Miller DS-60 Fluid head User manual

FEATURES AND CONTROLS
INTRODUCTION TECHNICAL DATA ACCESSORIES & COMPONENTS SERVICE, SALES & SUPPORT
WARRANTY
WEBSITE www.millertripods.com
3 year parts and labour warranty.Please refer to warranty
card for complete details.
Miller Authorised Service Agents must carry out all service and repair work.
Failure to observe this requirement may void warranty. It is advisable to
notify Miller or a MIllerAuthorised ServiceAgent if a change of performance
is observed as a result of dropping or rough usage. For information regarding
sales and service of Miller products, or for your nearest Miller representative
please contact us via www.millertripods.com or at the following:
Description Cat#
Camera Plate Assembly (EURO) #1060
3/8”w Camera Screw P0037
Handle Clamp Assembly P3810
Telescopic Pan Handle #690
Eyepiece Leveller Adaptor #383
Ø150 M12 Clamp Nut Assembly P5114
9V Battery P5901
MILLER CAMERA SUPPORT EQUIPMENT
30 Hotham Parade, Artarmon, Sydney
NSW 2064 Australia
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
MILLER FLUID HEADS (Europe) LTD.
Unit A2, Ford Lane Industrial Estate
Ford Lane, Ford
West Sussex BN18 0DF, United Kingdom
Tel: [phone]
Fax:[phone]
Email: [email protected]
MILLER CAMERA SUPPORT LLC (USA)
218 Little Falls Road, Cedar Grove,
New Jersey 07009-1231 USA
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
MILLER TRIPODS Canada
1055 Granville Street
Vancouver BC V6Z1L4, Canada
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Weight 6.1kg (13lb)
Height 210mm (8.2”)
Width 260mm (10.2”)
Depth 200mm (7.8”)
Max Payload Capacity 30kg (66lb) (see CB Graph)
Mounting 150mm ball levelling (1003), or
Flat Base (1004)
Pan Drag 4-positionselectableuiddrag
Pan Range 360°
Pan Lock Positive lock calliper brake
Tilt Drag 4-positionselectableuiddrag
Tilt Range +75°/-75°
Tilt Lock Positive lock calliper brake
Safety Lock Steel pin tilt brake calliper lock
Counterbalance System 4-position
Counterbalance Range 15-30kg (30-66lb) (see CB graph)
Camera Plate QR Euro Plate - 80mmW x 120mmL
Camera Platform 100mm (+50/-50mm) Sliding range
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
#1003 DS60 Fluid Head (150mm Bowl)
#1004 DS60 Fluid Head (Flat Base)
O P E R A T O R ’ S M A N U A L
DS-60
• Before operation please read the operating instructions.
• This Fluid Head has been designed to be operated by qualied camera
operators.
• Ensure Tripod is set-up for maximum stability and is stable.
• Hold camera securely during all levelling, balancing or removing opera-
tions.
• Ensure sliding platform is locked before tilting uid head from horizontal •
Lock uid head in horizontal position using the tilt safety lock before tting
or removing payload, or whenever operator leaves the system.
• Do not adjust the counterbalance or drag settings without securing (hold-
ing) the pan handle.
• Do not release the TILT LOCK without holding the PAN HANDLE to prevent
accidental or sudden movement.
• Do not release the clamp nut without holdng either the head or the at-
tached camera.
• Do not exceed the maximum total payload of 30kg. (66lb)
The Miller DS60 uid head offers robust and versatile 150mm ball levelling
or Flat Base support in a portable system. The DS60 features 4-position
counterbalance plus 4-position selectable pan/tilt drag to support payloads
from 15-30kg (30-66lb). With rear mounted main controls, a quick-release
Euro camera plate and tilt safety lock, the DS60 is designed for operator
ease. The ‘true’ uid drag action complements these features to deliver
seamless transitions under all studio and location conditions.
D5190-2 04/06
Clamp Stud
(3/8”)
Flat Base
(Mitchell Type)
Tilt Safety Lock
Pan Handle
Telescopic Clamp
Pan Handle Clamp
Slide Lock
Clamp Nut
(M12)
Stud
Eyepiece Leveller
Mount
Tilt Drag
Control
Tilt Lock
Sliding Platform
Camera Screws Camera Plate
Quick Release
Lever
Safety Tab
Counterbalance
Selectors
Pan Lock
Bubble Level
Pan Drag Control
Ball Base
(150mm)
FLUID HEAD
Fig 1. Fig 2.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
1. INSTALL AND LEVEL THE HEAD
3. CENTRE YOUR CAMERA ON HEAD
COUNTERBALANCE PERFORMANCE
STORAGE
MAINTENANCE
2. MOUNT YOUR CAMERA 4. COUNTERBALANCE YOUR CAMERA 7. CLEANING
The operating instructions for the DS60 Fluid Head are described below.
Please read and understand these instructions before using this equip-
ment.
Note that best camera control can be achieved by balancing the camera
centre of gravity (C of G) over the centre axis of the head.To achieve this
the DS60 is equipped with a SLIDING CAMERA PLATFORM
1. Ensure tilt is horizontal. Lock the TILT SAFETY LOCK.
2. Lock the PAN and TILT LOCKS (rotate both levers clockwise until
rm).
3. Remove the CAMERA PLATE by pulling downwards on the SAFETY TAB
while rotating the QUICK RELEASE to the left until it reaches the automatic
stop position (the CAMERA PLATE will pop up).
4. With accessories and battery tted, determine your camera’s Cof G by
the best method available (Eg: balance camera on a rod to nd balance
point).
5. Attach the CAMERAPLATE at the C of G point by fastening the CAMERA
SCREWS into your camera’s base or “tripod base plate”. These screws
should be tightened evenly and as far apart as possible to prevent move-
ment between camera and uid head.
6. Attach your camera to the uid head by holding the camera slightly “lens
down” and placing the attached CAMERA PLATE under the front lip on
the top of the SLIDING PLATFORM. Lower the back of the camera until
the QUICK RELEASE knob locks. Ensure the QUICK RELEASE knob is
rmly seated.
7. Grip the PAN HANDLE rmly and then disengage the PAN and TILT
LOCKS and TILT SAFETY LOCK. Your camera should be rmly attached
with no free movement.
1. With your camera attached to the uid head, hold the PAN HANDLE and
release the TILT LOCK and TILT SAFETY LOCK.
2. Turn the TILT DRAG CONTROL knob to position “1”. Turn the COUN-
TERBALANCE SELECTOR knob to position “1”.
3. Release the SLIDE LOCK lever and slide your camera forward or back-
ward until balanced over the centre axis of the uid head (see Fig.4). If
necessary, be prepared to stop your camera sliding suddenly. Your camera
will remain static when balanced.
4. Lock the SLIDING PLATFORM by turning the SLIDE LOCK clockwise
until rmly locked tight.
The DS60 includes a variable counterbalance system that provides ngertip
control through its tilt range and allows the camera to be static at any angle
within that range. The counterbalance control can be set in one of four
positions depending on your payload.
1. Hold the PAN HANDLE and release the TILT LOCK.
2. Rotate the COUNTERBALANCE SELECTORS to setting position “4”.
3. Tilt the camera through its tilt range. Check that your camera remains
static in a tilted postion. If the Camera rotates from its tilted position, return
the camera to the horizontal position and a lower counterbalnce setting. Tilt
through the range again and check that the camera remains static in both
tilted forward and tilted backward positions. Note: You may need to adjust
the SLIDING PLATFORM to ensure forward and backward balance.
Note: If accessories are added or removed , re-balance by: adjusting the
COUNTERBALANCE SELECTOR, and/or adjusting the SLIDING PLA-
TORM position, or by re-positioning the CAMERAPLATE on your camera’s
base or “tripod base plate”.
WARNING: Do not immerse in any liquid.
WARNING: Do not use stiff brushes, abrasives or solvents.
The DS60 features protective coatings, dust and moisture seals and cor-
rosive resistant materials to ensure long and trouble free operation, even
in harsh environments. To ensure optimum performance throughut the life
of the head Miller recommends regular cleaning.
When the uid head has been used in harsh environments (such as sand,
mud, or salt water spray), wipe over with a soft damp cloth as soon as
possible. Usa a soft clean brush to clean crevices. Clean CAMERA PLATE
and SLIDING PLATFORM.
When storing your DS60 for extended periods clean uid head and store in
a safe, dry place, away from direct sunlight. The uid head can be stored
horizontally or upright. However, do not store the head with the tilt locked.
With the exception of cleaning, the DS60 does not require additional
maintenance. Miller recommends periodic servicing by a Miller Authorised
Service Agent.
Miller Authorised ServiceAgents must carry out all service and repair work.
Failure to observe this requirement may void warranty.
Clamp Nut (M12) or
Clamp Stud (3/8”)
Bubble Level
Tripod Bowl
(150mm)
or Flat Base
(Mitchell Type)
1. Unscrew the CLAMP NUT from its threaded stud/hole. (see Fig. 3)
2. Place the head in your tripod and re-t the CLAMP NUT. Do not tighten
fully.
3. Level the uid head by centering the BUBBLE LEVEL. Then screw the
CLAMP NUT tight.
4. Note: If adjusting the level with your camera mounted, hold the camera
before loosening the CLAMP NUT.
Ball Base
(150mm)
or Flat Base
(Mitchell Type)
Pan Handle
CENTRE AXIS
Tilt Safety Lock
Slide Lock
C of G
5. DRAG CONTROL
1. The DS60 provides four (4) settings for the pan drag control. These
settings are indicated on the control knob. There are no half-stops. When
changing drag settings, pan and tilt movements must be stopped.
2. To achieve smooth diagonal movement, ensure that TILT and PAN DRAG
CONTROLS are on similar settings.
6. BATTERY REPLACEMENT
The DS-60 illumination feature uses a standard long life alkaline 9V
battery. Under most operating conditions the battery will provide two
years of operation.
Miller approves the use of the following battery, GP25A or equivalent 9V
batteries.
To change the BATTERY:
1. Lift tab on BATTERY LID
2. Remove BATTERY
3. Insert new BATTERY, negative end (-) rst
4. Replace BATTERY LID by presing into opening. Check for proper
location of BATTERY LID.
5. Press the ILLUMINATION BUTTON to test operation. The BUBBLE
LEVEL will remain illuminated for 10 seconds, then switch off
automatically.
Battery Lid
Battery
Illumination Button
Fig 5.
Fig 3. Fig 6.
Fig 4.