VariZoom VZBLACKHAWKVL - Manual (Page 3)

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Attach your batteries to the lower sled. You may wish to
power the camera from the batteries on the lower sled to
reduce the overall weight of the system. In this case, you
can utilize the supplied lemo cable to connect the power
jack on the stage to the camera, but the camera power
connector is not supplied, so you must attach the
appropriate power connector with CORRECT POLARITY
before proceeding. To prepare the camera for attachment
to the sled you should first find the center of gravity (CG) of
the camera. The CG is the point at which the camera will
balance best, and it can be determined by using a rounded
object such as a pencil. Set the camera lengthwise on top
of the pencil so that it is balanced to find the lateral center
(side-to-side), and then set it on top of the pencil in a
perpendicular orientation to find the longitudinal center
(front-to-back). The spot where the lateral and longitudinal
centers intersect is the CG – you may want to mark the CG
with a grease pencil or non-permanent marker.
Once the CG is determined, you must mount the camera to
the dovetail (mounting plate) using a hole that will put the
CG closest to the center of the mounting platform. Look at
the bottom of the dovetail - on one side you will see a metal
rack of teeth and on the other side a pair of sloped end
stops. When you attach the dovetail to the camera, you
want the rack to be on the same side as the viewfinder (or
lcd display) so that it will line up with the brass gear in the
dovetail channel of the stage.
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OPERATION
For instructions on operation, watch the DVD. Generally
speaking, you have to keep in mind that the stabilizer will
not work like a magic wand and instantly transform your
shots into brilliant footage. Operator skill is critical, and it
takes many hours of practice to master this device, but the
reward for all the practice will be substantial. Here are a
few simple quick-start guidelines:
-Hold the system by the gimbal handle to control the
orientation and elevation of the sled.
-With the other hand, lightly grasp the center post of
the sled just below the gimbal, holding it close to the
gimbal for optimal control.
-Delicately grasp the center post with your fingertips,
like a flute – do not grab it like a handlebar.
-Practice good posture and hold the sled close to
your body.
-Fine-tuning of the balance adjustments may be
necessary a few times during operation.
-The way you walk will affect the quality of
stabilization, so you need to develop a light-footed
rhythmic pattern.
-Practice for at least 20 hours before attempting to
acquire usable footage.
The DVD contains detailed, clear instructions and tips on
operation, and if you have any general questions, visit the
website –
www.varizoom.com . If you’ve watched the video
and practiced and still have technical questions, call 310-
545-0466