The Magnus VT-3000 Video Tripod can be used with our loanable video camera to produce video free from the shaky movements often produced when the camera is held in-hand. To learn more about this and other loanable equipment or its current availability, please visit our Equipment for Loan page.

Tripod Overview

What all is involved with using the Tripod?

The process looks tough! However, each step is broken down. For frequent borrowers, you can skip to the section you need.

• Getting Started
• Connecting the Camera
• After Filming
• Advanced Adjustment Options
  • Adjust Feet
  • Installing the Pan/Tilt Bar
  • Set the Pan Angle
  • Set the Tilt
  • Level the Head
  • Micro Positioning Slider

Getting Started

1. Remove the Tripod from its bag. Release the feet by pulling the cord near the bottom so that it lifts the metal ring up and away from the black plastic base.
   
2. Extend the feet by opening the two levers on each leg and extending them to the length needed. One lever is located near the top of the Tripod, the other is near the foot of each leg. Close the levers to fix each leg in place at the desired height.
   
3. Press in the center of the legs to make sure the Tripod is fully extended for maximum stability. You can use the green bubble at the base of the camera mount to ensure your tripod is level.
   

Connecting the Camera

1. To release the mounting plate from the Tripod, turn the slide lock knob (A) counter-clockwise as far as it will go. Then, while holding the silver release button (B) pressed in, slide the mounting plate toward the silver button until it slides off the Tripod.
   
2. Insert the screw and peg on the mounting plate into the matching sockets on the bottom of the camera (a flat screwdriver or coin may make this easier).
   
3. Slide the mounting plate with attached camera back onto the Tripod and turn the slide lock knob clockwise to secure. Make sure the teeth line up with the gear knob.
   

After Filming

When finished with the Tripod, remove the camera, fully collapse the legs, fold the legs completely together and secure metal ring in the center of the legs. Then, place the Tripod in the bag.

Advanced Adjustment Options

For a more in-depth explanation on some of the other adjustment options available when using the Magnus VT-3000 Video Tripod, please continue reading below.
 

Adjust Feet

1. Decide whether you will need the ground spikes or the rubber feet based on the environment where you are shooting.
2. Extend the ground spikes by rotating the rubber pads clockwise until the spikes are exposed and retract them by rotating the rubber pads counterclockwise.
   

Install the Pan/Tilt Bar

1. Install the pan/tilt bar on either the left or right side of the Tripod by fitting the threaded stud on the bar into the mount on the Tripod and tightening the lock knob. Note: mount serrations allow you to mount the bar securely at any angle
   

Set the Pan Angle

1. Ensure pan lock is released, then use the pan/tilt bar to rotate the head to set it in the direction you wish to shoot. Retighten the pan lock.
   
    

Set the Tilt

1. Release the tilt lock to adjust the tilt angle of the Tripod head. Note: the head should be flat when connecting the camera.
   
2. With camera attached and tilt lock released, use the pan/tilt bar to set the desired tilt angle. Retighten tilt lock to secure.
   

Level the Head

1. Release the ball level lock located underneath the head of the Tripod (between the legs). Balance the Tripod head by referring to the bubble level. Retighten the ball level lock to secure.
   

Micro Positioning Slider

If your camera is front- or back-heavy, you can use the Micro Positioning Slider to achieve neutral balance on the camera.

1. With the camera attached and the slide lock loosened, rotate the adjustment knob on the Slider clockwise and counterclockwise until the camera's image is at a neutral, balanced position.
   
2. After you have adjusted your camera's balance, retighten the slider lock to avoid accidental movement.