DS5/DS10/DS20 Fluid Head Operator’s Manual
#180 DS5 Fluid Head
#182 DS10 Fluid Head
#184 DS20 Fluid Head
Introduction
Camera
screws
Thank you for purchasing the Miller DS5/DS10/DS20 fluid head for
use with our professional tripods and portable video camcorders. All
fluid heads are 75mm ball levelling design and boast similar physical
appearance and size. The DS5 utilises a single position
counterbalance system to handle camera payloads up to 2.5kg
(5.5lb). The DS10 utilises 2 selectable counterbalance positions to
handle payloads from 2.5-5kg (5.5-11lb) while the DS20 offers 2
selectable counterbalance positions for larger camcorders ranging
from 5-10kg (11-22lb).
1/4” and pin carriage
Sliding camera plate
Slide lock
The DS5/DS10/DS20 fluid head is designed for maximum stability,
accuracy and repeatability and includes 4 precision ball bearings
and a fluid drag plate system in the pan and tilt assembly to deliver
true fluid drag performance over a wide temperature range and
payload. The DS10/DS20 fluid head also includes a friction drag
adjustment.
Tilt drag
Pan handle clamp
Counterbalance selector
Pan lock
The DS5/DS10/DS20 fluid head will give best performance when
used on Miller SOLO DV (#1630, #1501) or Toggle Lightweight DV
(#440, #420) tripod. This will ensure maximum system stability to suit
any professional set-up. The DS5/DS10/DS20 fluid head will fit most
industry standard 75 mm tripods as well, please refer to
manufacturers’ manual for mounting details.
Pan drag
Handle Mounting
The DS5/DS10/DS20 fluid head is supplied with a fixed length pan
handle and clamp fitted to the right side of the head. A second
pan handle can be attached to the DS5/DS10/DS20 for dual pan
handle operation. Refer to spare parts section.
75mm claw ball
Clamp nut
Fig 1.3
DS20
3
Operating Instructions
Before using please read the following operating instructions.
Do not omit any step. N.B. The safe operation of this piece of
professional equipment is the responsibility of the operator.
The 3/8” & 1/4” screws also allow the DS20 to attach to a
proprietary Quick Release Tripod Adaptor or “tripod base plate”
such as the Sony VCT-14 or Panasonic SHAN-TM700.
2.1 Lock PAN and TILT LOCKS (rotate both levers clockwise until
firm).
1. Fluid Head Set-up
2.2 Remove CAMERA PLATE from CAMERA PLATFORM by
unlocking the SLIDE LOCK, pushing SAFETY TAB and sliding
the CAMERA PLATE rearward
1.1 Loosen the PAN HANDLE CLAMP fully, then rotate the PAN
HANDLE until it is approximately perpendicular to the
THREADED STUD and tighten the PAN HANDLE CLAMP -
avoid contact wear between the serrations on the Fluid
Head and the PAN HANDLE CLAMP, if this occurs then
unwind the PAN HANDLE CLAMP further.
2.3 With accessories and battery fitted 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 as it will be
useful in step 2.5.
1.2 Ensure that the TRIPOD BOWL is approximately horizontal.
Place the Fluid Head into the TRIPOD BOWL, adjust the
BUBBLE LEVEL such that the bubble is inside the black
circle and tighten the CLAMP NUT.
1.4 Note:If adjusting the level with your camera mounted,
first ensure the camera is securely held before loosening
CLAMP NUT.
2.4 Refer to the Camera’s owners manual for correct method of
attachment to the CAMERA PLATE. Attach the camera or the
Quick Release Tripod Adaptor to the CAMERA PLATE and
securely tighten the screws.
2. Camera Set-up
2.5 Check that the SLIDE LOCK is loose, then align the
CAMERA PLATE with the CAMERA PLATFORM and
slide it forward until the safety mechanism is engaged.
Then, slide 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 or the Quick Release Tripod Adaptor on the
SLIDING PLATE – step 2.4. This will ensure that the system
has maximum stability.
Please note that the best camera control can be achieved by
balancing camera centre of gravity (C of G) over centre axis of
the head, and by selecting the appropriate counterbalance
position to suit the weight of the camcorder payload.
The DS5/DS10/DS20 is equipped with a sliding camera plate and
a removable 1/4”-pin carriage which is standard mounting for DV
and MiniDV camcorders. The DS20 is also fitted with a 3/8” &
1/4” screws which is standard mounting for DVCAM (see Fig1.3).
4
Operating Instructions
3. Counterbalance
Control
4. Pan /Tilt Lock
Control
The DS5/DS10/DS20 Fluid Head offers high
capacity calliper 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.
The counterbalance system was designed to neutralise the effect
of the camera weight when it is tilted. The DS10 & DS20 Fluid
Head offers a 2 position counterbalance system which can be
operated via the COUNTERBALANCE SELECTOR (Fig. 2 & 3). The
DS5 Fluid Head has a single position Counterbalance system and
is preset. 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.
◗ Do not pan or tilt the Fluid Head whilst the PAN or the TILT LOCK
is partially applied.
3.1 For safety ensure that Counterbalance position 2 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 select
Counterbalance position 1.
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
Fig 3
by adjusting the SLIDING
PLATFORM - see step 2.5.
Fig 2
DS10 CB Selector
DS20 CB
Selector
5
Operating Instructions Cleaning
The DS5/DS10/DS20 fluid head features protective coatings, dust
5. Pan /Tilt Drag
Control
seals and anti-corrosive fittings to ensure long and trouble-free
operation in extreme location conditions. To ensure optimum
performance throughout the life of the head Miller recommends
regular cleaning.
5.1 The DS10/DS20 fluid head provides adjustment for tilt and
pan drag control (Fig 4.). Rotate clockwise to engage friction
resistance, anticlockwise to return to fluid action.
When the fluid head has been used in harsh environments (such
as sand, mud or salt water spray), wipe over with a soft damp
cloth as soon as possible. Use a soft brush to clean crevices.
Remove and clean CAMERA PLATE.
Note:The fluid drag plate system has been designed to suit
most operating conditions. The friction drag adjustment should
only be utilised when extra resistance is required.
WARNING: Do not immerse a fluid head in any liquid.
WARNING: Do not use stiff brushes, abrasives or solvents.
Storage
When storing for extended periods: clean fluid head and place in
a safe, dry place, away from direct sunlight. The fluid heads can
be stored horizontally or upright. However, it is not advisable to
leave the head for extended periods with the tilt locked in an
extreme position, either forward or backward.
Fig 4
Drag
control
knobs
Maintenance
With the exception of cleaning, the DS5/DS10/DS20 fluid head
does not require additional maintenance. Miller recommends
periodic servicing by a Miller Authorised Service Agent. Miller
Authorised Service Agents must carry out all service and repair
work. Failure to observe this requirement may void warranty.
6
Technical Data
Specifications – DS5/DS10/DS20 Fluid Head
Description
DS5 (#180)
DS10 (#182)
1.7 (3.7)
DS20( #184)
Weight - kg (lb)
Payload Range - kg (lb)
Pan/Tilt Drag
1.6 (3.5)
1.75 (3.9)
0.5 - 2.5 (1.1 - 5.5)
Fluid Drag plate system
2.5 - 5.0 (5.5 - 11.0)
5.0 - 10.0 (11.1 - 22.0)
Fluid Drag plate system
Fluid Drag plate
system with friction boost.
system with friction boost.
Pan/Tilt Lock brake system
Tilt Angle Range
Calliper Disk Brake
+90˚/-75˚
Calliper Disk Brake
+90˚/-75˚
Calliper Disk Brake
+90˚/-75˚
Counterbalance System
Position # 1 capacity - kg (lb)
Position # 2 capacity - kg (lb)
Camera Platform Type
Single Position
Up to 2.5 (5.5)
-
Two Position
Two Position
Up to 2.5 (5.5)
2.5 - 5.0 (5.5 - 11.0)
2.5 - 5.0 (5.5 - 11.0)
5.0 - 10.0 (11.0 - 22.0)
Quick Release Sliding Camera
Plate with 60 mm travel.
Quick Release Sliding Camera
Plate with 60 mm travel.
Quick Release Sliding Camera
Plate with 60 mm travel.
Camera Plate
Standard DS with
1/4” + Pin Adapter Carriage
Standard DS with
1/4” + Pin Adapter Carriage
Standard DS with
1/4” + Pin Adapter Carriage
1/4” and 3/8” screws
Bubble Level
Yes
Yes
Yes
Mounting Base
Handle
75 mm ball levelling
Standard Pan Handle
-40˚/+65˚ (-40˚ / +149˚)
75 mm ball levelling
Standard Pan Handle
-40˚/+65˚ (-40˚ / +149˚)
75 mm ball levelling
Standard Pan Handle
-40˚/+65˚ (-40˚ / +149˚)
Temperature Range - ˚C (˚F)
7
Spare Parts
Service, Sales & 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
your nearest authorised Miller sales or service centre, please visit our
ITEM
ITEM NO.
DS5/DS10 Camera Plate (inc. #493 carriage)
#490
DS20 Camera Plate (inc. #493, 3/8” & 1/4” screws)
1/4”– Pin carriage
#489
#493
Camera Screw 1/4”
P0036
P0037
#688
Camera Screw 3/8”
MILLER CAMERA SUPPORT (Australia)
30 Hotham Parade, Artarmon, Sydney
NSW 2064 Australia
MILLER CAMERA SUPPORT LLC (USA)
216 Little Falls Road, Cedar Grove
New Jersey 07009-1231 USA
Tel: (973) 857 8300
Fixed Length Pan Handle
Fixed Length Pan Handle & clamp
Pan Handle Clamp
#680
Tel: +61 2 9439 6377
Fax: +61 2 9438 2819
Email: [email protected]
Fax: (973) 857 8188
Email: [email protected]
P3436
P2321
Clamp Nut
MILLER FLUID HEADS (Europe) LTD.
Unit A2, Ford Lane Industrial Estate
Ford Lane, Ford, West Sussex
BN18 0DF United Kingdom
MILLER TRIPODS Canada
1055 Granville Street
Vancouver BC V6Z1L4, Canada
Tel: (604) 685 4654
Warranty
Miller offers a comprehensive parts and labour warranty with
all it’s camera support products. For complete details please
refer to the warranty card enclosed or contact your nearest
Miller sales or service centre.
Tel: +44 (0)1243 555 255
Fax: (604) 685 5648
Fax: +44(0)1243 555 001
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Website www.millertripods.com
For information about the complete range of Miller camera
support products, or to find the address of your nearest
authorised Miller sales centre, please visit our website at
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