Difference between revisions of "APS VariZoom Solo Jib Operating Guide"

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=== The '''VariZoom Solo Jib''' is a lightweight telescoping jib that works with a counterweight system to elevate a camera. Without proper setup and operation, damage to the equipment and/or injury to the user and people around the equipment could occur. ===
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<div class="lead">[[File:Media Loan Logo.png|left|frameless|90x90px]]A lightweight telescoping jib used to get cinematic crane shots. </div> 
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=== Precautions: ===
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==Overview==  
* Never remove the camera or counterweights without proper support to prevent the jib from swinging up or down.  
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The Solo Jib is an ultra-portable, lightweight aluminum jib crane with a 2-stage telescoping arm that provides up to 9.2 ft. of height. Special features include soft-stop pan and tilt brakes so you can fix the position of the jib without danger of tipping over, as well as a telescoping tail for counterweight adjustment.  
* Do not extend the telescoping sections of the jib while the camera is mounted. The weight of the camera might cause a section to slide suddenly and pinch your hands or damage the camera.  
+
* Only use the jib with DSLR or lightweight cameras (4-10 pounds). 
+
* Make sure the jib is securely mounted to the tripod and leveled so no slipping or loosening can occur. 
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* Make sure the tripod is adequately level and stable relative to the ground. 
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* Tighten all joints thoroughly to prevent unwanted extension/contraction. 
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* Never swing the jib around in a crowd of people.
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* You are 100% financially liable for damages of loss of equipment from Media Loan.  
+
  
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==Kit Contents==
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* Telescoping Jib Arm
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* 2 x Counterweights
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* Jib Head Hand Knob
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* Weight Hand Knob
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* Weight Spacer Nut
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* Camera Platform Tripod Plate
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* Tripod
  
== Step One: Setting up the Tripod ==
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==How to Use It==
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=== Step 1: Setting up the Tripod ===
 
# This is the first step in using the jib. It is a good idea to use '''sandbags''' to counterweight your tripod to add stability and prevent tipping over. Always make sure that the tripod legs are properly tightened to prevent sliding and toppling of the entire assembly.   
 
# This is the first step in using the jib. It is a good idea to use '''sandbags''' to counterweight your tripod to add stability and prevent tipping over. Always make sure that the tripod legs are properly tightened to prevent sliding and toppling of the entire assembly.   
 
# When setting up the tripod, make sure you have an adequate radius of clearance to operate the jib. You should have at least an arm-spam of clearance all the way around the tripod to be safe.  
 
# When setting up the tripod, make sure you have an adequate radius of clearance to operate the jib. You should have at least an arm-spam of clearance all the way around the tripod to be safe.  
 
# The two-stage locking legs of the tripod allow for a wide range of height adjustments. To adjust the leg length, simply twist the locking knobs. Make sure each knob is secured completely to prevent leg sections from shifting under the weight of the camera.   
 
# The two-stage locking legs of the tripod allow for a wide range of height adjustments. To adjust the leg length, simply twist the locking knobs. Make sure each knob is secured completely to prevent leg sections from shifting under the weight of the camera.   
 
# The spreader located at the center of the tripod is not adjustable. Do not remove it.  
 
# The spreader located at the center of the tripod is not adjustable. Do not remove it.  
 +
# Only use the tripod in the VariZoom Solo Jib Kit with the jib. 
  
== Step 2: Attaching the Jib to the Tripod ==
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=== Step 2: Attaching the Jib to the Tripod ===
 
# Tighten the '''tilt brake''' and '''pan brake''' before attaching the jib to your tripod.   
 
# Tighten the '''tilt brake''' and '''pan brake''' before attaching the jib to your tripod.   
# To attach the mounting stud of jib head adaptor, remove the plastic hand knob, fit the jib base into the bowl mount, level the jib base, and then tighten the hand knob on the mounting stud. Make sure to tighten this knob thoroughly.  
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# To attach the mounting stud of jib head adaptor, fit the jib base into the bowl mount, level the jib base, and then tighten the hand knob on the mounting stud. Make sure to tighten this knob thoroughly.  
  
== Step 3: Setting the Length of the Solo Jib ==
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=== Step 3: Setting the Length of the Jib ===
The Solo jib has a 2-stage telescoping arm and single-telescoping tail. The longer the '''arm'''—the front of the jib—is extended, the more you will have to extend the '''tail'''—the back of the jib.  
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'''The Solo jib has a 2-stage telescoping arm and single-telescoping tail. The longer the arm—the front of the jib—is extended, the more you will have to extend the tail—the back of the jib.'''
 
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# Start by attaching the counterweight to the '''tail''' of the jib. Only use the second spacer nut if you add more than one weight. The jib will start out tail-heavy, but as you extend the jib it will balance out.   
# Start by attaching the counterweight to the '''tail''' of the jib. Only use the use the second spacer nut if you add more than one weight. The jib will start out tail-heavy, but as you extend the jib it will balance out.   
+
 
# Decide how long you want to extend the jib, then start by expanding the first stage. Loosen the first set of twist locks—the lager set closet to the tripod—and grab the '''camera platform'''—front end with “Solo Jib” printed on it—and pull out the first stage to the desired length. Use the bubble level under the camera plate to even the tube lengths until the camera platform is level. This might require slightly twisting the camera platform side-to-side to get the bubble centered. Then tighten the twist locks.  
 
# Decide how long you want to extend the jib, then start by expanding the first stage. Loosen the first set of twist locks—the lager set closet to the tripod—and grab the '''camera platform'''—front end with “Solo Jib” printed on it—and pull out the first stage to the desired length. Use the bubble level under the camera plate to even the tube lengths until the camera platform is level. This might require slightly twisting the camera platform side-to-side to get the bubble centered. Then tighten the twist locks.  
 
# If you need the jib to be longer than the full extension of the first stage, extend the second stage. Using the second set of locks, repeat the same process as before, extending the second stage and making sure to level the camera platform and tighten the twist locks.   
 
# If you need the jib to be longer than the full extension of the first stage, extend the second stage. Using the second set of locks, repeat the same process as before, extending the second stage and making sure to level the camera platform and tighten the twist locks.   
 
# If the jib is front heavy, extend the '''tail''' by loosening the twist lock and pulling the tube out slowly until the jib stays level. After extending the tail to the desired length, tighten the twist lock on the tail.  
 
# If the jib is front heavy, extend the '''tail''' by loosening the twist lock and pulling the tube out slowly until the jib stays level. After extending the tail to the desired length, tighten the twist lock on the tail.  
  
== Step 4: Setting up a Camera on the Solo Jib ==
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=== Step 4: Setting up a Camera on the Jib ===
# Only use '''DSLR''' or '''lightweight cameras''' (4-10 pounds) on the jib arm.  
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'''Only use DSLR or lightweight cameras (4-10 pounds) on the jib arm.'''
# Make sure all the twist locks are tightened before attaching the camera. You may need to support the front of jib (a chair, table, a c-stand, etc.) while attaching the camera.  
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# Make sure all the twist locks are tightened before attaching the camera. You will need to support the front of jib (a chair, table, a c-stand, etc.) while attaching the camera.  
 
# Use the threading screw of the tripod plate to secure your camera to the plate.  
 
# Use the threading screw of the tripod plate to secure your camera to the plate.  
 
# Slide the tripod plate with the camera mounted to it into the receiver on the camera platform.  
 
# Slide the tripod plate with the camera mounted to it into the receiver on the camera platform.  
 
# Tighten the slide plate lock on the camera platform.
 
# Tighten the slide plate lock on the camera platform.
  
== Helpful Counterweight Information: ==  
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=== Helpful Counterweight Information: ===
A Canon Rebel or Canon 6D DSLR camera with a lens and battery will weigh around 3 to 4 pounds, depending on the lens. The weight will not be exact and this guide is to help approximate what will be needed to counterweight the camera.  
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'''A Canon Rebel or Canon 6D DSLR camera with a lens and battery will weigh around 3 to 4 pounds, depending on the lens. The weight will not be exact and this guide is to help approximate what will be needed to counterweight the camera.'''
  
=== Fully-Extended Jib: ===
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==== Fully-Extended Jib: ====
 
* 3 lbs camera requires 9.25 lbs counterweight with tail extended almost fully  
 
* 3 lbs camera requires 9.25 lbs counterweight with tail extended almost fully  
 
* 4 lbs camera requires 13.75 lbs counterweight with tail extended almost fully
 
* 4 lbs camera requires 13.75 lbs counterweight with tail extended almost fully
  
=== Half-Extended Jib: ===
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==== Half-Extended Jib: ====
 
* 3 lbs camera requires 6.75 lbs counterweight with tail extended almost fully   
 
* 3 lbs camera requires 6.75 lbs counterweight with tail extended almost fully   
 
* 4 lbs camera requires 9.25 lbs counterweight with tail extended almost fully  
 
* 4 lbs camera requires 9.25 lbs counterweight with tail extended almost fully  
  
=== Compact Jib (not extended at all): ===
+
==== Compact Jib (not extended at all): ====
 
* 3 lbs camera requires 6.75 lbs counterweight with tail not extended OR 3.75 lbs counterweight with tail extended almost fully
 
* 3 lbs camera requires 6.75 lbs counterweight with tail not extended OR 3.75 lbs counterweight with tail extended almost fully
 
* 4 lbs camera requires 9.25 lbs counterweight with tail not extended OR 5.5 lbs counterweight with tail extended almost fully
 
* 4 lbs camera requires 9.25 lbs counterweight with tail not extended OR 5.5 lbs counterweight with tail extended almost fully
  
====  Once the camera is attached and the counterweight is added, fine-tune the balance by sliding the tail section in or out. When the jib is level—parallel to the ground—it should float in place. At full extension, the jib may move when tilted all the way up or down—tighten the tilt brake slightly to hold the position. ====
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'''Once the camera is attached and the counterweight is added, fine-tune the balance by sliding the tail section in or out. When the jib is level—parallel to the ground—it should float in place. At full extension, the jib may move when tilted all the way up or down—tighten the tilt brake slightly to hold the position.'''
  
== Step 5: Operating the Solo Jib ==
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=== Step 5: Operating the Jib ===
 
# The jib will only be as steady as the tripod on which it is mounted. Make sure to be on a level surface and use sandbags to secure the tripod.   
 
# The jib will only be as steady as the tripod on which it is mounted. Make sure to be on a level surface and use sandbags to secure the tripod.   
# You can attach field video monitor to the jib’s pan/tilt base using an articulated arm threaded into screw holes on the vertical support plates. 
+
# Because the Solo Jib is so lightweight, in order to achieve smooth shots, the jib needs to be operated with a light touch. It’s important to start and stop gradually to receive smooth results. This becomes more important the longer the jib is extended.   
# Because the Solo Jib is so lightweight, in order to achieve smooth shots, the jib needs to be operated with a lit touch. It’s important to start and stop gradually to receive smooth results. This becomes more important the longer the jib is extended.   
+
 
# If you keep your hands on the jib, you may be able to operate it without the tilt or pan brake tightened. If you take your hands off the jib, you may want to tighten the tilt and/or pan brakes to hold the positions. These are not hard-stop mechanisms, they are soft-stops that can be pushed-through.  
 
# If you keep your hands on the jib, you may be able to operate it without the tilt or pan brake tightened. If you take your hands off the jib, you may want to tighten the tilt and/or pan brakes to hold the positions. These are not hard-stop mechanisms, they are soft-stops that can be pushed-through.  
  
[[Category:Media Loan]]
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==Media Loan Gear it Connects With Well==
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*This gear is designed to be rest on top of the [https://helpwiki.evergreen.edu/wiki/index.php/APS_VariZoom_Dolly_Track_Operating_Guide Dolly Track] for maximum options, but can be used independently.
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{{APS Proficiency Information
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|Testlink= [[APS VariZoom Solo Jib Proficiency]]
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<!--APS Proficiency Information is the template for the top of the side bar. There is also one for GA called GA Proficiency Information. To edit the proficiency test link, "edit source" for this page and add the proficiency link using the keyword "Testlink"--> 
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{{Precautions, Help, and Other Wikis for all Media Loan Gear
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|Exceptions= 
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*'''For This Gear Specifically'''
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** Without proper setup and operation, damage to the equipment and/or injury to the user and people around the equipment could occur.
 +
** Never remove the camera or counterweights without proper support to prevent the jib from swinging up or down.
 +
** Do not extend the telescoping sections of the jib while the camera is mounted. The weight of the camera might cause a section to slide suddenly and pinch your hands or damage the camera.
 +
** Only use the jib with DSLR or lightweight cameras (4-10 pounds). 
 +
** Make sure the jib is securely mounted to the tripod and leveled so no slipping or loosening can occur. 
 +
** Make sure the tripod is adequately level and stable relative to the ground. 
 +
** Tighten all joints thoroughly to prevent unwanted extension/contraction. 
 +
** Never swing the jib around in a crowd of people.
 +
** Do not disassemble any pieces of the equipment not mentioned in this operating guide.
 +
 
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}}
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<!--Precautions, Help, and Other Wikis for all Media Loan Gear is the template for the bottom of the sidebar. To edit the precautions for this gear specifically, "edit source" for this page for the keyword "Exceptions". be sure to write in the title for the exceptions similar to the title for what they all have.-->
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[[category:APS Gear Guides]]

Latest revision as of 19:55, 30 March 2021


Media Loan Logo.png
A lightweight telescoping jib used to get cinematic crane shots.

Overview

The Solo Jib is an ultra-portable, lightweight aluminum jib crane with a 2-stage telescoping arm that provides up to 9.2 ft. of height. Special features include soft-stop pan and tilt brakes so you can fix the position of the jib without danger of tipping over, as well as a telescoping tail for counterweight adjustment.

Kit Contents

  • Telescoping Jib Arm
  • 2 x Counterweights
  • Jib Head Hand Knob
  • Weight Hand Knob
  • Weight Spacer Nut
  • Camera Platform Tripod Plate
  • Tripod

How to Use It

Step 1: Setting up the Tripod

  1. This is the first step in using the jib. It is a good idea to use sandbags to counterweight your tripod to add stability and prevent tipping over. Always make sure that the tripod legs are properly tightened to prevent sliding and toppling of the entire assembly.
  2. When setting up the tripod, make sure you have an adequate radius of clearance to operate the jib. You should have at least an arm-spam of clearance all the way around the tripod to be safe.
  3. The two-stage locking legs of the tripod allow for a wide range of height adjustments. To adjust the leg length, simply twist the locking knobs. Make sure each knob is secured completely to prevent leg sections from shifting under the weight of the camera.
  4. The spreader located at the center of the tripod is not adjustable. Do not remove it.
  5. Only use the tripod in the VariZoom Solo Jib Kit with the jib.

Step 2: Attaching the Jib to the Tripod

  1. Tighten the tilt brake and pan brake before attaching the jib to your tripod.
  2. To attach the mounting stud of jib head adaptor, fit the jib base into the bowl mount, level the jib base, and then tighten the hand knob on the mounting stud. Make sure to tighten this knob thoroughly.

Step 3: Setting the Length of the Jib

The Solo jib has a 2-stage telescoping arm and single-telescoping tail. The longer the arm—the front of the jib—is extended, the more you will have to extend the tail—the back of the jib.

  1. Start by attaching the counterweight to the tail of the jib. Only use the second spacer nut if you add more than one weight. The jib will start out tail-heavy, but as you extend the jib it will balance out.
  2. Decide how long you want to extend the jib, then start by expanding the first stage. Loosen the first set of twist locks—the lager set closet to the tripod—and grab the camera platform—front end with “Solo Jib” printed on it—and pull out the first stage to the desired length. Use the bubble level under the camera plate to even the tube lengths until the camera platform is level. This might require slightly twisting the camera platform side-to-side to get the bubble centered. Then tighten the twist locks.
  3. If you need the jib to be longer than the full extension of the first stage, extend the second stage. Using the second set of locks, repeat the same process as before, extending the second stage and making sure to level the camera platform and tighten the twist locks.
  4. If the jib is front heavy, extend the tail by loosening the twist lock and pulling the tube out slowly until the jib stays level. After extending the tail to the desired length, tighten the twist lock on the tail.

Step 4: Setting up a Camera on the Jib

Only use DSLR or lightweight cameras (4-10 pounds) on the jib arm.

  1. Make sure all the twist locks are tightened before attaching the camera. You will need to support the front of jib (a chair, table, a c-stand, etc.) while attaching the camera.
  2. Use the threading screw of the tripod plate to secure your camera to the plate.
  3. Slide the tripod plate with the camera mounted to it into the receiver on the camera platform.
  4. Tighten the slide plate lock on the camera platform.

Helpful Counterweight Information:

A Canon Rebel or Canon 6D DSLR camera with a lens and battery will weigh around 3 to 4 pounds, depending on the lens. The weight will not be exact and this guide is to help approximate what will be needed to counterweight the camera.

Fully-Extended Jib:

  • 3 lbs camera requires 9.25 lbs counterweight with tail extended almost fully
  • 4 lbs camera requires 13.75 lbs counterweight with tail extended almost fully

Half-Extended Jib:

  • 3 lbs camera requires 6.75 lbs counterweight with tail extended almost fully
  • 4 lbs camera requires 9.25 lbs counterweight with tail extended almost fully

Compact Jib (not extended at all):

  • 3 lbs camera requires 6.75 lbs counterweight with tail not extended OR 3.75 lbs counterweight with tail extended almost fully
  • 4 lbs camera requires 9.25 lbs counterweight with tail not extended OR 5.5 lbs counterweight with tail extended almost fully

Once the camera is attached and the counterweight is added, fine-tune the balance by sliding the tail section in or out. When the jib is level—parallel to the ground—it should float in place. At full extension, the jib may move when tilted all the way up or down—tighten the tilt brake slightly to hold the position.

Step 5: Operating the Jib

  1. The jib will only be as steady as the tripod on which it is mounted. Make sure to be on a level surface and use sandbags to secure the tripod.
  2. Because the Solo Jib is so lightweight, in order to achieve smooth shots, the jib needs to be operated with a light touch. It’s important to start and stop gradually to receive smooth results. This becomes more important the longer the jib is extended.
  3. If you keep your hands on the jib, you may be able to operate it without the tilt or pan brake tightened. If you take your hands off the jib, you may want to tighten the tilt and/or pan brakes to hold the positions. These are not hard-stop mechanisms, they are soft-stops that can be pushed-through.

Media Loan Gear it Connects With Well

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  • This gear is designed to be rest on top of the Dolly Track for maximum options, but can be used independently.