NOVOFLEX FALCON User manual

Information
For more information, advice and tips concerning our products contact your photo dealer, the
distributor of NOVOFLEX products in your country (have a look at the “Where to buy“ section
at our website to find your distributor) or visit our website www.novoflex.com
For personal advice about possible accessories which is suitable for your NOVOFLEX product
please contact the following phone number or send us an E-mail.
NOVOFLEX Phone: [phone]
NOVOFLEX E-Mail: mail@novoflex.com
© Novoflex Präzisionstechnik GmbH
Brahmsstraße 7
D-87700 Memmingen
Phone [phone], Fax [phone]
Email mail@novoflex.com, Internet www.novoflex.com
Double Gimbal FALCON
USER MANUAL

Page 2
Nomenclature
1 Friction contol for horizontal rotation “Friction”
2 Rotary knob/transport lock - horizontal rotation “Block”
3 Rotary knob/transport lock - vertical rotation
4 Rotary knob for friction control or clamping the vertical rotation (2x)
5 Swing arm with dovetail guide and height scale (2x)
6 Locking lever for height of Extension arm and folding mechanism (2x)
7 Quick release unit for Q=Plate (ARCA Swiss-UniQ/C compatible, 2x)
8 Locking screw of the quick release unit (2x)
9 Extension arm (can be folded, 2x)
10 Angle fixing and retaining screw for quick release unit (2x)
11 Locking screw for horizontal rotation “Lock”
12 Bubble for leveling
Content
Nomenclature....................................................................................................................................2
Product description.........................................................................................................................4
Safety instructions............................................................................................................................4
Mounting on a tripod or leveling unit......................................................................................5
Handling of the controls................................................................................................................6
Rotary knob for locking the horizontal rotation “Block”.........................................6
Rotary knob for locking the vertical rotation ...........................................................6
Friction control and blocking of horizontal rotation.................................................7
Friction contol and blocking of vertical rotation........................................................7
Insert extension arm, fold in or move up.......................................................................8
Mounting the equipment..............................................................................................................8
Balancing the equipment....................................................................................................9
Setting the yaw angle around the vertical axis of the quick release units.....10
Direct mounting on the swing joint without swing- and extension arm.........11
The FALCON in action...............................................................................................................12
Transport...................................................................................................................................12
Set up.........................................................................................................................................12
On-site installation...............................................................................................................12
Taking photos..........................................................................................................................12
Recommended accessories........................................................................................................14
Technical data...................................................................................................................................15
Information........................................................................................................................................16
Page 15
Technical data FALCON
Height 195 mm (7.68”)
Depth 100 mm (3.94”)
Width (with unfolded extension arms) 350 mm (13.8”)
Width (with folded extension arms) 150 mm (5.91”)
Height adjustment of the extension arms 100 mm (3.94”)
Weight: (complete) 2,4 kg (5.3 lbs)
Weight: (with disassembled arms) 1,7 kg (3.8 lbs)
Clamping plate QPL-PANORAMA with lateral
scale for reproducible positioning of the equip-
ment on the FALCON. The removable stop end
can be used to prevent twisting of the lens on the
plate.
Applicable clamping plates of type Q=PLATE

Page 14
Recommended accessories
Clamps
To mount the camera equipment on the FALCON double gimbal head, a large number of
Q=PLATE clamping plates can be used. These are available in different sizes, with different
thread screws and with and without anti-twist pins.
To balance the equipment on the FALCON, however, we recommend a relatively long clamping
plate such as the NOVOFLEX QPL3, QPL4 or QPL-PANORAMA below the tripod collar of
your telephoto lens. Details can be found on our website www.novoflex.com.
Tripod and leveling unit
Please use a sufficiently stable tripod, which is able to carry the weight of the complete equip-
ment. Recommendation: NOVOFLEX TrioPod PRO 75 with the leveling unit MBAL-PRO75.
The carrying capacity here is 65 kg (143 lbs).
TrioPod PRO 75
MBAL-PRO75
Page 3
1
2
3
4
5
6
78
Tripod not included. Recom-
mendation: NOVOFLEX
TrioPod PRO 75 with leveling
ball MBAL-PRO75
T
T
9
10 11
Rear view for better
illustration
12

Page 4
Congratulations on your purchase of the double gimbal head FALCON. Even if the operation
is very simple, we want to give you some tips on how to use your FALCON right from the be-
ginning.
Product description
The modular double gimbal head FALCON allows the simultaneous use of two cameras with
different focal lengths. Thus, for example, from the same perspective, parallel and simultaneous
pictures with a telephoto and wide-angle lens can be taken. An effect that is desired, among
others, in nature and wildlife photography. The same applies to the combination of motion and
still image. For example, you can start a video recording from a still image, or you can end a video
recording in a still image. The two camera platforms are also independently height-adjustable,
enabling interesting possibilities for perspective effect and image design.
Both extension arms (9) use the well-known NOVOFLEX Q=MOUNT (7) quick release units
with integral safety pins to prevent unintentional slipping out of the clamping plates. Both quick
release units accept ARCA-UniQ / C-compatible clamping plates, can be rotated +/- 10° hori-
zontally and can be removed completely from the extension arm with 4 allen bolts as required,
so that they can be mounted directly in the upper axis. This type of mounting allows a direct
coupling of long focal length lenses with the help of their rotatable tripod collars in the upper ho-
rizontal axis. This eliminates not only 700g weight by the removal of the two arms but also allows
a very direct rotation of the mounted equipment compared to the relatively large and precise
way when pivoting in the side arms (gimbal set-up).
To reduce the packed size for transport, both extension arms can be folded. In addition, the ro-
tary and tilt modules are lockable (2 and 3), which facilitates the assembly of the FALCON on a
tripod and is also very helpful for safe changing of the equipment or when the FALCON is being
transported. In addition, the horizontal and vertical rotations each have a friction adjustment
option „pre-brake“ (1 and 4). A built-in spirit level (12) allows a quick and accurate alignment on
the tripod.
Safety instructions
Read these safety instructions carefully before putting the device into operation. Observe warn-
ings and notes in this manual. If you sell or distribute this product, be sure to hand over this
manual as well.
When operating the double gimbal head, be aware that there is a risk of pinching during op-
eration. When panning, keep both hands on the camera(s) and do not grap into the middle
segment, for example, to adjust the friction. These settings should be made before panning.
Be sure to use the horizontal (2) and vertical (3) locking during transport and separate the cam-
era equipment from the extension arms using the two quick release units.
When mounting or dismounting the FALCON on a device underneath e.g. a tripod or leveling
unit, be sure to use the transport lock, that blocks the horizontal rotation (2). Otherwise, there
is a risk, that the double gimbal will not be connected firmly enough to the device below it. Dis-
mounting is difficult without locking.
Page 13
8
7
3
2
6
1
11
8
6
6
12
11
11
11
11
11
11
11
11
Symmetrical structure: Controls
on the right side are identical to
those on the left side.

Page 12
The FALCON in action
In the following we assume that you have preset the double gimbal head for your equipment(s)
as already described or know the optimal positions.
Transport
For transport use the previously mentioned locks for horizontal (2) and vertical (3) rotation. On
the way to the scene we strongly recommend discon-
necting the FALCON from the camera equipment
with the quick release units. This results in several parts:
• Tripod (e.g. NOVOFLEX TrioPod PRO 75) with
leveling unit (e.g. MBAL-PRO75) and pre-set
FALCON.
• Telephoto lens with tripod collar and preassem-
bled clamping plate (e.g. QPL4) and camera,
once or twice.
Set up
Make sure the tripod is secure on the ground. With
the help of the spirit level (12) and a leveling device
mounted under the FALCON you can move the head
to a horizontal leveled position.
On-site installation
When mounting any equipment on the FALCON using the clamping plates, make sure that
both jaws of the quick-release unit (7) engage into the profile of the respective plate. Insert the
clamping plates at the previously determined positions (forward and backward). To do this, open
and tighten the locking screws (8) and adjust the height (if necessary) with the levers (6). Then
check the secure hold of the equipment on the quick release units.
Now release the locks (2) and (3) as already described.
Taking photos
The FALCON is now ready for use. The pre-brakes (friction) can be adjusted with the rotary
knob (1) for the horizontal rotation and with one of the two upper rotary knobs (4) for the vertical
rotation. Use the other knob (4) to fix the vertical rotation. Which knob you use for which func-
tion does not matter. Fix the horizontal position with the large blue knob (11) labeled “Lock”. The
current angular position can be read on the lower scale.
We wish you lots of success and great shots when using your double gimbal head FALCON!
Page 5
To mount the camera equipment on the
quick release units (7) with the help of
clamping plates (optional accessories),
you have to tighten the locking screw
(8). Always make sure that both clamp-
ing jaws of the quick release unit (7) en-
gage in the profile of the camera plate to
prevent slipping out of the equipment.
Both quick release units (7) have a safe-
ty pin, which prevents the NOVOFLEX
clamping plate from slipping away in
both directions when the locking screw
(8) isn’t completely tightened. ARCA
Swiss-UniQ / C compatible third-party plates can be used, but do not have this feature.
With equipment installed, never open one of the clamping screws (8) while other screws or
levers are open.
Mounting on a tripod or leveling unit
Please use a sufficiently stable tripod, which is able to carry the weight of the complete equip-
ment. Ideal is the NOVOFLEX TrioPod PRO 75 with the leveling ball MBAL-PRO75. The
carrying capacity here is 65 kg (143 lbs). Pay attention to a stable and secure stand.
On the bottom of the FALCON sits a 3/8”-16 thread with 1/4”-20 reducer bushing. This allows
the double gimbal head to be mounted on almost any tripod or leveling unit. As already men-
tioned, be sure to use the lock for horizontal (2) rotation during assembly. In order to secure the
head against twisting while operating, it can be additionally fixed from above by means of a grub
screw.
3/8“ threaded hole with 1/4“ adapter
View from below: Grub screw as anti-twisting lock, to
be screwed from above using an allen key.
Clamping jaws of quick release (7)
Safety Pin
ng
ng
ng
ng
ng
j
q
(
7)
ng
ng
ng
ng
ng
8

Page 6
Handling of the controls
Rotary knob for locking the horizontal rotation “Block” (2)
The black rotary knob (2) is spring-loaded and can be pulled out. There is a white dot on its
sleeve (Fig. 1). In the locked state, this mark is exactly
at the 12 o’ clock position and the sleeve touches the
housing.
To release the lock, pull out the knob and turn it about
15° to the right or left (Fig. 2). The knob will stay in this
position and the horizontal rotation is unlocked. You
can now freely pan the head.
To lock it again, pull on the knob, turn the marking
back to the top and let go. Now turn the complete
double gimbal head horizontally until the rotary knob
snaps back on its own: the horizontal rotation is now
locked.
Fig. 1: locked Fig. 2: unlocked
2
Rotary knob for locking the vertical rotation (3)
The rotary knob on the inside of the housing works in the same way as the knob for the horizontal
locking described above. It engages on the other side of the housing wall in a channel on the
extension arm.
To release the lock, pull out the knob and turn
it about 15° to the right or left (pictured right).
After letting go of the knob, it remains in this
position
To lock the vertical rotation, move the exten-
sion arms to a position parallel to the middle
segment (pictured right), then pull the knob
(3), turn it up and release it as soon as it clicks
into place. Then check the effectiveness of the
lock.
Since single extension arms can be dismantled,
the rotary knob can also be mounted on the
opposite side with the help of a wrench. In this
case, mount the locking mechanism on the side
where an extension arm is located.
3
Page 11
Direct mounting of the quick release unit (7) on the swing joint without
swing arm (5) and extension arm (9)
This type of mounting allows for a direct coupling of long focal length lenses with the help of
their rotatable tripod collars in the upper horizontal axis. This saves about 700 g in weight by
eliminating the extension- and swing arms. Balance the equipment by sliding the plate forward
or backward. After releasing the equipment it remains in its current position, since the axis of
rotation and the center of gravity are usually at the same height. Note that an adjustment of the
yaw angle is not possible. Ideal if you work with very different focal lengths or just one piece of
equipment.
To detach the swing arms, unscrew the 4 hex bolts that
connect the swing arm (5) to the upper hinge using an
allen wrench and carefully remove the unit swing arm
with extension arm. Disassemble the quick release unit
(7) of the detached arm by unscrewing the angle fixing
and retaining screw (10). Remove the quick release unit
(7) from its holder and mount it at the top of the hinge
with the four hexagon screws. The locking screw (8) of
the quick release unit (7) can point up- or downward.
Mounting with the locking screw upwards facilitates access, mounting downwards is safer and
prevents accidental opening.
Restoring the original state is done in reverse order.
8
7
On this side with
swing arm (5) and
extension arm (9)
79
5
10
7
9
9
9
5
Direct mounting of the quick
release unit (7) on the swing
joint without swing arm and
extension arm

Page 10
Depending on the task, it may also make sense to mount the equipment so that it returns to the
horizontal position when released. Select a low extension arm height so that the center of gravity
of the equipment is below the pivot axis. Then you only balance the equipment by moving it
forward or backward.
When you have found the optimum position, note the value of the height scale (5) and mark the
set position on the clamping plate, e.g. with a waterproof pen. The quick release unit (7) has an
engraved marking line for this purpose. It is also very helpful to use a clamping plate with a lateral
scale, such as the QPL-PANORAMA.
Setting the yaw angle around the vertical axis of the quick release units
Equip the FALCON with your camera equipment on both sides and balance them as described
above. Select a subject that is at the same distance as the subject you plan to shoot later. Aim
with the longer focal length of both equipments at the test subject and fix the horizontal rotation
with the blue locking screw (11) labeled “Lock”. Now look through the viewfinder of the other
equipment with the shorter focal length and also aim at the test subject by changing the angle of
the quick release unit (7) underneath. To do this, slightly open the angle fixing screw (10) with an
allen wrench, adjust the angle and tighten the screw (10) again. The angle set in this way can be
read off the unit using the angle scale, see picture below.
10
11
11
Tip: If you need larger yaw angles, work additionally with a pre-set angle on the quick release
unit of the longer focal length equipment.
Page 7
Friction control (1) and blocking of horizontal rotation (11)
By means of the blue friction control knob (1) with the inscription “Friction”, the FALCON can
be pre-braked, this means you can adjust the force needed for the rotation.
To fix the current position use the blue screw (11) marked “Lock” on the opposite side. When
panning this locking screw should be open.
Friction control and blocking of vertical rotation (4)
The two rotary knobs (4) located in the upper part of the middle segment are used for pre-brak-
ing (friction control) and locking of the vertical rotation. Either knob can be used for either func-
tion.
1
11
44
To adjust the vertical pre-brake,
first open the knob (4) that you
want to use for locking.
Carefully tilt your equipment and
tighten the other knob (4) more
or less firmly until the movement
meets your expectations.

Page 8
Insert extension arm, fold in or move up
The extension arms (9) can be inserted from above by means of the dovetail guides on the swing
arms, which contains the corresponding quick release units. Two stop screws each limit the path
of the extension arms down. These should not be unscrewed for safety reasons.
Each extension arm can be folded for transport to the middle segment to reduce the packing
dimensions. To do this, open the locking le-
ver (6), fold the extension arm to the middle
segment and tighten the lever again.
When the lever (6) is open, the extension
arm can also be moved to any height on the
swing arm and locked by tightening the le-
ver. The height in relation to the lower stop
is displayed on the scale of the swing arm,
and can thus be easily noted and repro-
duced.
Mounting the equipment
In order to balance your equipment on the FALCON, you will need a relatively long clamping
plate such as the NOVOFLEX QPL3, QPL4 or QPL-PANORAMA below the tripod collar of
your telephoto lens. Open the locking screw (8) of the quick release unit and insert the clamping
plate with the equipment mounted above it into the quick release unit in compliance with the
safety instructions (see page 4). Then tighten the locking screw (8) again and check the secure
hold of the equipment on the FALCON.
8
QPL4
6 9
9
6
6
6
Page 9
Attention: If the extension arm is set too high, the equipment may tilt forward or backward
unexpectedly, or too quickly when tilted vertically. Avoid repeating this. In this case, choose a
lower position of the extension arm!
Balancing the equipment
Balancing means that the equipment remains in its current position when taking your hands
away. For this, the center of gravity must be mounted exactly in the axis of rotation of the double
gimbal head. Adjustment is done by trial and error with the complete equipment, moving it
forwards, backwards and upwards.
The right and left equipment of the double gimbal head should be balanced independently, so
that operation with only one piece of equipment is possible later.
When balancing, make sure that all attachments you need later, such as the lens hood, bat-
tery grip, flash, etc., are mounted for this test. Have a second person assist you in securing the
equipment against sudden tilting or slipping out, if the clamping screw (8) was accidentally not
tightened.
First tighten the rotary knob
(4) to lock the vertical rota-
tion.
After assembling the
equipment and setting
the estimated position of
the clamping plate on the
quick release unit (7) and
the height of the extension
arm with lever (6), carefully
open the rotary knob (4) to
check in which direction the
system wants to tilt. Secure
the equipment with your
free hand.
If necessary, correct the set
values by moving the equip-
ment in the opposite direc-
tion. Repeat the process
until the equipment remains
in the current position when
taking your hands away, re-
gardless of the tilt angle.
4
87
6
Symmetrical structure:
Controls on the right
side are identical to
those on the left side.