FAQ
If you feel like the head’s movement is too difficult, please check it with your camera mounted. When mounted, the head’s movement becomes much even, smoother. The heavier your equipment the smoother the movement will become. Due to recent developments this feature offers greater comfort even during use, what’s more, this can prevent accidental forward tilting.
The problem appears (manifests itself) when panning with the rotation of the outer housing (see No.2. in the manual). In this case the external leveling knob (No.6.) is not completely tightened. In Uniqball heads however, the panning function is subjected to the inner panning ball (No.4.), requiring the external leveling knob (No.6.) to be completely locked (tightened), and thus also protecting the black housing from rotation. Otherwise, you will not be able to keep the horizon (to remain levelled) while panning. The external leveling knob (No.6.) is intended to set the ballhead either in levelled position, or when the user wants UBH to function as a conventional ball head, to set and fix the intended position, e.g. for vertical shots.
In February of 2015, a new clamp was introduced to the market, that can be positioned on the top of the ball at both X and Y directions (UC45X and UC55X bidirectional clamps). Directions can be alternatively set by the user according to the provided manual, simply using an Allen-key. The new clamp is compatible with all existing Uniqball heads and be available as separately sold accessory, too.
Generally, Uniqball heads do not require any special treatments. Nevertheless, cleaning might be needed after longer term uses, especially if subjected to coastal or desert circumstances. Basic cleaning: Blow all the inside surfaces with compressed air. Special cleaning: Cleaning of the spherical surface of the red ball as well as the inner surface of the outer black house or shell is needed by the use of a wet and soapy clouth. To perform this action the red ball must be losen and set to portrait position, then rotated around while being cleaned with the fabric. It is not easy to reach all the surfaces, but try to do it as thoroughly as you can. Leave the head after cleaning until it becomes entirely dry. Remark: In order to protect your precious ball head from dust and stains, it is recommended to keep the Uniqball Softbag on the head even when it is used (taking images). The design of the softbag makes it possible without affecting the overall functionality of the head.
The level of tilt resistence is set intentionally higher so that one can feel the operation more comfortable when large and heavy equipment is attached to Uniqball heads. This operational comfort also applies to smaller cameras and lenses, as higher tilt resistance will prevent them from tipping accidentally forward or backward. Despite the applied larger force, both panning and tilting motions remain smooth and fluent (providing a kind of fluid-like feeling), without the risk of intermittent jams and retreats. Just try it in real situations and enjoy the comfort and feeling that is provided to you by this unique head.
Cleaning of the spherical surface of the red ball (see No.3. in the manual) as well as the inner surface of the outer black house or shell (see No.2. in the manual) is needed by using a wet and soapy cloth. To perform this action the red ball must be losen and set to portrait position, then rotated around while being cleaned with the fabric. It is not easy to reach all the surfaces, but try to do it as thoroughly as you can. Leave the head after cleaning until it becomes entirely dry. Remark: Each UBH kit contains a black plastic protective cover with adjustable openings at both ends. In order to protect your precious ball head from dust and stains, it is recommended to keep the cover on the head even when it is used (taking images). The design of the cover makes it possible without affecting the overall functionality of the head.
Image tilt is not unusual with ball heads and due to its special design, it is inherent to Uniqball, too. The optical axis slightly rotates up or down by about 0.2 degrees while the red knob (see No.7. in the manual) is being secured. The longer your telephoto lens is, with higher magnification, the greater is the resulted image tilt in the viewfinder. This phenomenon may mostly be avoided by precisely balancing your equipment on the head, so that the red knob requires only a gentle touch or even no adjustment to achieve a proper level of friction that allows the lens (actually the inner ball) to move easily while also providing it with appropriate stability to stay in place when released (or left alone). Remark: Please bear in mind that the level is not changing, only the horizon goes slightly up or down.
The image stift is a behavoiur of Uniqball coming out of the mechanical structure. The optical axis rotates about 0.2 degrees up or down when securing the red knob. The longer your telephoto lens, with higher magnification, the effect results in a greater visible shift in the viewfinder. To lessen or avoid it you may precisely balance your equipment on the head, so the red knob needs only a small touch, or you even don’t need to adjust it, because with a proper friction, you’ll be able to move your lens, and it stays in place when you release it.
It is possible to reposition the lever by pulling.
In order to have a safe and reliable reading on the bubble level, the recommend temperature range is between -40°C/°F and +60°C/ 140°F