Full Text Searchable PDF User Manual
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User Manual
Anatomy of a 3LT Tripod & AirHed
Tri-Mount Plate
Central Column
Para-Lock
Collar
Hinge
Leg Catch
Para-Lock
Boots
Locking Knob
Pan Base
Pano Clamp Lock*
Release Plate
Release Plate Lock
Locking Ring
*Not Applicable to AirHed Mohawk
Reference Guide
23˚
55˚
80˚
At 3 Legged thing we believe in giving you the
very best in functionality without compromising
on capability or performance. As such, we
offer the three leg angles that we consider to
be optimum for using a tripod. They are 23˚,
55˚ & 80˚. Each angle has its own merits.
23˚ is the angle usually associated with normal
tripod use.
55˚ is more commonly used for specialist
applications such as Macro Inverted mode or
Tri-Mono mode.
80˚ enables the user to get low to the floor
without inverting the camera.
Load Capabilities
Our new range of products comes with
variable load capabilities. This is because the
performance of a product is based on which
leg angles and extensions are utilised in the set
up. For more information about your product,
visit www.3leggedthing.com.
Key Features
We try and do things a little differently at 3 Legged Thing, so
you may find some features that you aren’t familiar with...
The Tri-Mount plate (a) comes with three extended spurs and
a narrower plate section, so that you can still counterfold
your legs with the column removed. You can also clip your
strap to the plate, and to the D-ring at the bottom of the
column, so that you can transport your tripod easily without
a case. It also has six, tapped 1/4” holes (b) for mounting
magic arms, microphones and other accessories.
Traditional tripods use a spring hook at the base of the
column. We use a D-Ring (c) as they provide more versatile
use. The D-ring also serves to hang your EVO3 bag on. The
new bag can simply roll up and go in a pocket or in your
camera bag, or, using the carabiner (d), the two D-rings on
the bag can be clipped to the D-ring on the tripod to make
a useful ballast bag (e).
a
b
c
d
e
3LT tripods are hugely versatile, and can
be used in a number of different ways. In
order to achieve this, there is some basic
functionality that you need to understand.
How to remove the central column*.
1: Underneath the tripod column is a D-Ring
(a). This unscrews from the bottom of the
central column. Once removed, undo the
collar (b) by one full turn and the central
column (c) can be pulled straight out.
Continue to undo the collar and remove it.
2: At the top of the central column is the Tri-
mount plate (d) which can be unscrewed
and removed, and then screwed directly
onto the tripod (e).
Unscrew the threaded bolt from the column
and screw directly into the mounting plate.
To line the spurs of the Tri-mount plate up
with your legs, or between the legs, screw
down to the desired angle, and then screw
the copper locking ring (f) upwards until it
locks against the Tri-mount plate, holding it
in position.
*Using the tripod without the central column increases rigidity and
stability.
Basic Functionality
a
d
e
b
c
f
How to detach the monopod leg.
The monopod leg is denoted by a thin
copper ring on one of the leg hinges and
can be unscrewed directly from the leg
hinge (a). At the top of the central column
is the Tri-mount plate and threaded
bolt (b) which can be unscrewed and
removed, and then screwed directly onto
the monopod leg (c).
If you understand these basic functions,
you will be able to use each of our tripods
in all compatible “modes”.
The threaded bolt has two different
sized ends. If you are mounting direct to
another head, like the 3LT AirHed range,
then you need the wider end (3/8”) to
be visible by about 1cm (0.4”). If you are
mounting direct to camera, then use the
smaller (1/4”) end.
a
b
c
Basic Functionality continued...
We’ve dispensed with the conventional friction lock
and introduced a brand new Paralell locking system, for
greater security and ease of use.
Our new Para-locks work by restricting the opening
movement of the friction lock, preventing you from
accidentally unscrewing the lock until the leg section
detaches.
We have, however, made it possible for you to undo the
lock so you can perform routine maintenece to your
tripod.
The Para-lock is formed of a friction lock (a), and a cap
(b). The cap has a thin edge - if you hold the friction lock
firmly, and unscrew the cap until it detaches from the
mechanism, you can then unscrew the friction lock and
take the leg apart.
We have changed the internal structure to incorporate our
new single “chicken lips” (c), which remain attached to the
tube unless you physically remove it. To replace it, simply
stretch over the top of the tubing and push fit into the holes (d).
Clean out your leg locks using warm water (without detergent)
and a brush for the threads. Dry thoroughly before re-
assembling. Make sure you tighten the friction lock before
screwing the cap back in.
Leg Mechanism & Maintenence
a
d
b
c
Evolution 3 AirHeds have a circular clamp design,
to make them easier to stow when counterfolding
the legs. There are two basic clamp types - Pano &
Standard. Both clamps have a locking knob( a) for
releasing the Peak Design Compatible Quick Release
Plate. The Pano-Clamp also has a copper knob (b)
which locks and unlocks the panning function.
The new release plate (c) is designed to be compatible
with all Peak Design Capture products. Refer to your
Peak Design instruction manual and warranty for uses
and limitations.
Once you have attached your new Peak Design
Compatible QR3P Plate to your camera, with the
included tool, mount your camera leaving the bubble
level visible, testing before letting go. NEVER undo any
of the knobs without holding your camera.
If your head has both black and copper knobs on the
clamp, it can pan from both the clamp and the base,
enabling seemless, flat panning for video and tracking.
The casing has two knobs - a smaller pan lock (unseen
in the images opposite) for the base, and a large ball
lock (d) which is the main locking control.
AirHeds and Release Plates
a
a
b
c
c
d
d
Under your release plate is a central bolt with a hex screw (a). If
you undo this screw with the tool provided, you can detach the
whole clamp from the ball shaft, leaving the central hole open
(b). The internal thread is now 3/8” and so can be mounted on
your monopod leg or directly to your mounting plate(c).
The AirHed Mohawk does not have a Pano-Clamp, but the
circular clamp will still detach and is useful as a quick release
mechanism for your monopod, or monopod leg.
AirHed & Pano-Clamp Functionality
a
b
c
AirHed Capabilities
Your AirHed has capabilities rated in three different ways.
Head capabilties should not be confused with tripod
capabilities. Care should be taken to understand the
differences before using the product.
Direct Load: With the head level and the clamp level, a
direct downward load can be applied up to the capacity.
Drag: Drag is the load it requires to make the ball move
within the head. This is tested by angling the ball and adding
pressure until the ball moves. Don’t do this when attached to
a tripod - your head is a lot more powerful than any tripod
can withstand.
Portrait: When the clamp is locked sideways in the portrait
position, this is the load that the clamp can hold without
rotating or moving.
Basic Rules: When mounting your camera to the head, hold
the camera until such time as you are certain it is locked
in place. Do not overload your head, or load it up without
consideration of the centre of gravity. Try to balance the
weight of your camera and lens so that it is evenly distributed.
For details on your product’s specific load capabiltiies,
please visit the website on www.3leggedthing.com.
The most versatile tripod system in the world.
Peak Design
Compatible
Release Plate
Backwards compatible
Pano Clamp for level
panning and low
operation
Heelz - for
concrete or
hard ground
Stilettos - for rocky
or uneven terrain, to
protect your leg tubing
Claws - for ice,
snow, sand, rocks
and softer ground
We have a range of accessories
to compliment your tripod and
AirHed. Check them out at
www.3leggedthing.com
3 Legged Thing is part of The Elemental Group of Companies
Unit 9 Kinsbourne Farm : Bury End : Stagsden : Bedfordshire : MK43 8TS : United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0) 1234 947777 : email: sales@3leggedthing.com : web: www.3leggedthing.com