pro master CHRONICLE User manual

1
USER MANUAL
ENGLISH

2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION .................................................................... 3
PARTS DIAGRAM ................................................................... 4-5
INITIAL SETUP ....................................................................... 6
ATTACHING YOUR CAMERA .................................................. 7
ATTACHING YOUR PHONE .................................................... 8
REMOVING AND MOUNTING THE HEAD .............................. 9
OPERATING THE BALL HEAD ............................................... 10
ADJUSTING LEG ANGLES ...................................................... 11-12
EXTENDING AND COLLAPSING THE LEGS........................... 13
CONVERTING TO A HANDHELD STABILIZER ....................... 14
CONVERTING TO A TABLETOP/GROUND-LEVEL TRIPOD ... 15
CONVERTING TO A MONOPOD............................................. 15-16
USING THE LEVELS ............................................................... 17
REMOVABLE FEET ................................................................. 18
THREADED ACCESSORY PORTS ........................................... 19
TIPS FOR BEST OPERATION ................................................. 20-21
PRECAUTIONS ....................................................................... 21

3
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for your purchase of the ProMaster Chronicle tripod! Please read
through this instruction guide thoroughly, even if you have operated other types
of tripods before. The Chronicle’s controls may be different, and it has some
unique features which must be understood for safe operation.
Be sure to refer to the main parts diagram as well as each of the gures
throughout the pages as you read. When a specic part of the Chronicle is
referred to in green, you will nd it shown on the main parts diagram and/or in
the referenced gure.
With proper operation and care, your Chronicle tripod will help tell your story for
many years!

4
PARTS DIAGRAM
Bullseye Level
Ball Head
Leg Angle Locks
Monopod Leg
Tripod Collar
Control HandleCamera / Phone
Knob
Flexor Soft Leg Grip
Leg Locks
Removable Feet

5
PARTS DIAGRAM
BALL HEAD
TRIPOD COLLAR
FLEXOR
1/4”-20 Attachment Port
3/8”-16 Attachment Port
Flexor Release Knob
Flexor
Tube
Mini
Tripod /
3-Leg
Base
QR Plate QR Plate
Control
Handle
Bolt
QR Knob
Pan Lock Knob
Panning Scale
Ball Friction Knob
Control Handle
Camera /
Phone
Knob

6
INITIAL SETUP
When you rst unbox the Chronicle, it will be stored in its fabric bag. This bag is a
great way to store and transport the tripod. It is also a good place to keep the
tripod’s tools, and parts which you may not be using at the time. Upon removing the
Chronicle from the bag, you will nd the control handle and quick release plate (QR
plate) attached to the ball head. These items will be discussed later in this manual.
Inside the bag you will notice a small compartment with a zipper. Open it to locate
the included tool kit which is comprised of 3 hex wrenches in a small pouch. These
hex wrenches are important for various tasks such as tightening the Chronicle’s grub
screws, removing or attaching the handle, and more.
After removing the Chronicle from its bag, begin by opening the tripod’s legs.
Take ahold of each leg, one at a time, and pull it away from the tripod’s center
until it stops. With all 3 legs set to their rst and most basic angle position, the
tripod will stand on its own.
Next, we want to make sure the grub screws are properly tightened so the ball head
is securely attached. Loosen the Flexor release knob by rotating it about 1/2 turn
counterclockwise and then pull up on the ball head to remove the entire
middle assembly from the main tripod. This middle assembly is called the Flexor. It is
comprised of 3 basic components: a mini tripod, the Flexor tube, and the ball head.
Unscrew the mini tripod from the Flexor tube. Turn the Flexor tube (with ball head
attached) upside down and peer inside. Notice two small screws: these are the grub
screws which prevent the ball head from detaching by placing force against the ball
head’s base. Open your tool kit and take out the longest hex wrench. Use this wrench
to check each grub screw to ensure it is tight. Don’t overtighten the grub screws—
nger tight is plenty. You can now reassemble the Flexor by attaching the mini tripod
to the Flexor tube and reinstalling the assembly into the tripod’s collar. Remember to
tighten the Flexor release knob to hold the Flexor in place.
* Note, the grub screws are typically only used when removing the ball head or
when attaching a different type of head to this tripod. Never operate the tripod
or head unless the grub screws are tight.

7
ATTACHING YOUR CAMERA
(USING THE QUICK RELEASE PLATE)
The Chronicle comes with its ball head set to camera mode. To learn more about
how to change it to phone mode and then back to camera mode, please refer to the
“Attaching Your Phone” section of this manual.
Loosen the QR knob on the ball head and remove the QR plate. Connect the QR
plate to your camera by threading its mounting bolt into the tripod connection port
located in the bottom of your camera (or lens). Use the bail on the mounting bolt
to
tighten the QR plate to your camera properly. You can also use the 4 mm hex wrench
(included with the tool kit) to tighten the mounting bolt. Now place the QR plate
(with your camera attached) into the top of the ball head and tighten the QR knob to
hold it in place.
On the bottom side of the QR Plate you will notice two protruding safety bolts.
These prevent the QR plate and camera from accidentally sliding off the top of the
ball head if the QR knob is loosened. The safety bolts can be removed if you choose.
Removing the bolts will allow the QR plate to slide into the top of the ball head more
easily, but it will eliminate the safety feature. We do not recommend you remove
the safety bolts from the QR plate.
Note: The Chronicle’s QR plate has an integrated strap slot. This slot is handy for
connecting a grip strap or cross-body style carrying strap.
Safety Bolts
(2.5mm hex)
Strap
Slot
Mounting Bolt
(4mm hex)
BailMounting Bolt
(1/4” - 20 thread)

8
ATTACHING YOUR PHONE
One of the Chronicle’s premier features is its ability to switch from a camera to a
phone mount in seconds without the need for any additional accessories or tools.
Before attaching a phone, you must remove your camera from the ball head. For
safety, please do not attempt to convert the Chronicle to phone mode with a camera
attached.The QR plate should never be attached to the ball head when converting
to phone mode.
Begin by turning the camera / phone knob counterclockwise 180º. Notice the two
icons on this knob which show a camera and a phone. The phone icon should be at
the top position when this knob is turned to the proper position to accept a phone.
Next, lift up on the top platform of the ball head. It will lift 90º and stop. Finally, ip
out the padded jaw at the top of this assembly to complete the phone clamp. This
phone clamp uses springs to gently, yet securely hold your phone in between the
padded jaws. You can take ahold of the upper padded jaws and pull upward on the
assembly to see how these springs work.
If your phone is particularly large, or has a large case, the jaws of the phone clamp
can be widened. Do this by turning the QR knob counterclockwise. As you turn this
knob, notice the phone clamp opens wider.
Eventually (after about 7 1/2 turns of the QR
knob) the jaws will be at their widest point
and the knob will turn no further.
Using the springs already mentioned, you
can open the clamp fully to its widest
possible size (3 7/8” | 9.84 cm).
When you are nished using your phone and
wish to return the unit to camera mode,
reverse the steps above. Be sure to turn the
camera / phone knob 180º clockwise, so the
camera icon is at the top postion and the top platform is locked in place. Once you
Camera / Phone Knob
Padded
Jaws
QR Knob
Top
Platform

9
have done this please pull up gently on the top platform to be absolutely sure the unit
is set to camera mode—it should not lift up—before attaching your camera. If the top
platform lifts, as if returning to phone mode, repeat the process until you are sure it is
securely set to camera mode.
REMOVING AND MOUNTING
THE HEAD
You may choose to remove the included ball head and install a different type of head.
Or, you may wish to mount the Chronicle ball head to a different tripod or grip item.
Begin by turning the Flexor release knob counterclockwise 180º. Lift the Flexor out of
the tripod collar. Remove the mini tripod from the Flexor tube by unscrewing it.
Locate the included tool kit and select the longest hex wrench. Use this long hex
wrench to loosen both of the grub screws inside the
Flexor tube. You can loosen these screws a few turns to
be sure they are no longer making contact with the base
of the ball head. However, do not fully remove them
from the tube because they are small and easily lost.
Once the grub screws are loose, make sure the pan lock knob is tightened and then
unscrew the Flexor tube from the base of the ball head. Be sure to have a good hold
on the Flexor tube as well as the ball head when you separate them.
Once the ball head is removed, you will notice a special bolt in the middle
of the platform at the top of the Flexor tube. If you do not see this bolt,
check the bottom of the ball head as this bolt might have come out with it
instead. This double-sided platform screw should be kept in the platform
on the Flexor tube. This screw is reversible. The larger side is a 3/8”-16 thread, which
works with the Chronicle head as well as most other photographic heads. The opposite
side of the screw is a 1/4”-20 thread, which is compatible with some other brands of
lightweight heads. If you happen to lose this screw and need a replacement, visit your
friendly neighborhood ProMaster retailer and ask for product 4014.
wrench to loosen both of the
be sure they are no longer making contact with the base
of the
from the tube because they are small and easily lost.
Grub
Screws

10
OPERATING THE BALL HEAD
Your Chronicle tripod kit includes a precision machined aluminum ball head. It is a
double-action design, meaning there is a control for the ball tension and separate
control for the panning motion. Each of these are explained below. The ball head
also uses two safety bolts on the bottom of its QR plate to prevent it from sliding
off accidentally. This safety feature is explained in more detail in the “Attaching Your
Camera” section of this manual.
All of the knobs on this head are covered in a soft, grippy material. These covers protect
your ngers from direct contact with the metal (particularly helpful in cold weather).
Their pattern and grip give you a secure hold on each control for a positive, direct feel.
Panning: The Chronicle ball head has an independent base panning control with a
laser-engraved scale for precise rotational movements. Loosen the pan lock knob
and you can rotate the entire head around its base 360º.
* Please note, the pan lock knob is indeed a lock. It does not offer any type of tension
adjustment. This head uses static drag for panning. Do not attempt to apply tension
using the pan lock knob or you may damage the mechanism. This knob should only
be set to a locked position or an unlocked position but nothing in between.
Using the Ball Friction Knob: The largest knob on the ball head controls the tension of
the ball and socket. When this ball friction knob is tightened it will lock the ball,
thereby holding your camera or phone in a xed position. When the ball friction knob
is loosened your camera or phone’s position can be moved around via the ball and
socket. This knob does allow for some tension control. This means you can adjust the
knob between its fully tightened and fully loosened positions to apply varying amounts
of tension. Doing this will slow down the movement of your
camera or phone. Tension can also be used to help better
support a heavier camera or lens.
Notice there are two U-shaped areas on the side of the ball head. These U’s
allow the neck of the ball mechanism to drop in so that your
camera or phone can easily achieve a vertical position, a
downward position, or an upward position.
U’s

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ADJUSTING LEG ANGLES
The Chronicle tripod has 3 working angles for the legs: 22º, 50º, & 80º. Each leg angle
can be adjusted independently. Most of the time, you will set all 3 legs to the same
angle. However, in some cases (such as uneven ground) you may choose to set the
legs at different angles to achieve the best overall stability.
When the Chronicle’s legs are in a closed position, meaning they are pushed
together, you can simply pull on each leg until it stops in leg angle position #1 (22º).
This is the most common and most used position for the tripod.
To adjust the leg angle beyond position #1, take ahold of a leg near its top. Pull out
on the leg angle lock until it is completely open. Lift the leg up until it stops. This is
the leg’s widest leg angle position #3 (80º). You can keep the leg at this angle or
continue pushing it in until the leg clicks into its next angle #2 (50º). Again, you can
stop here or continue on to the rst angle postion #1 (22º).
Anytime you want to use a smaller leg angle (and are moving to it from a wider
leg angle), simply push in on the leg. When you want to open a leg to a wider
angle always pull out the leg angle lock rst.
* Note, before pulling the leg angle lock out, you will nd it easier to push in on
the leg, just slightly, to relieve pressure on the leg angle lock.
Leg Angle
Lock Open
Leg Angle
Lock
Closed

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Leg Angle
Position #1
Leg Angle
Position #3

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EXTENDING AND
COLLAPSING THE LEGS
The Chronicle tripod has 4 sections per leg. This means you have 3
extendable leg sections and one xed section which is connnected to
the tripod collar. All of the legs are keyed, meaning they will not rotate
relative to each other. This feature allows you to open or collapse the
leg sections in any order. For the best stability it is recommended you
open and use the leg sections from biggest (largest diameter) to littlest
(smallest diameter). In other words, extend the largest sections rst and
proceed in descending order.
Wrap your hand around one of the leg locks and twist it in a left
direction (oriented with the tripod upright and facing you). This will
unlock it. 1/4 turn is all that is necessary to unlock each of them. Do not
rotate the lock any further. If you rotate a leg lock too far, it may become
unintentionally disassembled. Once the leg lock is unlocked, pull on the
leg section(s) below it to extend that leg to the desired length. Then twist
the leg lock in the opposite direction to tighten it and hold the leg in
place. You do not need to apply very much force due to the special design
of these locks. Please be sure not to overtighten the leg locks or you may
have a difcult time opening them later.
As you practice extending the legs you will notice that when the leg is
collapsed you can take ahold of just one leg lock with your ngers, or as
many as all 3 leg locks with your entire hand all at once. By taking ahold
of all 3 leg locks at once and rotating them to an unlocked position, you
can quickly open your tripod for use at full height.
You do not need to extend a leg all the way until it stops before
tightening a leg lock. You can choose to stop the leg anyplace along
its length of travel and then tighten the leg lock to hold it there.
Leg Locks

14
CONVERTING TO A
HANDHELD STABILIZER
The middle assembly of the Chronicle is called the Flexor. The Flexor can serve as
a handheld stabilizer for your camera or phone, which is particularly helpful when
recording video.
With your camera or phone rmly attached to the ball head, turn the Flexor release
knob counterclockwise 1/2 rotation. Lift the Flexor out of the Chronicle’s collar. Now
hold the rig by the round handle which is formed with the 3 legs of the mini tripod at
the Flexor’s base in a closed position. You can also hold this rig by the round Flexor
tube just above the mini tripod.
To re-form the complete, full-size tripod, return the Flexor by
sliding it back into the tripod collar. Turn the Flexor release
knob clockwise until it is tight. Try lifting the Flexor and ensure
that it does not come out of the collar, but rather is securely
attached to the main tripod.
Note: Try holding the Flexor with one hand and the control
handle with your other hand while capturing video. You
may nd this to be a particularly stable method.
Note: The Flexor release knob is repositionable. Simply pull
outward on the knob and rotate it to the desired resting
position and then release it.
Flexor
Release
Knob

15
CONVERTING TO A TABLETOP
/ GROUND-LEVEL TRIPOD
The Flexor can function as a tabletop / ground-level tripod for low-angle shots. With
your camera or phone rmly attached to the ball head, loosen the Flexor release
knob by turning it counterclockwise 1/2 rotation. Take ahold of the ball head and lift
the Flexor out of the tripod collar. Now spread the 3 legs of the mini tripod (found at
the base of the Flexor) to form a tripod. Set
this rig down on a table, oor, ground, or
whatever surface you wish to use.
CONVERTING TO A
MONOPOD
Your Chronicle tripod can be converted to a monopod with either a single foot or
with a 3-leg base. Begin by removing the Flexor from the main tripod legs. Loosen
the Flexor release knob by turning it counterclockwise 1/2 rotation. Take ahold of the
ball head and lift the Flexor out of the tripod collar. Remove the mini tripod / 3-leg
base from the Flexor tube by unscrewing it. Now take ahold of the Chronicle’s leg
which has the soft grip and unscrew it from the rest of the tripod. Connect the top
of this single leg (the one you just removed) to the bottom of the Flexor tube in the
same place where the mini tripod / 3-leg base was previously attached. You now
have a complete monopod with a single foot.

16
To add a 3-leg base to the monopod, unscrew the removable foot from the
monopod’s base. You may choose to store this foot in the 3/8”-16 attachment port
in the tripod collar or place it in the tripod’s fabric bag for safekeeping. Now take
ahold of the mini tripod / 3-leg base which you previously removed from the Flexor.
This unit will now serve as a 3-leg base for the monopod. Connect it to the bottom
of the monopod by screwing it into the area from which you just removed the foot.
Spread the 3 legs and place the monopod on the ground. Notice the sliding collar
near the top of the 3-leg base. Move this sliding collar down to hold the monopod
upright with only a horizontal panning movement (thereby locking the ball joint). Or,
move the sliding collar up to reveal the ball joint, which will allows you to move the
monopod around in a variety of angles.
Monopod
Removable Foot
3-Leg Base
Sliding Collar

17
USING THE LEVELS
Your Chronicle tripod has 2 levels. Both are bullseye-style levels. One can be found in
the tripod collar, and the other is found in the top of the ball head.
The level in the collar is used when setting up the tripod. When the tripod collar is
level, the tripod is more stable.
The level in the top of the ball head is used as a compositional aid. It can be used to
set the position of the platform for either a camera or a phone. When using a camera
it is easier to view this level before connecting the camera to the head.
Level in Collar Level in
Ball Head

18
REMOVABLE FEET
All three feet on the Chronicle tripod are removable. These removable feet are
connected to the legs of the tripod using a common 3/8”-16 thread. Each foot has a
small o-ring in its threads. The o-rings help prevent the removable feet from
becoming loose unintentionally.
Because this tripod uses a common thread size and pitch, you can remove the
included feet and replace them with other, compatible types. The foot on the
removable leg of the tripod (this is the leg with the soft grip) is particularly important
because it can be replaced with the 3-leg base when the Chronicle is converted to
a monopod. The removed foot can be stored in the 3/8”-16 threaded port on the
tripod collar or in the included fabric bag for safekeeping. You can read more about
this in the “Converting to a Monopod” section of this manual.
Removable Feet

19
THREADED ATTACHMENT
PORTS
Two, threaded stainless-steel attachment ports can be found in the Chronicle’s
tripod collar. Two additional 1/4”-20 attachment ports can be found in the ball
head’s top platform.
The attachment ports found in the tripod collar are the most common sizes used in
the photographic industry. One is 1/4”-20 and the other is 3/8”-16. These ports are
a great place to attach a grip item such as a ex arm or a articulating arm, which in
turn can then be used to hold and position things such as a light, microphone, or
other helpful device. The 3/8”-16 attachment port is also particularly handy for
storing one of the Chronicle’s feet when it is converted to a monopod with 3-leg
base. See the section “Converting to a Monopod” in this manual for more information.
The two ports found in the ball head’s top platform are useful when it is holding a
phone; they are not accessible when the ball head is set to camera mode. These
ports can be used for attaching a small accessory such as a cold shoe, and ultimately
holding a lightweight light or microphone.
Attachment
Port
1/4” - 20 3/8” - 16
1/4”-20
Attachment
Ports

20
TIPS FOR BEST OPERATION
1) LEAVE ROOM FOR YOUR OWN LEGS
Unless specic terrain dictates otherwise, you should set up your tripod with one
leg angled away from you and the other two legs directed to your left and right.
This gives you room to stand and operate your camera with less chance of tripping
on the tripod.
2) PERIODICALLY CHECK THE GRUB SCREWS
The two grub screws keep the ball head securely connected to the Flexor tube and
prevent these parts from accidentally becoming loose. Check them periodically to
be sure the ball head is securely attached to the tube.
3) KEEP THE TRIPOD’S COLLAR LEVEL
Notice the bullseye level in the tripod collar. This is a valuable tool. Before leveling
the ball head and camera, you should rst make the collar of the tripod level during
initial setup. Use the Chronicle’s independent leg angle adjustments as well as the
independently extendable legs to achieve this. It will ensure maximum stability
before you mount your camera to the ball head.
Warning: If the collar of the tripod is not set up level, you risk having the tripod
(and your camera) fall over.
4) EXTEND THE THICKEST LEG SECTIONS FIRST
When you are using the Chronicle without all 4 leg sections fully extended, be
sure to use the largest legs rst and avoid using the thinner leg sections unless
necessary. In other words, work your way down from the top of each leg. Using the
largest leg sections provides the greatest amount of stability. Extending the top
sections rst also keeps the rest of the unused sections at the bottom of each leg
closest to the ground. This forces more of the tripod’s weight into a lower position,
which lowers its center of gravity.