Need help using tripod head

[maccagerl]

Hi,
I just bought a tripod and I am trying to figure out how to use the ball head.

The instruction book must be for another model, because it has a lot more knobs on it than mine does.

I've checked google and youtube, and can't seem to find any instructions.

Basically, I'm not sure how to attach the camera to the head. I've screwed the plate onto the bottom of my camera, but not sure if it should be in a certain direction or if it doesn't matter how it is attached.

Also not sure if the camera needs to face a certain way when attached to the tripod itself ( yeah yeah, I know it needs to face the subject!).

Here is a photo of the ball head - it's an SBH-50 Ball Head.

Thanks for any help!

 

[photo_chick]

It doesn't really matter which direction you have the camera on there, just do what works for you. Some insist on things being absolutely straight and aligned and some just slap the camera on there. Just make sure the camera is attached securely.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Just because I'm anal, I like to have it straight on the camera, but the only real important thing is to ensure it is secure. The little cutout for Portrait configuration should face either to the right or left, your preference. I like it to the left, because when I rotate the camera the shutter button will be on top, but I also use a remote so its not that important. I would recommend that when you set the tripod up that one leg is directly forward and the other two are to the left and right. That gives you a space to work without tripping over a leg. I can't really help you with the ball head controls because of my three tripods, the two with ball heads only have one knob.

 

[DoDaLeCa]

The point about not getting the legs in your way behind the camera is often missed - you can line the head to be square to your target as well to make tipping into the cutout groove for portraits easier. If off a bit you can rotate the head with the bottom knob loosened.

Another thing I found important is to always support the camera when fiddling with the knobs because if you loosen tension too much the camera may suddenly drop with catastrophic results (tripod tipping, lens or body hitting something, etc.).

 

[maccagerl]

Thanks for the tips !

 

[photo_chick]

Thinking of the dropping aspect.... when I'm someplace really busy using a tripod I keep my camera strap around my neck still if possible. Yes, it means I'm close to my tripod. But if someone accidentally kicks it my camera won't crash to the ground.

 

[mom2rtk]

Thinking of the dropping aspect.... when I'm someplace really busy using a tripod I keep my camera strap around my neck still if possible. Yes, it means I'm close to my tripod. But if someone accidentally kicks it my camera won't crash to the ground.

I agree, especially at Disney. My strap stays around my neck and I'm almost one with my tripod.