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Television Production & Broadcast Journalism
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
The fl uid head is similar to the friction head, in that pressure between
two pieces of metal restricts movement of the head. However, the fl uid head
has a thick fl uid, such as oil or grease, between the two pieces of metal. This
provides additional resistance to movement, called drag. The tripod head
can be loosened, but is never completely free to move without resistance.
Experienced camera operators prefer more resistance to create smooth
and stable camera movements. If the tripod head were completely resis-
tance free, the camera would move with the slightest twitch or breath of
the operator. A fl uid head allows the camera operator to place fl uctuating
levels of pressure on the head, without moving the head until enough force
is intentionally exerted. This prevents camera movement caused by slight
touches or unintentional movement of the pan handles.
Many tripod heads have quick release plates. The plate can be removed
and attached to a camera with a normal tripod mounting screw. The plate
then slips into the tripod head and locks. The advantage of this feature is
that a lever or button on the tripod head releases the mounting plate, and
the camera can be separated from the tripod in a couple of seconds instead
of having to unscrew the camera mount. Always carry the camera and tri-
pod separately. Do not pick up a camera attached to a tripod by the camera
handle. It is not strong enough to carry the weight of both items.
fluid head: A mounting
assembly on some tripods
that stabilizes the camera
using the pressure between
two pieces of metal and
a thick fluid that provides
additional resistance to
movement.
drag: Resistance to
movement created by tripod
head mount.
When carrying a tripod, there is a natural tendency to grab
one of the tripod legs as if it were a handle of a suitcase and
walk with the tripod horizontal to the ground. Some people lift the
tripod up and carry it on their shoulder also parallel to the ground.
This is a very dangerous practice because if you make a sudden turn, you
are likely going to injure someone as if you were swinging a sword around
you! Always carry the tripod vertical to the ground.
Safety Note
To help you understand how a fluid head provides greater
resistance:
1. Swing one of your arms while standing in a room. Notice
the free movement of your arm.
2. Imagine that you are standing in water up to your neck moving your
arm the same way. The fluid (water) provides some resistance to
movement and you have to work harder to create the same motion.
3. Imagine standing in a pool of oil swinging your arm. It would be even
more difficult to move.
Increasingly thicker fluids provide greater resistance to movement and
therefore, cause smoother movement.
Visualize This
When operating a camera on a tripod, never let go of the
pan handle without first locking the pan and tilt controls. Never
sit while operating a camera on a tripod. You will be unable to
react fast enough if the talent does something unexpected. It is
unprofessional and may result in immediate dismissal.
Production Note