MFA DANCE - Heavy Duty Tripod 2 with Fluid Head (Manfrotto)

Instructions for operating the Heavy Duty Tripod 2 with Fluid Head (Manfrotto)

Equipment Overview

Heavy Duty Tripod 2 with Fluid Head Key Features
What is included with the Tripod Kit?
Tripod Features Explained
Setting Up Tripod
Leveling the Tripod
How to secure camera to tripod
Removing Camera from Tripod
Repacking Tripod
Recommended Use

Heavy Duty Tripod 2 with Fluid Head Key Features:

The Manfrotto 501HDV,755XBK is a tripod kit featuring the 755XB tripod and the 501HDV pro video head. This kit supports mid-sized cameras and smaller, and comes with a soft carrying bag for secure transport.

The Manfrotto 755XB MDeVe Aluminum Video Tripod Legs is an extremely versatile two-stage aluminum tripod that was designed specifically for run-and-gun videographers using Mini-DV or DVCAM camcorders where rapid, reliable setup and take-down is paramount.

The Manfrotto 501HDV uses Teflon-coated discs for improved drag in both axes and switchable counterbalance for the latest ultralight high-definition camcorders. In addition, controls have been repositioned and reshaped for superior operational ergonomics. A sliding camera plate helps balance uneven payloads due to outboard batteries or matte boxes, dual rosettes permit left- or two-handed pan arm configurations, and the rear-mounted spirit level facilitates rapid setups.

Tripod Kit includes:

1 x Manfrotto 755XBK Video Tripod with 501HDV Tripod Head

1 x Carry Bag

Tripod Features Explained

1) Pan Lock

It is good practice to only open the pan lock when ready to shoot.

2) Pan Friction

- Controls force required to perform a camera pan (helps smooth out motion).
- It is good practice to set tightly until ready to shoot, adjust as necessary when shooting.

3) Tilt lock

- Should be locked at all times, unless adjusting framing or performing a camera tilt.
- If loosening, must have hold on tripod arm.

4) Tilt Friction

- Controls the amount of drag when performing a camera tilt.
- Should be set to 1 or higher unless necessary for performing a fast camera tilt.

5) Balance System

Controls how much force is required to move tripod tilt away from level position.

Setting Up Tripod

Remove the tripod from the tripod bag.
Loosen lock on tripod arm.
Pull legs apart.
Adjust leg height as desired. Start with top locks, use bottom locks if necessary (If performing this step with a camera on the tripod, a second person should be present to assist).
Lock tripod arm in desired position (Arm should be extended away from lens, refer to the arrow on base plate track for lens direction).
Lock off tilt in level position.
Set pan friction to maximum until prepared to shoot.
Loosen pan lock (Steps 7-8 help prevent tripod and camera from falling over if tripod arm is accidentally bumped).

Leveling the Tripod

Hold the tripod with your non-dominant hand for stabilization.
Holding onto the top of the tripod head with you other hand, move the red ball head (located on the bottom of the tripod head).
Shift tripod head until leveled (see leveling meter on operator side of tripod).
Adjust until level.

NOTE: To use tripod upside down you can unscrew tripod head lock to completed detach the head, before rescrewing in the opposite direction. See photos below:

How to secure camera to tripod

Verify base plate track lock is unscrewed.
Push in the plate release button to release the loosened plate from the tripod and attach plate to camera.
Slide camera down track with lens in direction of arrow.
Lock the base plate track lock to secure camera.