User Manual

OPERATION
Attach the BH-55 to Tripod
1. Tighten the Pan Lock Knob to lock the Panning Base with
light to medium torque.
2. Screw the ballhead onto the 3/8”-16 threaded stud on the
top of the tripod (stud should not protrude more than 3/8”
above platform or 5-6 threads). Tighten the ballhead onto
the tripod snugly, but do not over-torque or it will be difficult
to remove.
Set Up Your Tripod
Set up your tripod to match the required camera position.
Orient the Ballhead
Loosen the Pan Lock Knob and rotate the body of the BH-55
ballhead as shown, so you may operate the Main Lock Knob
with your left hand while your right hand is free to operate
the camera controls. This orientation allows you to easily tilt
the camera body over from horizontal to vertical using the
drop notch.
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2
As you adopt a procedure that works for you, it’s best to
practice that working mode consistently until it becomes second
nature. This will save you time in the field and help avoid costly
mistakes. Seasoned pros are able to setup and shoot literally
within seconds.
Using the Drop Notch
1. Loosen the Pan Lock Knob and rotate the body so one drop
notch is facing forward.
2. Fully seat camera into the drop notch.
Adjust the Drag Set
Some photographers prefer to have tension (drag) on
the ball at all times to prevent the camera from suddenly
flopping when the Main Lock Knob is loosened. The
optimal amount of drag depends on the size and shape of
equipment being used as well as the angles at which you
wish to place the equipment (steeper angles require a
higher drag setting).
To set the drag, either remove your camera or hold it in place.
1. Loosen the Main Lock Knob and Drag Set Knob.
2. Tighten the Main Lock Knob to your preferred amount of
resistance.
3. Turn the Drag Set Knob until it stops.
Your Drag is now set and will remain at the same
resistance until the Drag Set Knob is adjusted again.
Note: It is easy to forget that you set the drag and then
try to loosen the Main Lock Knob with no apparent effect
on the operation of the ball. If this happens to you, please
check the drag setting first and do not over-loosen the
Main Lock Knob.
Tighten the Main Lock Knob (optional) and expose the
image.
We recommend that you tighten the Main Lock Knob
before exposing an image. However, many photographers
simply rely on the Drag Setting and do not fully lock
the Ball using the Main Lock Knob. This is fine for many
situations depending on your equipment and how high
the drag setting is. If using a long telephoto at slow
shutter speeds, it is best to tighten the Main Lock Knob
before exposing your shot. Conversely, you may want to
leave the drag setting loose and only use the Main Lock
Knob to control both drag and lock. Experiment and see
what works best for you.
**Visit our website to see a ballhead video tutorial.
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