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7

VZ-FPB 

Balancing/Docking Plate for the FlowPod

   

 
The VZ-FPB consists of the mounting plate and c-clamp   

 

Using the VZ-FPB is simple.  The FlowPod grip handle has a machined 
groove near its top that enables you to slip the handle into the u-shaped 
slot of the VZ-FPB plate, securing the FlowPod for the balancing 
procedure.   
 
First you must secure the FPB to a sturdy, flat, level surface (e.g., table 
or workbench) with the supplied clamp.  Note that the top of the plate has 
a recessed circle to accommodate the fixed contact pad of the c-clamp.  See 
the picture above. 
 
Once you have secured the FPB, slide the FlowPod handle into the u-
shaped slot of the plate

.

  The handle should drop into the sunken round 

section at the back of the slot, locking the FlowPod into position.  Make sure 
your FlowPod handle is unlocked and adjust the X-Y assembly so the 
camera becomes level (horizontal balance). 
 
For vertical balancing, the FPB is a good place to attach and adjust your 
weights.  You can do the ‘drop test’ from the FPB, but the range of motion 
will be limited and you should exercise caution so neither FlowPod nor 
camera strike the table.  For final testing, you’ll need to be holding the 
FlowPod to check the side-to-side stability, so plan on approximating the 
vertical balance on the FPB and doing the final tweak after the handheld 
test. 
  
You may find that you’ll want to tweak the overall balance after handling the 
unit for a few minutes.  Although the simple guidelines in the instructions 
explain how to balance the unit, the art of balancing the FlowPod is really in 
acquiring a feel for correct balance.  After balancing your camera properly 
one time, it’s a simple matter to do it again. 
 
The FPB is a major help in balancing, but it will also provide a docking stand 
to hold the FlowPod while you’re not using it.  

www.varizoom.com

 

 
 

Summary of Contents for FlowPod

Page 1: ...FlowPod Stabilizer MonoPod Low Mode ...

Page 2: ...or trip yourself Do not overload the FlowPod or lean on it like a walking cane Do not over tighten the grip gimbal assembly or damage may result It may take a little while to learn how to use the FlowPod properly so please read the instructions thoroughly before attempting to use it As packed the unit is configured for basic stabilizer mode and you will have to complete a few steps before you will...

Page 3: ...e gimbal and the wide range of available motion Also note that the knob below the grip may strike the C handle if the grip is released Although this will not cause any mechanical damage the knob could scratch the body so be advised 3 Now that the grip is free you can begin balancing In order to balance the unit properly you need to have the camera set up exactly as it will be used For example you ...

Page 4: ...add another weight and retest If the FlowPod swings down too fast you should remove weights or slide them upward as necessary Vertical Balance should be fine tuned until the FlowPod stays completely vertical when you move it around without any significant swaying so your drop time may vary slightly depending on how you fine tune NOTES With some very small cameras you may need to add a weight above...

Page 5: ...nd shooting at the widest angle possible and you may find that a wide angle lens adapter adds to the overall effect You will also probably want to shoot at a fixed focus point manual focus to prevent the hunting effect caused by autofocus constantly adjusting on a mobile camera MONOPOD MODE 1 To use the FlowPod in monopod mode you should lock the handle in place and tighten the brake 2 To extend t...

Page 6: ...y to add the weights but you may find it beneficial LOW FLOW MODE OPERATION 1 You can operate the Low Flow unit with the handle locked in place but you may determine that the freely rotating handle suits you better You will achieve smoother shots if you do not extend the monopod It may also be beneficial to add weight to the top extension cylinder but it will require some practice to determine wha...

Page 7: ...d adjust the X Y assembly so the camera becomes level horizontal balance For vertical balancing the FPB is a good place to attach and adjust your weights You can do the drop test from the FPB but the range of motion will be limited and you should exercise caution so neither FlowPod nor camera strike the table For final testing you ll need to be holding the FlowPod to check the side to side stabili...

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