VARIZOOM VZ-FlowPod Mini User manual

V
Z
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FlowPo
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Mi
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Handheld Camera Stabilizer/Support
Includes: Main Unit, 5 weights, Support Belt, Carrying Bag.
1) The first thing to understand is the locking feature of the hand grip.
The FlowPod Mini comes with the hand grip in the locked position.
When storing and transporting the FlowPod Mini, the hand grip
should be in the locked position. Additionally, when using the
FlowPod Mini in monopod mode, you should also lock the hand grip.
Locked position is shown at right.
2) When operating the FlowPod Mini in handheld stabilizer mode, the
grip must be unlocked. To unlock the grip, simply press the base of
it forward. It will pop out of the locked position and then you will be
able to rotate it freely. Locking the grip is the opposite. The square
end of the grip fits snugly into the square capture socket and a
spring-loaded ball on the underside of the grip snaps into the hole at
the center of the capture socket to prevent accidental release of the
grip.
3) When the handle is free, you will note that it operates
best with the curved gimbal stem pointing forward. This
position offers the maximum range of motion, so we
strongly recommend only operating the FlowPod Mini with
the grip/gimbal in this orientation.
4) To begin setting up the FlowPod Mini for use in handheld stabilizer mode, start by
removing the quick-release plate from the FlowPod Mini and mounting it to your camera.
If your camera has a somewhat heavy lens, you may want to slide the camera all the way
to the back of the quick-release plate before tightening the thumbscrew. Once the plate
has been secured to the camera, attach it to the base plate of the FlowPod Mini and lock
the plate position with the lever.
Operating Position

5) Horizontal Balance – The camera’s mass must be
centered on the gimbal for the unit to remain level
– this is horizontal balance. Set the horizontal
balance of the camera by sliding the ‘X-Y Plate’
side to side and front to back. In other words, if
the camera leans to one side, you can slide it the
other way to compensate.
-For side to side adjustment, loosen the 2
thumbscrews underneath the plate and slide the
mounting plate to balance.
-For front to back adjustment, loosen the
quick-release locking lever and slide the quick-
release plate to balance.
6) Vertical Balance – The camera’s mass/inertia must
be balanced by the mass/inertia of the stabilizer
below the gimbal – this is vertical balance. Set the
vertical balance by adding/subtracting
counterweights.
A) To test the vertical balance, hold the grip and
turn the FlowPod Mini to a horizontal position while
holding the grip as close to vertical as possible.
Release the lower part of the FlowPod Mini & let it
swing down – it should take about 2 seconds (gradual) for the
monopod to go from horizontal to vertical (90°). This is called the
drop time.
B) If the monopod doesn’t’ swing down, the unit is top-heavy
and requires addition of more counterweights to the bottom of the
monopod.
-If the monopod swings down very fast, the unit is bottom-heavy
and requires removal of counterweights. Adjust until the drop time
is about 1-2 seconds OR until the unit stays vertical.
7) Check Horizontal Balance - Once you’ve achieved vertical balance, fine tune the
horizontal balance until the camera stays completely level. You should be able to hold
the unit by the hand grip in the operating position and the camera should stay level and
pivot freely on the gimbal. If the unit tends to lean in one direction, you need to adjust the
horizontal balance.
Finish =
2 sec /
90°
Start = 0°
Additional Counterweights Installed
Gimbal
A
B

8) Check Vertical Balance - Walk with the unit and move it side to side and front to back. If
the unit is vertically balanced, it should stay upright when moved - it should not sway or
behave like a pendulum. If the unit sways, adjust the vertical balance until the unit stays
vertical while in motion.
Note: Once the FlowPod Mini is balanced, do not move anything on the camera or make
any mechanical adjustments, or the balance will be affected.
9) Once the unit is balanced, you can practice shooting.
Because the FlowPod Mini hand grip is specifically
designed to be held at an angle and also to lock in place for
storage/monopod mode, you must hold the grip at a slight
angle (as pictured at right). We recommend shooting at a
fixed focal length (preset zoom ratio), as DSLR lenses
telescope when zoomed, and this changes the horizontal
balance. Depending on lighting conditions, you may also
find it works better if you set the camera to manual focus at
a preset distance so you don’t experience the ‘hunting
effect’ (constant shifts in focus).
- The first key to operating the FlowPod Mini is the way it is
held. Hold the hand grip with your dominant hand and use
your free hand to delicately ‘steer’ the unit at the Control
Collar. Lightly grasp the Control Collar with your thumb and
forefinger to steer the camera and control your framing.
- Practice operating the FlowPod Mini several times while
recording and watch your footage. Keep practicing until you
feel confident that you can obtain usable footage on a real
project.
Monopod and Belt-Support Modes
Unlike any other handheld stabilizer, the FlowPod Mini can also be used in monopod
mode or as a static belt-supported camera brace. These modes are extremely simple and
intuitive, so we will illustrate them with operational photos.
Control Collar
Hand Grip

Warranty: 2 years parts/labor – 512-219-7722