Vinten Radamec Vision 250E - Manual (Page 8)

8
Perfect balance
Perfect balance is achieved in the Vision range of lightweight pan & tilt heads by means of an in-
novative and patented infinitely-variable spring mechanism. This allows the heads to tilt through
the full range of ±90º in perfect balance. The balancing mechanism is both compact and light-
weight - vital in applications where head size and weight are key benefits in flexibility, handling
and portability. The variable counterbalance mechanism allows Vision heads to be used with a
variety of lenses, batteries, viewfinders and infill lights.
The balance system is easily adjusted by a knob (4) on the rear of the head. Maximum and mini-
mum payloads that can be balanced, and tilt ranges, are dependent on the weight of the camera
and accessories and on the centre of gravity (C of G) height.
The graph shows the range of load and C of G height that can be maintained in balance. The shad-
ed area of graph corresponds to those load/C of G combinations that can be balanced over the
full tilt range. The area to the right indicate the progressively reducing tilt range with greater load
and higher C of G.
Where a load/C of G combination falls outside of the graph it will be necessary to increase or de-
crease the weight or the C of G height - if possible - to enable the head to balance the load.
A digital display (8) indicates the setting of the balance mechanism on a scale of 00 - HI. The dis-
play is illuminated by pressing the switch (9) and extinguishes automatically approximately 15
seconds after adjustments are complete. The same switch also illuminates the level bubble (6)
and the scales of the pan and tilt drag knobs (19)(10) . A sensor (7) automatically compensates for
ambient light levels and dims the display. If the ambient light level is high, the level bubble and
drag knob scales will not be lit. The battery for the system is housed in a compartment in the base
of the head, closed by a cover
(16) .
TF (Thin-Film) drag
Developed for the discerning camera operator, TF drag is used in the Vision 250E pan & tilt heads
to provide precise head control in demanding conditions. It is a fully calibrated drag system, allow-
ing camera operators to ‘dial in’ their preferred settings. From critical slow pans with lenses of long
focal length to fast-moving sports applications, TF always offers total control. The whip-pan facility
is unaffected by the pan drag setting.
Both the pan and tilt mechanisms incorporate the Vinten TF system and are fitted with control
knobs
(19)(10) to adjust the drag setting. The pan drag knob (19) is telescopic and may be ex-
tended clear of the encoders for ease of operation.
Both drag knobs are provided with scales illuminated by the switch (9) .
Pan and tilt brakes
Friction brakes on each axis allow the head to be locked at any chosen position. The operating
knobs for both brakes
(14)(15) are fitted on the left-hand side of the head.
A centre lock (5) allows the head to be locked in the horizontal position.
Illuminated level bubble
A level bubble (6) , illuminated by pressing the switch (9) , is fitted to the rear of the head.