Miller Compass 12 Operator's Manual - Page 2

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Miller Compass 12 Operator's Manual
Operating Instructions
2. Camera Set-up
2.1 Remove the CAMERA PLATE by pressing the RELEASE
KNOB while pulling the CAMERA PLATE out.
2.2 Refer to the Camera's owners manual for correct
method of attachment to the CAMERA PLATE. Inspect
the CAMERA PLATE and remove the 1/4" and 3/8"
screws (for HDV mount) or the 1/4" + PIN CARRIAGE
(DVCAM mount) as required.
2.3 Attach camera accessories and the battery to the
camera, it is recommended to estimate the
camera's Centre of Gravity (C of G) for the
purpose of correctly positioning the camera on
the CAMERA PLATE. The camera's C of G can be
estimated by placing the camera on to a round rod and
then shifting it backwards or forwards until a balance
point – C of G - is achieved. It is recommended
to identify this point on the camera as it will
be useful in step 2.5.
2.4 Attach the CAMERA PLATE to the camera and
securely tighten the screws.
2.5 Check that the SLIDE LOCK is loose, then align the
CAMERA PLATE with the SLIDING PLATFORM and
slide it in until the safety mechanism is engaged.
2.6 Position the CAMERA PLATE so that the camera's
C of G is directly above the centre axis of the Fluid
Head and tighten the SLIDE LOCK. If this can not be
achieved then reposition the CAMERA PLATE on the
Camera – step 2.4. This will ensure that the system has
maximum stability.
Operating Instructions
4. Pan / Tilt Drag Control
The Compass 12 Fluid Head offers 3 selectable positions of
fluid drag + zero setting in the Pan and Tilt. The settings are
equally stepped from light drag in position 1 up to heavy drag
in position 3, the drag plates are completely disengaged in
position zero.
 Do not Pan or Tilt the Fluid Head
whilst adjusting PAN or TILT DRAG
CONTROL or whilst the PAN & TILT
DRAG CONTROL is between settings.
 The drag setting can be changed at
any tilt or pan angle.
5. Pan / Tilt Lock Control
The Compass 12 Fluid Head offers high
capacity caliper disc brake system to hold
the Fluid Head in a fixed pan and/or tilt
position. Camera position will not change
when applying or releasing the Pan / Tilt locks.
 Do not pan or tilt the Fluid Head whilst the
PAN or the TILT LOCK is partially applied.
6. Illumination
The Compass 12 Fluid Head offers illumination
of the BUBBLE LEVEL when the low ambient light
conditions exist. Illumination can be achieved by pressing
the ILLUMINATION BUTTON once. The light will switch off
after 10 seconds.
Storage
The Compass 12 Fluid Head can be stored for
extended periods; Miller recommends storage in a
Miller Soft Case and the following:
 Remove battery.
 Clean the external surfaces.
 Keep in a dry place away from direct sunlight.
 Loosen off PAN & TILT LOCK.
Spare Parts and Accessories
ITEM
ITEM NO.
Battery
P7715
Camera plate Assembly (Including 3/8"
#1204
+ 1/4" screws and 1/4" + Pin Carriage)
Camera screw 3/8"
P0037
Camera screw 1/4"
P0036
1/4" + pin carriage
#493
Standard Pan Handle assembly
#680
(including Handle Clamp)
Standard Pan Handle
#689
Soft Case
#876
Clamp nut
P7850
Accessory Mounting Bracket Assembly #1216
Accessory Mounting Adaptor Assembly #1217
Warranty
Please refer to warranty card for complete details.
Sliding Platform
Sliding Platform Lock
Fig. 5
6
Tilt Drag Control
Counterbalance Selector
Illumination Button
Bubble Level
Pan Drag Control
8
Service, Sales and Support
Miller Authorised Service Agents must carry out
all service and repair work. Failure to observe this
requirement may void warranty. It is advisable to
notify Miller or a Miller Authorised Service Agent if
a change of performance is observed as a result of
dropping or rough usage. For information regarding
sales and service of Miller products or for your
nearest Miller representative please contact us via
our website or at the following:
MILLER CAMERA SUPPORT EQUIPMENT
30 Hotham Parade, Artarmon, Sydney,
NSW 2064 Australia
Tel: +61 2 9439 6377
Fax: +61 2 9438 2819
MILLER Camera Support (LLC) USA
218 Little Falls Road, Cedar Grove,
New Jersey 07009-1231 USA
Tel: (973) 857 8300
Fax: (973) 857 8188
MILLER FLUID HEADS (EUROPE) LTD.
Unit 12A, Shepperton Business Park
Govett Ave, Shepperton, Middlesex TW17 8BA,
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1243 555255
Fax: +44 (0)1243 555 001
www.millertripods.com
1 0
Operating Instructions
3. Counterbalance Control
The counterbalance system was designed to
neutralise the effect of the camera weight when
it is tilted. The Compass 12 Fluid Head offers a
4 position counterbalance system which can be
operated via the COUNTERBALANCE SELECTOR
(fig. 2). The COUNTERBALANCE SELECTOR
must be operated when the SLIDING PLATFORM
is in a horizontal position. After changing the
Counterbalance setting it may be necessary to
tilt the camera back and forth to ensure that the
CB spring has engaged. The camera must be
held securely while changing the Counterbalance
setting.
C of G
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
2
4
Maintenance
The Compass 12 Fluid Head offers high
quality surface coatings. Miller
recommends keeping the Fluid Head
clean at all times by using soft brushes
and lint free cloth to wipe over the surfaces.
 Do not immerse the Fluid Head in any liquid.
 Do not use stiff brushes, abrasives, harsh
detergents and solvents.

Battery Replacement

The Compass 12 Fluid Head uses a single 11A
type - 6 Volt battery for Illumination. Miller
recommends the following batteries to provide
long life performance – GP11A, Duracell MN11
or Vinnic L1016.
1 Using a Phillips Head #1 screw driver,
remove the RETAINING SCREW and
the BATTERY DOOR.
2 Using a small flat screw driver remove
the battery.
3 Align the new battery as shown on the back of
the BATTERY DOOR and place into the BATTERY
HOUSING, then push down the battery into
place. A small flat screw driver may be used
to push down the battery into the BATTERY
HOUSING.
4 Align the BATTERY DOOR into the body then
tighten the screw lightly.
Fig. 7
3.1 For safety ensure that Counterbalance position
4 is selected.
3.2 Hold the camera and release the TILT LOCK,
then gently tilt the camera from a horizontal
position forward then backward and observe
its response. If the Camera 'Springs Back'
to the horizontal position then a lower
Counterbalance setting is required, select
Counterbalance position 3 and recheck, select
lower setting again if necessary. Correct
counterbalance setting has been achieved
when minimum effort is required to move the
camera over the entire tilt range.
TIP Fine tuning can be achieved by adjusting the
SLIDING PLATFORM – see step 2.6.
Counterbalance
Performance
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
Camera Payload (kg)
Fig. 6
7
Battery Housing
Retaining Screw
9
www.millertripods.com
MILLER CAMERA SUPPORT EQUIPMENT
30 Hotham Parade
Artarmon, Sydney
NSW 2064 Australia
Tel: +61 2 9439 6377
Fax: +61 2 9438 2819
D7869 -1
Illumination Button
Battery Door
Battery
Fig. 8