DV 12 SB - Tripod Sachtler - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Tripod System
Brand	Sachtler
Model	DV 12 SB
Weight Capacity	12 kg (26.5 lbs)
Weight (Tripod + Head)	Approx. 5.5 kg (12.1 lbs)
Maximum Height	170 cm (67 in)
Folded Length	82 cm (32.3 in)
Material	Aluminum alloy legs, carbon fiber optional
Head Type	Fluid head with 3-step drag
Counterbalance	Built-in, adjustable for payload
Leg Stages	3-stage
Leg Locks	Flip locks
Spreader	Mid-level, adjustable
Quick Release Plate	Included (compatible with Sachtler plates)
Bubble Level	Yes, integrated
Maintenance	Clean with dry cloth; avoid solvents
Safety	Ensure locks are fully engaged; do not exceed load
Spare Parts Availability	Contact authorized service centers
Warranty	Standard manufacturer warranty

Frequently Asked Questions - DV 12 SB Sachtler

What is the maximum payload of the Sachtler DV 12 SB?

The Sachtler DV 12 SB has a maximum payload of 12 kg (26.5 lbs).

What type of head does the DV 12 SB have?

It features a fluid head with 3-step drag settings for smooth pan and tilt movements.

Is the Sachtler DV 12 SB compatible with other quick release plates?

The tripod uses Sachtler's proprietary quick release plate system. Plates from other brands may not fit without an adapter.

How do I adjust the counterbalance on the DV 12 SB?

The counterbalance is adjusted using a knob or lever, typically located on the side of the head. Turn to match the payload weight.

What is the folded length of the tripod?

The folded length is approximately 82 cm (32.3 inches), making it portable.

Can I use the DV 12 SB on uneven terrain?

Yes, the tripod has adjustable leg angles and a mid-level spreader for stability on uneven ground.

How do I clean the tripod?

Use a dry, soft cloth to remove dirt. Avoid water, solvents, or abrasive cleaners that could damage the finish.

What should I do if a leg lock becomes loose?

Check for debris or wear. Tighten the lock if possible. For repairs, contact an authorized Sachtler service center.

Does the DV 12 SB come with a carrying case?

Typically, it is sold with a padded carrying bag or case for transport and storage.

What is the warranty period for Sachtler tripods?

Sachtler offers a standard 2-year warranty from the date of purchase, covering manufacturing defects.

USER MANUAL DV 12 SB Sachtler

Close-up of a black precision camera with visible speed balance and DV 12.5 branding (no text or symbols on the device itself)

sachtler

We want you to receive Sachtler products that are always state of the art.

Therefore we reserve the right to make changes based on technical advances.

1 Safety instructions/General information ....1
2 Operating elements....2
3 Operation ....2

3.1 Intended use ....2
3.2 Moving of the pan bar ....3
3.3 Levelling of the fluid head....3
3.4 Mounting of the camera and/or plate....4
3.5 Counterbalancing of the camera ....4
3.6 Setting of the damping ....5
3.7 Brakes 6
3.8 Change of the battery....6
3.9 Transport setting of damping, counterbalance and brakes 6

4 Technical Data ....7

5 Accessories....8

5.1 Camera plates....8
5.2 Pan bars....8

6 Inspection and Cleaning 8

7 Warranty....9

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Here we declare that this product complies with the requirements of the applied directives, standards and regulations for safety and health, if used for its intended application.

This declaration becomes invalid, if any changes have been made without our agreement.

Roger Wilson Managing Director

sachtler

1 Safety instructions / General information

Before using the fluid head read the manual.
Before mounting the fluid head on the tripod, check if the tripod has a safe standing and if the tripod leg extensions are clamped.
Before releasing the clamping screw on the fluid head (with a mounted camera), the tripod must be secured against fall over.
Before releasing the vertical brake (at a non balanced camera set up) or the clamping of the camera-/balance plate the camera must be secured against sudden movement, otherwise there may be a danger of finger trapping.
During camera tilt movements with extreme tilt angles there may be a danger of finger trapping between top-/balance plate and housing for users and third persons.

2 Operating elements

3 Operation

3.1 Intended use

This fluidhead was developed to enable pan-and tilt movements of cameras. The maximum payload is specified in chapter 4.

3.2 Moving of the pan bar

Open the black clamping lever of the pan bar and move the pan bar into the desired position. Close the clamping lever of the pan bar. During transportation the pan bar can be moved next to the tripod legs.

Caution: Open the clamping lever of the pan bar far enough. The teeth of the pan bar clamp should not clatter while moving the pan bar. However, a plastic protector prevents against wear of the metal toothed ring. Make sure that the teeth interleave with each other when closing the clamping lever of the pan bar.

Use of the enclosed pan bar on the left side of the fluid head is also possible. For this it is advisable to relocate the clamp on the pan bar. The pan bar has to be removed from the head and the black plastic cap on its top should be opened and removed with a coin or screw driver. The toothed clamp should be removed and relocated. The plastic cap needs to be tightened again.

3.3 Levelling of the fluid head

Apply the vertical brake and hold the camera with one hand. Open the clamping screw of the fluid head and move the head in such a way, that the bubble moves into the level's black circle. Tighten the clamping screw firmly.

Touch Bubble

The DV 12 SB a self illuminating Touch Bubble which allows easy levelling even under unfavourable lighting conditions.

The illumination is activated by strong tapping on the bubble. The bubble will light up to 20 seconds.

3.4 Mounting of the camera and/or plate

The DV 12 SB is delivered with the Touch & Go camera quick locking system.

Apply the horizontal and vertical brake.
→Hold the camera and /or plate with one hand.
→Grasp the locking lever with your thumb and index finger and pull down the red safety button.
→Move the locking lever as far as possible to the left and take out the camera and /or plate.
Attach the camera plate to the camera (see also chapter 5.1) around the camera's centre of gravity.
By mounting the camera and/or plate again it will lock automatically and the locking lever will snap back audibly into its initial position.

3.5 Counterbalancing of the camera

Before adjusting the counterbalance of the camera, the center of gravity of the camera must be centered precisely over the axis of the fluid head.
Lock the vertical brake, adjust the vertical setting of the fluid damping to "0" and adjust the knob for the counterbalance setting also to "1".
→Secure the camera with one hand and open the vertical brake.
→Should the camera be front or back heavy open the lock of the cameraplate/balanceplate (undo red wing screw slightly on the side of the fluid head; keep the camera secured with one hand).

Centre the camera weight and compensate for a backheavy setup by sliding the cameraplate/balance-plate forwards and for a frontheavy setup by sliding backwards. The camera should remain in the horizontal position.

→Lock the cameraplate/balanceplate by turning the red wing screw clockwise and tighten it.

If you can't manage to centre the camera correctly, please read paragraph 5.1 "Camera plates".

The fluid head DV 12 SB is equipped with a twelve step counterbalance adjustment. Select the setting which compensates best with your camera set up. Adjusting the lower setting comes immediately effective. The adjustment of the higher setting becomes effective after passing the "0" level while tilting the fluid head.

3.6 Setting of the damping

The DV 12 SB is equipped with five damping levels horizontally and vertically and a zero setting.

By turning the vertical setting and the horizontal setting the desired level of the fluid damping is selected.

Turn the setting ring to "0" in order to switch off the damping completely.

Make sure that you always turn the setting to the next indexed position (arrow). Engage the retainer pins by slowly panning or tilting the camera.

ATTENTION: Panning or tilting the camera with settings between the indexed positions can damage the retainer pins and/or disks.

The different clamping levels can only be felt if the horizontal and vertical brakes are open.

If you set the setting rings on the same index number (e.g. "3") the degree of the horizontal and vertical damping is identical and thus enabling precise diagonal panning movements without jerks and vibrations.

3.7 Brakes

The horizontal brake applies the lock for the pan and the vertical brake for the tilt movement. Both brakes are vibrationless and can be used during shooting.

3.8 Change of the battery

The illumination is powered by one standard type button cell (CR 2032, 3 V) located in the battery holder, which can be opened with a sharp object such as a screwdriver.

Make sure to insert the new batteries according to the "plus" symbol as indicated in the covering plate.

The battery last for about 2000 illumination cycles.

3.9 Transport setting of damping, counterbalance and brakes

To ensure smooth operation of the setting rings for the damping over the long life time period of the fluid head, you should turn both setting rings from position "0" to maximum position, before and after the use of the fluid head.

Setting during transportation: the most important issue is to open both brakes - horizontal and vertical.

Counterbalance and damping should be set to maximum position.

4 Technical Data

Counterbalance:	1 kg to 12 kg (2 lb to 27 lb)
Balance plate:	60 mm, 2.36" sliding range
Grades of drag:	5 horizontally, vertically and 0
Tilt angle:	+ 90° / -75°
Temperature range:	-40°C (- 40°F) to 60°C (140°F)
Weight:	2.5 kg (5.5 lb)
Max. load:	12 kg (26 lb)
Camera fitting:	Touch & Go camera plate DV S with pin, 1/4" and 3/8" screws
Tripod fitting:	100 mm ball
Pan bar:	one, diameter 18 mm, handle 32 mm (0.7 / 1.26"), length 450 mm (17.7")

5 Accessories

5.1 Camera plates

The fluid head DV 12 SB is delivered with the Touch & Go® plate 16 (Code No. 1064). It comes with a 1/4" screw and 3/8" screw. Spare camera screws (1/4"/ 3/8") and a pin screw are stored in the balance plate. The pin screw fits in the center hole of the camera plate. Thus a pin/1/4" screw connection can be achieved if your camera requires this connection.

If your camera remains front- or back heavy after going through the necessary centring procedure (paragraph 3.5) you may solve this by using the C.O.G plate (Code No. 1063). This plate offers a removed position. The C.O.G. plate can be mounted to either the front or the back. It can not be operated with pin and 1/4" screw.

5.2 Pan bars

The DV 12 SB comes with a single pan bar. There is a fixing for an additional pan bar on the fluid head. Please order code no. 1075 for 2nd pan bar. If you prefer telescopic pan bars, please order code no. 3470 (right pan bar) and 3471 (left pan bar), respectively.

6 Inspection and Cleaning

You should clean your fluid head from time to time using a soft clove. For heavier dirt you should use a soft brush and a mild detergent. Regularly inspections are not prescribed.

7 Warranty

Warranty expires if:

the fluid head was operated improperly or not in line with the specified technical data, or
the head housing was opened by unauthorised personnel.

We reserve the right to make changes based on technical advances.

Please register at www.sachtler.com for an extended warranty period.

Vitec Brazil Technologies Ltda

Rua Quintana, 950 - cj.32

Brooklin

Sâu Paulo, 04569-011

Brazil

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Rm 706, Tower B

Derun Building

YongAn Dongli A No.8

Jianwai Ave., Chaoyang District

100022 Beijing

China

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SINGAPORE

Vitec Videocom Pte Ltd.

6 New Industrial Road

02-02 Hoe Huat Industrial Building

Singapore 536199

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FRANCE

Vitec Videocom

William Vinten Building

Western Way

Bury St. Edmunds

Suffolk IP33 3TB

UK

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Germany

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709 Executive Blvd.

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New York 10989

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for more information, visit

www.sachtler.com