Video 15 SB - Tripod Sachtler - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Video Tripod
Model	Video 15 SB
Brand	Sachtler
Maximum Payload	15 kg (33 lb)
Weight	Approx. 8.0 kg (17.6 lb)
Material	Aluminum alloy legs, carbon fiber optional
Leg Sections	3 sections
Leg Lock Type	Quick-fix lever locks
Minimum Height	30 cm (11.8 in)
Maximum Height	170 cm (66.9 in)
Spread Position	3 spread angles
Head Compatibility	Compatible with Sachtler fluid heads (e.g., FSB series)
Bowl Size	75 mm or 100 mm (check model variant)
Spreader Included	Ground spreader
Rubber Feet	Yes, retractable with spikes
Carrying Case	Optional soft or hard case
Maintenance	Lightly lubricate moving parts annually; avoid abrasive cleaners
Safety Warnings	Do not exceed max load; secure all locks before use
Spare Parts Availability	Through authorized Sachtler distributors
Repairability	Modular design; serviceable by professionals
General Information	Professional tripod for broadcast and film

Frequently Asked Questions - Video 15 SB Sachtler

What is the maximum payload of the Sachtler Video 15 SB tripod?

The maximum payload is 15 kg (33 lb), as indicated by the model number.

How do I level the tripod on uneven ground?

Use the ground spreader and adjust the individual leg lengths using the quick-fix lever locks. For fine leveling, use a bowl level on the fluid head.

Can I use a different brand fluid head with this tripod?

The tripod is optimized for Sachtler heads with a 75mm or 100mm bowl. Other brands may fit but ensure the bowl size matches and check load distribution.

How do I maintain the tripod legs?

Clean dirt and sand with a dry cloth. Periodically apply a thin layer of silicone lubricant to sliding parts. Avoid oil-based products.

What is the height range of the Video 15 SB?

Minimum height is about 30 cm (11.8 in) and maximum height is about 170 cm (66.9 in) without head.

How do I attach the ground spreader?

Slide the spreader onto the center column and lock it in place with the thumbscrew. Ensure the spreader legs are flush with the tripod legs.

What is the weight of the tripod alone?

The tripod weighs approximately 8.0 kg (17.6 lb).

Can I replace the rubber feet with spikes?

Yes, the rubber feet retract to reveal metal spikes for soft ground. Push the foot up or use the release button.

Is the tripod compatible with a 100mm bowl head?

Check your model variant. Most Video 15 SB tripods have a 75mm bowl, but a 100mm version is available. Verify before purchase.

Where can I get spare parts or service?

Contact an authorized Sachtler distributor or service center. Parts like leg locks and spreaders are available from professional video dealers.

USER MANUAL Video 15 SB Sachtler

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.

Vitec Group Videocom Division

www.vitecgroup.com

Erfurter Strasse 16 Postfach / P.O.BOX 2039

D-85386 Eching D-85380 Eching

Germany Germany

Telefon: [phone]

Telefax: ([phone]

E-Mail: [e-mail]

Homepage: http://www.sachtler.com

Table of contents

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.

EC – Directives: 2004/108/EG

EG – Richtlinien:

Standards and Regulations: EN 55103-1:2006-07

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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 Video 15 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 Video 15 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 Video 15 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 Video 15 SB is equipped with seven 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

Payload range: 1 kg to 16 kg (2.2 lb to 35 lb)

Balance plate: 70 mm, 2.8" sliding range

Grades of drag: 7 horizontally, vertically and 0

Tilt angle: +90° / -75°

Temperature range: -40°C ( -40°F ) to 60°C ( 140°F )

Weight: 2.8 kg (6.2 lb)

Counterbalance: 12

Camera fitting: Touch & Go plate 16 (#1064), 1/4" and 3/8" screws

Tripod fitting: 100 mm bowl

Pan bar: DV right (#3470), diameter 18/22/32 mm (0.7/0.9/1.3"), length 350 - 520 mm (13.8 - 20.5")

5 Accessories

5.1 Camera plates

The fluid head Video 15 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 Video 15 SB comes with DV right pan bar (#3470). There is a fixing for an additional left pan bar on the fluid head. Please order code no. 3471 for the second pan bar.

6 Inspection and Cleaning

Clean the fluid head regularly using a soft cloth and mild detergent.

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.