OPERATING THE TRIPOD
In this section of the manual, we will explore proper operation of the tripod including its legs and center
column. This includes everything from the Column Platform down (not including the ball head).
1) USING THE TRANSVERSE FEATURE
We have already begun to discuss the transverse, folding feature of the legs in the Initial Setup section of
this manual. You should also practice returning your XC-M to its most compact state. This is not simply a
reverse of opening it. To fold the XC-M you must use the Leg Angle Switches to prevent accidental damage
to the tripod.
Begin by ensuring Center Column Lower Section is raised to its maximum height while Center Column
Upper Section is collapsed to its minimum height. Hold the Center Column with one hand while taking hold
of the upper portion of one leg with your other hand. Wrap your hand around the leg and place your thumb
on its Leg Angle Switch. Press down on the Leg Angle Switch and hold it down while you fold the leg
upwards toward the center column. Once you have passed the half-way point (90 degrees to the center
column) you may release the Leg Angle Switch since the leg is now beyond all 3 of its leg position points.
Continue to fold the leg all of the way up, into its transverse storage position. Repeat this process for the
other 2 legs.
Tip: You may nd some resistance when pressing down on each leg angle switch. Before pressing it, push the leg in
just a slight amount to relieve the pressure on the switch. Then the switch will become very easy to press.
To unfold the XC-M Tripod from its transverse, storage state. Refer to the Initial Setup section of this manual.
2) ADJUSTING LEG ANGLES
This XC-M tripod has 3 working angles for the legs (20º, 50º, & 80º). Each leg angle can be adjusted
independently of the other two. Most of the time you will set all 3 legs to the same angle. However, in some
cases of uneven ground you may choose to set the legs at dierent angles to achieve the best overall stability.
When the XC-M’s tripod legs are in a closed position, meaning they are pushed-in, against the center column
(not in its compact, transverse state), you can simply pull on each leg until it stops in leg angle position #1
(see gure 2). This is the most common and most used position for the tripod.
To adjust a leg angle beyond position #1, take ahold of the leg near its top portion. Wrap your hand around
the leg and place your thumb on the Leg Angle Switch. Press it down to release the leg. Now you can pull
the leg out to a further angle. Once you release the Leg Angle Switch continue pulling on the leg until it
stops to ensure it is properly seated in either leg angle position #2 or #3 (see gure2). Please do not use
excessive force in doing this.
You will notice the Leg Angle Switches need to be pressed when extending the legs to a wider stance.
However, you do not need to press these switches when pushing the legs in to a narrower stance. To achieve
a narrow stance (smaller leg angle) you can simply push each leg in and listen for a “click” as the leg passes
one of its angle positions. If you are narrowing the tripod’s stance and want to stop at one of these positions,
listen for the click and then pull back on the leg just slightly to ensure the leg is properly seated.
We mentioned there are 3 working angle positions for the legs; but, you can actually use a fourth. If you
have purchased a ProMaster XC-M Ground Level Adapter (product 3517, 3524, 3531, or 3538 depending on
your specic XC-M model) it is possible to put all 3 legs at on the ground. There is no stop-position on the
Leg Angle Switches for this. You will simply pass position #3 and make the 3 legs parallel to the yoke and to
each other so they can rest directly on the ground.
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