oConnor 2560 User manual

C1260-0002
2560
2560
Part No. C1260-0001
www.ocon.com
EN

Copyright © 2015
All rights reserved.
Original Instructions: English
All rights reserved throughout the world. No part of this document may be stored in a retrieval system,
transmitted, copied or reproduced in any way, including, but not limited to, photocopy, photograph,
magnetic or other record without the prior agreement and permission in writing of the Vitec Group Plc.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this manual is believed to be correct at the time of printing. Vitec Videocom
Ltd reserves the right to make changes to the information or specifications without obligation to notify any
person of such revision or changes. Changes will be incorporated in new versions of the publication.
We are making every effort to ensure that our manuals are updated on a regular basis to reflect changes
to product specifications and features. Should this manual not contain information on the core functionality
of your product, please let us know. You may be able to access the latest revision of this manual from our
website.
Vitec Videocom Ltd reserves the right to make changes to product design and functionality without
notification.
Trademarks
OConnor® is a registered trademark of the Vitec Group Plc.
All product trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of The Vitec Group Plc.
All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective companies.
Published by:
Vitec Videocom Ltd
Supports Technical Publications Department
Western Way, Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk IP33 3TB
United Kingdom
Email: [email protected]

1
Contents
Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
About this User Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Front View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Rear View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Box Contents C1260 - 0001 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Optional Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Installing the Head and Payload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Mounting the head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Levelling the Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Lock Pin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Mounting the Camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Fitting the Pan Handle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Balancing the Camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Fore / Aft Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Payload Weight and C of G Height Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Numeric Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Adjusting the Centre of Gravity (C of G) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Operating the Pan and Tilt Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Pan and Tilt Fluid Drag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Battery Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Adjust Lock Levers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Technical Specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
General Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

2
Safety
Important information on the safe installation and operation of
this product. Read this information before operating the product.
For your personal safety, read these instructions. Do not operate
the product if you do not understand how to use it safely. Save
these instructions for future reference.
Warning Symbols Used in These Instructions
Safety cautions are included in these instructions. These safety
instructions must be followed to avoid possible personal injury and
avoid possible damage to the product.
Health and Safety
Mounting, Installation and Operation
WARNING!
Where there is a risk of personal injury or injury to others,
comments appear supported by the warning triangle symbol.
Where there is a risk of damage to the product, associated
equipment, process or surroundings, comments appear
supported by the word ‘CAUTION’.
WARNING! Risk of personal injury or injury to others. All
personnel must be fully trained and adhere to correct manual
handling techniques and Health & Safety regulations. It is
the responsibility of the local organisation to enforce safe
working practices at all times.
WARNING! Risk of finger entrapment. Do not place fingers
between the platform and body of the fluid head.
WARNING! Avoid trapping fingers when collapsing and
extending tripod legs.
WARNING! DO NOT fit the head to a tripod that cannot
support the combined mass of the head and its full payload.
WARNING! Toppling hazard. Do not leave unattended.
Keep out of reach of children.
WARNING! The product must always be secured.
CAUTION! Always lock the vertical and horizontal brakes
when the camera is mounted but not in use or when levelling
the fluid head on the tripod.
CAUTION! Hold the camera securely when mounting or
dismounting from the fluid head and when making
adjustments to the tripod height or footprint.
CAUTION! Always hold the pan bar when making
adjustments to the counterbalance or camera position. Do
not use the pan bar to lift or move the tripod and fluid head.
CAUTION! Only attach camera accessories to the pan bar.
Do not attach heavy items to the pan bar.
CAUTION! Always remove the camera before transporting.
WARNING! Before fitting or adjusting the camera or payload
the tilt lock pin must be engaged. See “Installation” on
page 9.

3
Safety / About This Guide
Maintenance
About this User Guide
This guide describes the installation, configuration and operation of the
OConnor 2560 fluid head.
The 2560 features OConnor's step-less counterbalance system as well
as ultra-smooth pan and tilt fluid drag designed for cine style shooting.
A collapsible counterbalance crank handle and numerical readout
make counterbalancing the payload easy. The platform and brake
arrangements mean that all of the controls are on the camera
operator's side of the head (left side) for an improved operation
experience.
Additionally the platform has a marking scale and four rosette handle
mountings. The platform release lever has a one touch finger and
thumb actuated safety release catch, while still requiring conscious
effort for safety.
OConnor's fluid drag system allows an extremely quick pan movement
from one position to another, recovering instantly without any spring
back.
Variants
Two variants of the 2560 are available.
Basic Kit C1260 - 0002:
Supplied as a basic head with no accessories.
Full Kit C1260 - 0001:
Supplied as a full kit, see Box Contents C1260 - 0001 on page 6.
WARNING! The fitting of non-approved parts and or
accessories, the carrying out of non-approved alterations or
servicing can be dangerous and could affect the safety of the
product. It may also invalidate the terms and conditions of the
product warranty.
CAUTION! When replacing the battery, use only the same or
an equivalent type of battery recommended for use with the
product.
The C1260-0002 is supplied with a protective plastic base,
secured with 4 x Allen bolts, which must be removed and
swapped for a 150mm spherical and tie down or Mitchell
and tie down before use.

4
Components
Front View
1Front end handle / accessory mounting rosette
2Slide plate scale
3Platform release lever
4Platform release lever safety catch
5Rear large pan handle / accessory mounting rosette
6Tilt centre lock
7Bubble illumination button
8Bubble level
9Pan fluid drag adjustment knob
10 Tilt lock lever
11 Pan fluid drag display
12 Pan lock lever
13 Front box mounting screws
Mitchell Key marker
Mitchell Key
Attach either Mitchell
Base (shown) or
150mm ball base using
4 x Hex screws

5
Components
Rear View Euro Style Quick Release Plate
1Rear large pan handle / accessory mounting rosette
2Platform
3Front small pan handle / accessory mounting rosette
4Counterbalance numerical display
5Folding counter balance adjustment crank
6Tilt fluid drag display
7Tilt fluid drag adjustment knob
8Eyepiece leveller mounting screws
9Camera plate clamp release lever
10 Camera mounting plate
11 Camera fixing screws
12 Slide plate marker
13 Camera plate clamp lever

6
Components
Box Contents C1260 - 0001
*Variant C1260-0002 consists of head only.
Item Description
12560 head
2Euro style quick release plate
3Pan handle
4Pan extension handle
5Mitchell tie down
6Mitchell base assembly
7150mm tie down
8150mm base assembly

7
Components
Optional Accessories
oconner
Item Description Part No.
1Assistants box CSE-MFB100
2Eye piece leveller C1504-1000
3 Tripods
Cine HD Mitchell C1221-0001
Cine HD 150mm ball base C1221-0003
Cine HD Baby Mitchell C1221-0002
Cine HD Baby 150mm ball base C1221-0004
4Pan handle 08409
5Front handle C1260-1010
6High hat Mitchell C1250-0001
7High hat 150mm C1250-0002
OConner plate (Not shown) 08283
Arri plate dovetail (Not shown) 2575 - 210
Arri platform plate (Not shown) C2575 - 0240
Large pan handle (Not shown) 2575 - 107

8
Installation
Mounting the head
The 2560 is installed onto standard tripods using either the Mitchell
base and tie down or the 150mm ball base and tie down as required.
Levelling the Head
After securely mounting the head on to the tripod, center the bubble
level to set the level.
If necessary, in poor light conditions:
1. Press the button illumination bubble (the light will remain on for 20
seconds).
2. Press the button again within 20 seconds to turn the light off.
Ball Base
Loosen the bowl clamp. Move the fluid head to center the level bubble.
Tighten the bowl clamp and re-check the level.
Mitchell Base
Levelling is achieved by adjusting the legs on the tripod until the level
bubble is centred.
WARNING! Do Not fit a head to a tripod that cannot support
the combined mass of the head and its full payload.
WARNING! If required use a mid-level or floor spreader to
ensure that the tripod legs are spread sufficiently; this ensures
that the C of G remains within the footprint of the tripod.
Refer to the tripod instructions supplied with the tripod for
correct fitting procedure.

9
Installation

10
Mounting the Camera
The camera is attached to the head by means of a side loading platform
mechanism.
1. Release side loading platform if fitted.
2. Attach the mounting plate securely to the bottom of the camera in
the desired position.
3. Engage the tilt lock pin.
4. Release the safety catch and pull out the platform release lever.
5. Slide the camera mounting plate on to the platform towards the
right side of the head until an audible "click" is heard. When the
platform hook engages the camera mounting plate, the plate is
captive, but not locked.
6. Engage the base plate with the mounting plate. Slide the camera
and plate to the required position and lock by closing the platform
release lever.
WARNING! Before fitting or adjusting the camera or
payload the tilt lock pin must be engaged. See “Installation”
on page 9.

11
Installation
Fitting the Pan Handle
Pan Handle / accessory mounting rosettes are located at the front and rear of the head, on both the left and right sides.

12
Installation
Fore/Aft Balance
Ensure that the head is level before balancing. The camera and
payload should be fitted on the head, so that the load is
balanced. This can be achieved by moving the camera
forwards (Fore) or backwards (Aft) on the cradle.
WARNING! When balancing the payload, it is
important to be aware of the potential danger that an
unbalanced payload will fall away suddenly. Maintain a
firm hold on the payload until the balance is set
correctly.
CAUTION! The camera, handles and all accessories
must be fitted in their operational position before
balancing the head. Any equipment fitted or adjusted
later can unbalance the head.
WARNING! The payload balancing procedure requires
the assistance of another person.
Turn the counterbalance crank to set the
counterbalance to 50%.
Set the tilt fluid drag adjustment knob to 0.
1
Depending on the payload weight, it may be necessary to
increase or decrease this setting to enable the payload to
be correctly balanced fore and aft.
2
T
I
L
T
21
50%

13
Installation
3Hold and steady the camera, then disengage the
tilt lock and observe how it moves and where it
stops.
If the camera cradle stops in a horizontal
position (camera pointing directly forward),
the balance is correct.
If the camera tilts forward (points downwards), then the camera must be
moved towards the rear of the head (aft).
Reposition the camera as required on the head and
secure in position. The horizontal balance is correct
when the camera cradle comes to rest in a
horizontal position.
If the camera tilts backwards (points upward), then the camera must be
moved towards the front of the head (fore).
4
If there is insufficient movement in the sliding plate
to achieve balance, remove camera and plate from
the head, reattach the mounting plate to the
camera in the required position, remount the
camera and plate, repeat the balancing procedure.

14
Installation
Payload Weight and C of G Height Adjustment
Maximum and minimum payloads that can be balanced are dependent
on the weight of the camera and accessories and on the centre of
gravity (C of G) height. The graph below shows the range of loads and
C of G heights that can be maintained in balance. The counterbalance
can be adjusted all the way to zero (no counterbalance) and the head
can still be tilted ±90º.
Numeric Display
The numeric display indicates the setting of the counterbalance
mechanism on a scale of 0-99%. Adjust the counterbalance crank
clockwise to increase the counterbalance setting and counter clockwise
to reduce it.
The display has a three color coded band offering advance warning of
cranking to the end limits.
WARNING! For safe and reliable operation the head and all
mounted equipment must be correctly balanced.
If the correct numerical balance setting of the payload is
known, tilt the platform to the horizontal position and turn
the counterbalance crank until the display shows the
correct setting
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
0 102030405060708090100110120
5914182327323641455054
51
102
152
203
254
305
356
406
Camera Centre of Gravity
Above Platform
2560 Counterbalance
Camera Weight
Kg
lbs
mm
in
CAUTION! When cranking into the red zone be careful to
stop before reaching either 0 or 99% as damage could
occur.

15
Installation
3
2
1
Adjusting the Counter Balance
CAUTION! Risk of damage to equipment. Be prepared
to prevent the camera from falling away suddenly
Tilt the camera approx. 45°
upward and release it.
If the camera stays in the same
position when released, the
camera is correctly balanced
with the C of G on the tilt axis.
If the camera continues to move
towards the horizontal after
releasing the camera cradle,
reduce the counterbalance.
If the camera keeps falling back towards the vertical position
when released, increase the counterbalance.
Tilt the camera over the TDC, it should remain stationary at
any angle.
If the camera angle falls or rises, repeat the alignment
procedure until balance is achieved.
After adjusting the counterbalance, it may be necessary to
check that the fore and aft balance remains satisfactory.
Readjust the position of the camera horizontally on the
camera plate as required.
After balancing, exercise the head through both axes to
confirm that it operates smoothly.
T
I
L
T
T
I
L
T
The sliding plate is marked and the platform has
graduations. Make a note of the "balanced" position to
simplify rebalancing this particular payload.

16
Operation
Operating the Pan and Tilt Locks
The pan and tilt friction locks are operated by levers on the left of the head. The locks should be applied whenever the camera/head is left unattended.
After prolonged use, if the lock does not fully engage at the end of the lock lever travel, refer to Adjust Lock Levers on page 19.
The levers are designed so they can be released simultaneously with one hand.

17
Operation
Pan and Tilt Fluid Drag
The pan drag adjustment knob is located on the lower right rear of the head, and the tilt drag adjustment knob on the lower left of the head. Both controls
are continuously adjustable from 0 to 9. To increase drag, turn the knob clockwise, towards a higher setting. To decrease drag, turn the knob
counter-clockwise, towards a lower setting.

18
Maintenance
Battery Replacement
The battery illuminates the bubble level. It should be replaced
whenever the illumination becomes inadequate.
1. Use a coin or flat blade screwdriver to unscrew the battery cover.
2. Carefully pull the battery out of its compartment.
3. Fit a replacement CR 2032 3v battery in the compartment,
ensuring that the positive side (+) of the battery faces outermost.
4. Replace the battery cover and tighten using a coin or flat blade
screwdriver.
5. Press the bubble level illumination button and verify that the
bubble level is lit for approximately 20 seconds.