Video 25 Plus - Camera Tripod Sachtler - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Fluid Head for Tripod
Model	Video 25 Plus
Brand	Sachtler
Weight	5.7 kg (12.6 lb)
Maximum Load	35 kg (77 lb)
Counterbalance Steps	18 steps
Drag Levels (Horizontal/Vertical)	7 each + 0 (off)
Tilt Angle	+90° / -75°
Panning Range	360°
Temperature Range	-40°C to 60°C (-40°F to 140°F)
Battery Type	3 x 625 U or LR9 button cells
Base Fitting	150 mm half ball or flat base (convertible)
Camera Plate	Touch & Go quick release plate
Balance Plate Sliding Range	110 mm (Video 25 Plus) or 100 mm (FB)
Self-Illuminating Bubble Level	Yes, activated by tapping
Brakes	Horizontal and vertical, vibrationless
Tilt Safety Lock	Red knob with green indicator
Dimensions (Height/Width/Base Diameter)	194 mm / 154 mm / 150 mm
Pan Bar Attachment	Telescopic, 18/22/32 mm diameter, 350-520 mm length
Modular System	Convertible balance plate and flat base

Frequently Asked Questions - Video 25 Plus Sachtler

How do I level the fluid head?

Apply the vertical brake, then open the clamping screw of the fluid head. Tilt the head until the bubble is centered in the black circle. Tighten the screw firmly. For the self-illuminating bubble, tap it to activate the glow.

How do I mount the camera onto the fluid head?

Attach the camera plate to the camera's center of gravity. Set counterbalance knob to 7, apply horizontal brake, release vertical brake. Tilt camera through horizontal to engage counterbalance springs (audible click). Lock tilt safety lock. Insert camera plate front first; it locks automatically.

How do I adjust the counterbalance?

Hold the camera, turn the counterbalance knob to a number that compensates for the camera weight. After each spring release, check if the camera stays in position. Increasing counterbalance only works in horizontal position (springs click in). Lower settings are immediate.

How do I set the fluid drag?

Turn the horizontal or vertical setting ring to one of the 7 levels or 0 for off. Ensure to engage indexed positions by slowly panning or tilting. Avoid settings between indices to prevent damage. Matching horizontal and vertical numbers enables smooth diagonal moves.

How do I change the batteries for the bubble level?

Open the battery holder with a sharp object (e.g., screwdriver). Replace the three button cells (625 U or LR9) following the '+' and '-' markings. The batteries last about 2000 illumination cycles.

What is the maximum load capacity?

The Sachtler Video 25 Plus supports a maximum load of 35 kg (77 lb). Always respect the load limit to ensure safe operation.

What is the temperature range for operation?

The fluid head can operate in temperatures from -40°C to 60°C (-40°F to 140°F), suitable for extreme environments.

How do I convert the fluid head to a flat base?

Place the head upside down, unscrew the 4 allen screws next to the center bolt, and remove the half-ball piece. The head can then be mounted on flat base tripods or pedestals with 4 bolts. For Quickfix mounts, use the Sachtler Multi Disc.

How do I transport the fluid head?

Open both brakes (horizontal and vertical). Set counterbalance and drag to maximum positions. This protects the mechanisms during transport.

What is the sliding range of the balance plate?

For the Video 25 Plus, the balance plate slides 110 mm; for the Video 25 Plus FB, it slides 100 mm. This allows fine-tuning of the camera's balance.

USER MANUAL Video 25 Plus Sachtler

Video 25 Plus Video 25 Plus FB

Close-up of a black video camera with attached cylindrical base and lever, no visible text or symbols on the device itself.

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

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

1 Safety instructions ....1
2 Operating elements....1
3 Operation ....2

3.1 Levelling of the fluid head.....2
3.2 Removing of the camera plate....2
3.3 Mounting of the camera....2
3.4 Removing of the camera....3
3.5 Positioning of the camera....3
3.6 Adjusting the camera's counterbalance ....4
3.7 Setting of the drag 5
3.8 Brakes ....5
3.9 Support for viewfinder extension....5
3.10 Change of the batteries ....5
3.11 Transport setting of drag, counterbalance and brakes ....6

4 Technical specifications....7

4.1 General data ....7
4.2 Dimensions ....8

5 The modular system ....8

5.1 Conversion to include different balance plate....9
5.2 Conversion of the Video 25 Plus to include flat base ....9

6 Warranty....10

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.

Standards and Regulations: EN 55103-2:2006-07

1 Safety instructions

-> When the camera is mounted, the clamping screw of the fluid head must only be released if camera and tripod are secured against falling over.
-> When placing the camera plate into the fluid head, make sure not to hold fingers within the range of the locking lever, since it will snap back.
-> When releasing the vertical brake make sure that the camera is secured against any sudden movement.
-> Do not operate the fluid head upside down without the necessary securing devices, i.e. ropes etc.

2 Operating elements

3 Operation

3.1 Levelling of the fluid head (Video 25 Plus only)

The fluid head has a bubble to facilitate levelling.

Apply the vertical brake of the fluid head 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 levels black circle. Tighten the clamping screw firmly.

Touch Bubble

The fluid head has a self illuminating spirit bubble which allows easy levelling even under unfavourable lighting conditions.

The illumination is activated by strong tapping on the bubble. Depending on the force applied the bubble will glow up to 45 seconds.

3.2 Removing of the camera plate

The fluid head comes with a Touch & Go quick release plate.

-> Hold the camera plate with one hand.
-> Grasp the locking lever with your thumb and index and pull down the red safety button.
-> Move the locking lever as far as possible to the left (audible clicking) and take out the camera plate.

3.3 Mounting of the camera

Attach the camera plate to the tripod adapter plate (camera accessory) around the camera's centre of gravity.

-> Turn the counterbalance knob to position 7.
-> Apply horizontal brake and release vertical brake.

-> The springs of the counterbalance engage automatically by tilting the camera through the horizontal position (audible clicking).
-> Lock the head with the tilt safety lock.

The blocking and clicking into position of the tilt safety lock is achieved by pulling out the red knob and turning it 90°. Green marking on the red knob becomes visible. Make sure that the tilt safety lock has engaged. (The head can't be tilted any more.)

-> Put the front of the camera plate in place first.
-> By fitting the camera onto the head it will lock automatically and the locking lever will snap back audibly into its initial position.

3.4 Removing of the camera

-> Lock the head with the tilt safety lock.

The blocking and clicking into position of the tilt safety lock is achieved by pulling out the red knob and turning it 90°. Green marking on the red knob becomes invisible. Make sure that the tilt safety lock has engaged. (The head can't be tilted any more.)

-> Hold the camera with one hand.
-> Grasp the locking lever with your thumb and index and pull down the red safety button.
-> Move the locking lever as far as possible to the left and take out the camera plate.

3.5 Positioning of the camera

-> Hold the camera by securing the pan bar.
-> Apply horizontal brake and release vertical brake and tilt safety lock by pulling out the red knob and turning it 90°. Green marking on the red knob becomes visible (rocking the pan bars up and down will facilitate this).

-> Select 0 on the vertical drag adjustment ring.
-> Open the lock of sliding balance plate.

You have to push back red lever underneath the balance plate as far as possible.

-> By moving the sliding balance plate forwards and backwards you have to find the position where the camera is balanced horizontally. Rear-heavy cameras are moved to the front, front-heavy cameras are moved to the back. You will find it easier when holding the camera in a horizontal position.
-> Lock the sliding balance plate by pulling the red lever into its initial position.

Caution: If you can't manage to centre the camera, you should move the camera plate to a different position on the tripod mounting adapter.

3.6 Adjusting the camera's counterbalance

-> Hold the camera by securing the pan bar.
-> Turn the counterbalance knob to that number which best compensates for the weight of the camera.
-> After each spring is released, check if the camera will remain in a tilted position, without moving upwards or downwards significantly.

Please note: A lower counterbalance setting becomes immediately effective in any tilt position. An increase of the counterbalance setting will only be effective in the horizontal position (springs must click in audibly).

3.7 Setting of the Drag

The fluid head is equipped with seven drag levels horizontally and vertically and a zero setting. Turning the vertical or horizontal setting one selects the desired level of the fluid drag. Turn the setting ring to "0" in order to switch off the drag completely.

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

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

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

3.8 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.

3.9 Support for viewfinder extension

The fluid head Plus has on both sides a preparation to accept a support system for a viewfinder extension.

3.10 Change of the batteries

The illumination is powered by three standard type button cells (625 U or LR9) 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" and "minus" symbols as indicated in the covering plate.

The batteries last for about 2000 illumination cycles.

3.11 Transport setting of drag, counterbalance and brakes

To ensure smooth operation of the setting rings for the drag 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:

open both brakes - horizontal and vertical.

Counterbalance and drag should be set to maximum position.

4 Technical specifications

4.1 General data

Counterbalance: 18 steps (depends on COG of the camera)

Balance plate: 100 mm (4.3 in) sliding range (Video 25 Plus FB) 110 mm (Video 25 Plus)

Grades of drag: horizontal, and vertically 7 each and 0

Tilt angle: +90° / -75°

Panning range: 360°

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

Weight: 5.7 kg (12.6 lb)

Max. load: 35 kg (77 lb)

Camera fitting: Touch & Go system

Tripod / Pedestal 150 mm bowl / flat base fitting:

Pan bar: telescopic with attachment diameter of 18/22/32 mm (0.7/0.9/1.3 in), length 350 to 520 mm (13.8 - 20.5 in)

Batteries: 3 each 625 U or LR9

4.2 Dimensions

5 The modular system

Due to the Video 25 Plus / FB modular design you may perform certain modifications yourself. In order to safe time you can do all work with an allen wrench #4 unless otherwise specified.

The following modifications can be performed:

-> Conversion of the fluid head to include different balance plate

-> Conversion of Video 25 Plus to include flat base

5.1 Conversion of the fluid head to include different balance plate

Remove the camera plate.

Open the lock of the balance plate by pushing back red lever underneath the balance plate as far as possible.

Keep on moving the balance plate backwards until you see an allen screw in the camera plate's receptacle.

Remove the screw.

Now the balance plate can slide off the base plate. It can be exchanged for a different one with either smaller or bigger camera plate.

Don't forget to tighten again the allen screw in the camera plate's receptacle. It serves as a stopper.

The conversion is done.

5.2 Conversion of the Video 25 Plus to include flat base

Put the Video 25 Plus upside down, so that you can access the bottom of the head.

Next to the centre bolt you will see 4 allen screws. Those have to be unscrewed and the whole piece has to be removed.

Now the Video 25 Plus can be mounted onto flat base tripods and pedestals with 4 bolt flat base directly. For Quickfix mount and all Sachtler pedestals the Multi Disc from the Sachtler accessory range is required.

It is mounted onto the fluid heads 4 bolt flat base.

6 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.