother, the NN6.
The NN3 MK3 utilizes Rotator Mini or Rotator D10 as the lower rotator, which
are used in other Nodal Ninja panoramic heads. It also shares many parts
and accessories with NN6, making the whole system much more versatile
and cost effective when shifting or upgrading to other models. Like NN6, the
MK3 is compatible with the automated rotators (MECHA), capable of
transforming into a 2-axis fully automatic pan/ tilt head with diverse
functions.
NN3 MK3 w/Lower
Mini Rotator

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Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1
Copyright © 2020 Nodal Ninja
Bullet Point Features Include:
● The level of expertise required is rated as entry-level, however many
seasoned professionals will also enjoy the added benefits of this model.
● Small, lightweight, and very compact.
● Ideal for hobbyists, travelers, hikers, or anyone with weight/space needs.
● Built for precision and durability with very high tolerances.
● Inexpensive in comparison to similar products.
● Upgradable and can be reconfigured to better suit user needs.
● Pre-assembled at the factory, quick and easy to setup, and begin
shooting.
● No tools required after initial setup.
● Built-in spirit level to aid in leveling.
● Upper and lower Rail Stops help to remember a camera/lens position.
● Closed rail design – assures your expensive camera won’t slip off
accidentally.
● Large knurled knobs making operation easy, especially if using gloves.
NN3 MK3 w/Lower
Rotator RD10

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Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1
Copyright © 2020 Nodal Ninja
● Small Rotator Base – smaller nadir (down shot) to edit during post-
production.
● Numerical demarcations on horizontal and vertical rotators for easy
reference.
● Universal – fits small compact cameras up to Micro-four-thirds (MFT) and
most crop sensor cameras, to include smaller DSLR using lenses up to
about 50mm.
● Double axis rotation allows for full 360° horizontal panning and 180°
vertical panning.
● Can be used for shooting in landscape mode with the camera mounted
on the lower rail for horizontal panning – ideal for landscape
photography.
● Can be used as a gimbal arm.
● Attractive finish – “non-glare” matt black.
● Up to a 30-day money-back guarantee (see dealer terms).
● Full parts and labor lifetime warranty against any manufacturer defects.
Step by Step Setup
Instructions
When purchased as a complete package, all Nodal Ninjas are pre-assembled
at the factory. The user has the flexibility to swap out or add some
components such as the lower rotator and Nadir Adapter and Offset T-
adapter. To learn more about finding the NPP of a lens, visit section Finding
the No-Parallax Point.
Basic steps in setting up your Nodal Ninja
The example we show in this chapter is the NN3 MK3 with Rotator
Mini V2 (SKU# F3300-1).

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Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1
Copyright © 2020 Nodal Ninja

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Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1
Copyright © 2020 Nodal Ninja
Step 3
Loosen upper rotator knob by
turning counter-clockwise.
Step 2
Mount vertical assembly to lower rail and
tighten using the large knurled vertical rail
mounting knob. Note the relative position
of vertical assembly before mounting.
Step 1
Mount rotator to the tripod. Every
Nodal Ninja uses a 3/8” female
mounting system. We also include
a 3/8”-1/4” thread adapter for free
to accommodate mounts using ¼”
male threads.
Mount rotator
to tripod.
Loosen upper rotator knob.
Mount vertical assembly
to lower rail and tighten
vertical rail knob.

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Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1
Copyright © 2020 Nodal Ninja
Tighten upper
rotator knob.
Flip up the
upper rail.
Remove the hex key
from its holder.
Step 5
After the rail is rotated to a vertical
position, tighten using the upper rail
rotator knob turning clockwise.
Step 6
Located on the underside of the lower rail
is the hex key holder. Remove the hex key
by rotating and pulling straight out. The
hex key is held in place by a magnet located
inside its holder.
Step 4
Flip or rotate upper assembly rail
180°.

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Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1
Copyright © 2020 Nodal Ninja
Loosen the screws of
anti-twist plates slightly
using the hex key.
Lift up the anti-
twist plates.
Retighten screws slightly
to keep them in place.
Step 7
Loosen the 4 set screws of the anti-twist plates
slightly using the provided hex key.
Step 8
Lift or slide upwards the
anti-twist plates.
Step 9
Retighten set screws slightly to hold them
in place.

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Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1
Copyright © 2020 Nodal Ninja
Mount the camera to the
camera mounting plate.
Tighten gently.
Check the camera is
aligned to upper rail by
looking from bottom
view of camera.
Use straight line
features as assistance.
Twist the camera as
needed.
Step 10
Mount your camera/lens onto
the camera mounting plate
and secure by gently
tightening the camera
mounting knob being careful
not to overtighten.
Step 11
Check to ensure the camera is aligned to the
upper rail by looking from the bottom view
side of the camera.
Use straight-line features as assistance. Rotate
the camera slightly if needed. Note how the
red line centers through the barrel of the lens
and runs parallel to upper rail. If your camera
appears offset (the mount is not in line with
the centerline of the lens) you may need the
U5 T-Adapter with offset (SKU# F3315) to
correct this.

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Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1
Copyright © 2020 Nodal Ninja
Loosen the screw
of anti-twist
plates.
Step 13
After set screws are loosened,
slide the anti-twist tabs
downward so they rest against
the back of the camera “body”
and retighten.
NOTE: THE ANTI-TWIST PLATES
SHOULD NOT BE PRESSING OR
RESTING AGAINST OR ON THE
CAMERA’S REAR DISPLAY
DIRECTLY. USE INCLUDED
FITTINGS FOR ADDED
CLEARANCE.
Press the anti-twist plates
against the back of camera
body.
Step 12
Once you are satisfied with the
camera/lens alignment, finish by
tightening the “camera”
mounting knob securely. Next,
loosen the set screws of the anti-
twist plates with the provided
hex key.

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Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1
Copyright © 2020 Nodal Ninja
Step 14
Loosen upper rotator
knob and rotate upper rail
so camera/lens is pointed
towards the horizon.
Next, while holding the
camera, loosen the
camera mounting knob
and slide the camera to
the no-parallax point
(NPP) of the lens, after
which tighten securely
using the camera
mounting knob.
Slide the stop plate
against the camera
mounting plate.
Tighten screw to
set position for
that camera and
lens.
Slide camera to the
non-parallax point
(NPP) of the lens.
Tighten securely
using camera
mounting knob.
Step 15
Slide the upper rail stop
plate against the camera
mounting plate. Using the
provided hex key, tighten
the set screw to aid in
remembering the position
of this rotational axis.
Note: Depending on the
camera/lens, the stop
plate can also be
positioned at the rear of
the camera.

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Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1
Copyright © 2020 Nodal Ninja
Step 16
While holding the camera,
loosen the vertical rail
mounting knob just
enough to allow the vertical
assembly to slide back and
forth on the lower
horizontal rail.
Loosen the vertical rail
mounting knob slightly.
Holding camera!
Loosen the screw of hex
key holder, which also
acts as a stop plate.
Step 17
Slide camera and
position so the center
of the lens is directly
positioned over the
center of the lower
rotator. Next, slide the
stop plate against the
vertical rail and tighten
to remember this
position.

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Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1
Copyright © 2020 Nodal Ninja
This concludes the basic setup. This setup guide can also be used for the
NN6 and other models as well – some steps may vary slightly.
Configurations
NN3 MK3 can be configured in many ways to include using with the Lower
Rotator Mini V2 (F1235-*) or the Lower Rotator RD10 (F1140) with or without
Nadir Adapters. Since the design is Arca-Swiss compatible, NN3 MK3 also
shares many parts and accessories with its big brother, the NN6.
Each of the products listed in the manual (noted by SKU’s) are provided as
packages. These packages give the user everything an average user needs
to begin shooting, including a case, hex keys, spare washers, etc. Only a
small percentage of users may need additional components such as offset
adapters. We will list some of the popular optional accessories with each
configuration.
Configurations discussed in this operating manual include:
● NN3 MK3 + Nadir Adapter w/Lower Rotator RD10 SKU# F3321
● NN3 MK3 w/Lower Rotator RD10 SKU# F3320
● NN3 MK3 w/Lower Mini Rotator + Nadir Adapter SKU# F3302-1
● NN3 MK3 w/Lower Mini Rotator SKU# F3300-1
● NN3 MK3 w/no Lower Rotator + Nadir Adapter SKU# F3307
● NN3 MK3 w/no Lower Rotator SKU# F3305
There are also several configurations using NN3 MK3 w/MECHA to include
single and double automated rotators. It is not the purpose of this manual
to go into detail on the use of MECHA. For more information on MECHA
configurations, please visit our forum – https://forum.nodalninja.com.

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Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1
Copyright © 2020 Nodal Ninja
SKU# F3300-1 SKU# F3307 SKU# F3305
SKU# F3321 SKU# F3320 SKU# F3302-1

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Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1
Copyright © 2020 Nodal Ninja
NN3 MK3 + Nadir Adapter w/Lower
Rotator RD10
The RD10 lower rotator is convenient when shooting with different lenses or
variable focal lengths. Changing click stops is quick and easy and only
requires moving the detent plunger knob to the desired click stop option.
This model does not include a nadir adapter.
The RD10 rotator is compact and lightweight. It incorporates 10 different
detent options that can be changed quickly on the fly. The range of intervals
is suitable for shooting super wide fisheye lenses to longer lenses up to
200mm equivalent focal length.
10 different degree stop increments are
included (with an equivalent number of
stops around):
○ 5 (72 stops)*
○ 7.5 (48 stops)*
○ 10 (36 stops)
○ 15 (24 stops)
○ 18 (20 stops)*
○ 30 (12 stops)*
○ 36 (10 stops)
○ 45 (8 stops)*
○ 60 (6 stops)
○ 90 (4 stops)
● SKU# F3321
● Weight Load 3.3lb (1.5kg)
● Level: Amateur - Pro
● Lenses: 8mm - 50mm focal length (DSLR)
● Features: Compact, Inexpensive, Durable
● Popular Uses: Real Estate, Travel, Hobbyist, Google Trusted
Photographer
● Cameras: Compact, Micro-Four-Thirds, smaller DSLR's
* Listed stops
marked with an
asterisk requires
the use of both
plunger knobs.

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Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1
Copyright © 2020 Nodal Ninja
NN3 MK3 w/Lower Rotator RD10
The RD10 lower rotator is convenient when shooting with different lenses or
variable focal lengths. Changing click stops is quick and easy and only
requires moving the detent plunger knob to the desired click stop option.
This model does not include a nadir adapter.
The RD10 rotator is compact and lightweight. It incorporates 10 different
detent options that can be changed quickly on the fly. The range of intervals
is suitable for shooting ultra-wide fisheye lenses to longer lenses up to
200mm equivalent focal length.
10 different degree stop increments are
included (with the equivalent number of
stops around) include:
○ 5 (72 stops)*
○ 7.5 (48 stops)*
○ 10 (36 stops)
○ 15 (24 stops)
○ 18 (20 stops)*
○ 30 (12 stops)*
○ 36 (10 stops)
○ 45 (8 stops)*
○ 60 (6 stops)
○ 90 (4 stops)
● SKU# F3320
● Weight Load 3.3lb (1.5kg)
● Level: Amateur - Pro
● Lenses: 8mm - 50mm focal length (DSLR)
● Features: Compact, Inexpensive, Durable
● Popular Uses: Real Estate, Travel, Hobbyist, Landscape, High-
Resolution Composites
● Cameras: Compact, Micro-Four-Thirds, smaller DSLR's
* Listed stops
marked with an
asterisk requires
the use of both
plunger knobs.

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Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1
Copyright © 2020 Nodal Ninja
NN3 MK3 w/Lower Mini Rotator + Nadir
Adapter
This configuration is convenient if you have an established and consistent
workflow and which includes shooting the nadir (down shot). The
incorporation of the Rotator Mini V2 allows for a single given number of
stops per 360°s of rotation. This rotator uses an interchangeable detent ring
with preset detent intervals, one of which is included with purchase.
Additional rings are available if needed.
● SKU# F3302-1
● Weight Load 3.3lb (1.5kg)
● Level: Amateur - Pro
● Lenses: 8mm - 50mm focal length (DSLR)
● Features: Compact, Inexpensive, Durable
● Popular Uses: Real Estate, Travel, Hobbyist, Google Trusted
Photographer
● Cameras: Compact, Micro-Four-Thirds, smaller DSLR's