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Need help?Do you have a question about the NOVOFLEX ClassicBall CB3-II and is the answer not in the manual?
Details on obtaining product information, advice, and contact methods.
Highlights of the ClassicBall's special features, including levelling and panning.
Identification of the different parts of the ClassicBall.
Guidance on how to mount the ClassicBall onto tripods.
Important safety guidelines for using the ClassicBall.
Instructions for changing the tripod thread size from 1/4" to 3/8".
How to lock the ball in position and release it for movement.
Explanation of the AFC system for precise friction adjustment.
Using the 90° openings for vertical sweep and 360° panoramic panning.
Tips on load capacity, orientation, and optimal operational positioning.
The NOVOFLEX ClassicBall is a high-precision ball head designed for photographers seeking robust support and versatile camera positioning. This user manual provides comprehensive guidance on its functions, usage, and maintenance, ensuring optimal performance from the outset.
The ClassicBall serves as a crucial interface between a camera and a tripod, enabling smooth and precise camera movements. Its core function is to allow for flexible camera positioning across various angles, including vertical sweeps and horizontal panorama panning. The integrated levelling function, accessible when the ball head is mounted upside down, ensures perfectly horizontal panning shots. The device features an advanced friction control (AFC) system, which allows users to preset the friction level based on their camera's weight, ensuring consistent and repeatable friction settings without being affected by locking or releasing the ball. The ball head is equipped with a locking lever to secure the camera in any desired position and a separate locking button specifically for panorama panning. Three 90° cutouts in the housing facilitate extensive vertical movement, including continuous 180° sweeps and easy transitions to portrait format. The interchangeable threaded pin accommodates both 1/4" and 3/8" camera threads, enhancing compatibility with a wide range of cameras.
Mounting the ClassicBall to a tripod is straightforward, utilizing its threaded hole. For tripods with a 1/4" thread, the ball head can be directly mounted. For 3/8" threads, a threaded bushing can be easily removed. The ClassicBall offers two mounting orientations: the "classic" way or upside down. When mounted upside down, the grub screw is repositioned to the bottom, allowing the integrated levelling function and panoramic panning to be utilized effectively.
Locking the ball in position is achieved by turning the locking lever to the right. To release the ball, the lever is turned to the left. A practical feature of the locking lever is its ability to be pulled out, twisted, and re-released without altering its clamping, useful if its rotation is obstructed by an object. The AFC system is adjusted via the friction control ring, offering five distinct friction levels that can only be set when the ball is locked. This ensures that the desired friction is maintained consistently.
For vertical sweeps, the three 90° cutouts allow for a 180° vertical range of motion and easy transition to portrait orientation. For 360° panorama panning, the locking button is used to halt movement at any point. When the ball head is mounted upside down, the spirit level assists in achieving perfectly horizontal pans. The 360° panorama angle scaling helps in achieving specific angular positions. To maximize the ClassicBall's mobility, it is recommended to align the two opposite 90-degree portrait format cutouts with the optical axis. This setup facilitates a 180-degree vertical sweep and easy access to portrait format without relying on the integrated panning function, keeping all operating elements consistently positioned.
The ClassicBall is designed for minimal maintenance, emphasizing durability and reliability. A key maintenance feature is its self-cleaning head operation. However, users are advised to avoid introducing sand or dust into the mechanism and to wipe the ball with a clean, dry cloth if necessary. Crucially, the ball in the ClassicBall does not require lubrication; applying grease or oil to the ball head is strictly prohibited. Similarly, users should never use any kind of lubricant on any moving parts of the ClassicBall or attempt to open the housing by force.
When changing the grub screw's thread size, it is vital to screw the grub screw into the support plate as far as possible to prevent damage to the camera. For long-term storage, it is recommended to leave both the locking lever and the friction control ring in an open position. This practice helps preserve the mechanism and ensures optimal function over time. The manual also cautions against extreme heat or cold, as these conditions can impair the proper function of the ClassicBall. Adhering to these simple maintenance guidelines will ensure the longevity and consistent performance of the NOVOFLEX ClassicBall.
General| Type | Ball Head |
|---|---|
| Material | Aluminum |
| Base Diameter | 60 mm |
| Quick Release | Yes |
| Separate Panning Lock | Yes |
| Color | Black |
| Panning Base | Yes |
| Friction Control | Yes |
| Ball Diameter | 36 mm |
| Mounting Thread | 3/8" |
