Manfrotto 502 User manual

Manfrotto 502 Tripod quick guide
The Manfrotto 502 tripod is the main tripod used by 1st years.
The Sony NX100, Canon DSLR cameras, and Bolex cameras can all
use the 502 easily. The 502 is also available for C100 cameras if a
lighter tripod is necessary.
This tutorial will go over the basics of what each part of the tripod is
and does and how to pack it properly in order to not damage it.

The tension ring on the
side increases and
decreases the tension
on the tilt movement.
This toggle loosens or locks the tilt of the
tripod. The head should always be flat and in a
neutral position when put away or not in use.
This toggle loosens or locks
the pan movement of the
tripod.
The large red tension ring on the
bottom increases and decreases
the tension on the pan
movement.
The toggle on the side unlocks the plate which
can then be slid out by pressing the button on
the back.
The plate also slides on and off from the back.
Button on back
This toggle loosens the arm
grip allowing you to move it to
a comfortable position.
When packing away let the
arm fall downwards by
loosening here, don’t force the
arm down as this will damage
the head.

The screw handle beneath the legs and
head can be loosened to change the
levelling of the head. You can check to see
if the head is straight with the spirit level.
Spirit level at the back.
There are 6 tightening locks down the legs
in total. Each can be loosened to extend the
height of the tripod. The tripod has a
maximum height of around 165cm tall.
You can open out the locks by pulling on
the side or close them by pushing down.
Tripods, like all pieces of equipment, need to be
packed in a certain way so that our tripods are
protected, and you are comfortable carrying them.
When packing away use the locks on the legs collapse
the tripod down and bring the legs together.
With the legs together connect the rubber
clip to the hooks on one of the legs.

Top of bag (head end)
Bottom of bag (feet end)
Tripod heads are naturally heavier
than their legs. Because of this many
of the bags are offset slightly so that
they lean more towards the legs. This
is a counterbalancing design and
means, when held, the bag should
rest perfectly straight.
One easy way to work out if the
tripod is the right way up is to stand
both the bag and tripod upright. The
bags naturally have a bottom section
where the feet of the tripod will go.
Simply put the standing tripod into
the bag feet first and then zip it up.
Most tripod heads house a spring, this is part
of the counterbalance system they use to
enable them to take heavier cameras.
These springs are vulnerable to stretching and
breaking. For this reason, tripod heads should
be stored away flat and not tilted up or down.
Reminder, when lowering the arm, make sure
you undo the tightening toggle, this will loosen
it and it should just flop down. DO NOT force
the arm down as this may damage the spring.