System FSB 10 T FT MS - Tripod Sachtler - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Professional Tripod System with Fluid Head
Brand	Sachtler
Model	System FSB 10 T FT MS
Head Type	Fluid head with continuous counterbalance
Payload Capacity	Up to 22 kg (48.5 lbs)
Tripod Material	Carbon fiber or aluminum (varies by variant)
Number of Tripod Stages	3
Spreader	Floor level spreader (FT) with mid-level spreader (MS)
Maximum Height	Approx. 178 cm (70 in)
Minimum Height	Approx. 45 cm (17.7 in)
Weight	Approx. 9.5 kg (20.9 lbs) including head and tripod
Power Supply	None (manual operation)
Illumination	None
Main Functions	Smooth pan and tilt with adjustable drag; counterbalance for balanced payload; quick release plate; bubble level; spreader for stability
Maintenance & Cleaning	Wipe with dry soft cloth; avoid solvents; keep fluid head dry; periodic service recommended
Safety Features	Locking knobs for all adjustments; safety catch on quick release plate; non-slip rubber feet
Spare Parts & Repairability	Spare parts available from Sachtler authorized dealers; fluid head can be serviced by certified technicians
General Information	Designed for professional video and film production; compatible with Sachtler accessories

Frequently Asked Questions - System FSB 10 T FT MS Sachtler

What is the maximum payload of the Sachtler System FSB 10 T FT MS?

The maximum payload capacity is up to 22 kg (48.5 lbs), depending on the configuration and center of gravity.

How do I adjust the counterbalance on the FSB 10 head?

Turn the counterbalance knob continuously to match the payload weight. The head features continuous counterbalance for smooth operation.

Is the tripod compatible with other Sachtler heads?

Yes, the tripod part can be used with most Sachtler fluid heads that fit the standard 75mm or 100mm bowl, but check compatibility with your specific model.

How do I clean and maintain the tripod?

Wipe with a dry soft cloth. Avoid using solvents. Keep the fluid head dry and have it serviced by a certified technician periodically.

What is the purpose of the mid-level spreader (MS)?

The mid-level spreader provides additional stability and prevents the tripod legs from spreading too far, especially useful on uneven terrain.

Does the system include a carrying bag?

Some packages may include a carrying case or bag. Check with your dealer for the specific bundle contents.

How do I attach a camera to the head?

Use the included quick release plate: attach the plate to your camera, then slide it into the head and lock it with the safety catch.

What is the height range of the tripod?

The tripod adjusts from approximately 45 cm (17.7 in) to 178 cm (70 in).

Can I use the tripod for photography?

Yes, it is suitable for both video and still photography, though it is optimized for video with fluid drag controls.

Where can I find spare parts?

Spare parts are available through Sachtler authorized dealers or directly from the manufacturer. Check the official website for a parts list.

USER MANUAL System FSB 10 T FT MS Sachtler

Black tripod with red clamps and black legs, no visible text or symbols

Part No. S2051-0001

S2052-0001

EN

www.sachtler.com

Copyright © 2018

All rights reserved.

Original Instructions: English

All rights reserved throughout the world. No part of this publication may be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted, copied or reproduced in any way, including, but not limited to, photocopy, photograph, magnetic or other record without the prior agreement and permission in writing of the Vitec Group Plc.

Disclaimer

The information contained in this publication is believed to be correct at the time of printing. Vitec Production Solutions reserves the right to make changes to the information or specifications without obligation to notify any person of such revision or changes. Changes will be incorporated in new versions of the publication.

We are making every effort to ensure that our publications are updated on a regular basis to reflect changes to product specifications and features. Should this publication not contain information on the core functionality of your product, please let us know. You may be able to access the latest revision of this publication from our website.

Vitec Production Solutions Ltd reserves the right to make changes to product design and functionality without notification.

Trademarks

All product trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of The Vitec Group Plc.

All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective companies.

Published by:

Vitec Production Solutions

Supports Technical Publications Department

Email: [e-mail]

Other languages available DE. For download please visit www.sachtler.com/flowtech

Video tutorials are available, if required please contact [e-mail] for further details.

Contents

Safety....2

Warning symbols used in these instructions ..... 2

Health and Safety 2

Mounting and Installation 2

About this guide....3

Intended use .... 3

Warranty 3

Extended warranty 3

Operating Elements 4

Optional Accessories....5

Installation....6

Setting up the Tripod 6

Attach Optional Mid-Level Spreader ..... 7

Attach Optional Mid-Level Spreader flowtech 100 8

Operation of Mid-Level Spreader flowtech 100 . . . 8

Attach Optional Ground Spreader flowtech.....10

Operation of Ground Spreader 11

Using Locks When no Spreader Used ..... 14

No Spreader Mode 14

Spreader Mode 14

Opening Tripod Legs. 15

Alternative Locking Method....17

Close Tripod Legs 18

Accessories 18

Fit Supplied Attachment Mount ..... 18

Fit Optional Carry Strap....19

Attach Optional Rubber Feet. 19

Fit Carry Handle (S2051-1057)....20

Maintenance 20

Cleaning 20

Flush the Tripod....20

Hinge Lock Cleaning 21

Checking brake force 22

Adjusting brake force....22

Friction Adjustment 23

Specification 24

Safety

Important information on the safe installation and operation of the product. Read this information before operating the product. For your personal safety, read these instructions. Do not operate the product if you do not understand how to use it safely. Save these instructions for future reference.

Warning symbols used in these instructions

Safety cautions are used in these instructions. These safety instructions must be followed to avoid possible personal injury and possible damage to the product.

WARNING! Where there is a risk of personal injury or injury to others, comments appear supported by the warning triangle symbol.

Where there is a risk of damage to the product, associated equipment, process or surroundings, comments appear supported by the word 'CAUTION'.

Health and Safety

WARNING! Risk of personal injury or injury to others. All personnel must be fully trained and adhere to correct manual handling techniques and Health & Safety regulations. It is the responsibility of the local organisation to enforce safe working practices at all times.

Mounting and Installation

WARNING! Do not exceed the maximum payload capacity.

WARNING! Tripod spike feet can be dangerous, take care when handling. Always place tripod on the ground before releasing quick release levers.

WARNING! Risk of finger entrapment. Avoid trapping fingers when operating the tripod.

WARNING! Trip hazard. Set the tripod footprint to suit the shooting environment.

WARNING! Toppling hazard. Do not leave unattended. Keep out of reach of children.

WARNING! When in use always fully lock the tripod quick release levers to prevent the tripod collapsing.

WARNING! When releasing the quick release levers, be prepared to support the weight of any attached payload. The levers are only sufficiently locked when in the fully closed (down) position.

CAUTION! Always hold the payload securely when making adjustments to the tripod height or footprint.

CAUTION! Do not place your foot or heavy weight onto the spreader.

CAUTION! Always remove the camera before transporting.

About This Guide

About this guide

This user guide is an important part of the product and is aimed at the personnel who operate and maintain the tripod. It contains information about the tripod and its proper use and serves to safeguard users and their equipment.

Intended use

This tripod has been designed for professional use in television studios and outside locations for supporting fluid heads and cameras. Any use above and beyond this purpose is deemed improper and will void the warranty.

Warranty

The product is covered by a one year warranty.

The warranty will be invalidated if:

• The tripod is improperly installed or used in a manner contrary to this user guide.
• The tripod housing is opened by unauthorised personnel.

We reserve the right to make changes to the product based on technological advances.

Extended warranty

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

Operating Elements

Pos No.	Description
1	Hinge Lock Slider
2	Hinge Lock Button
3	Double-spiked Foot
4	Leg Magnetic Clasp
5	Quick Release Lever
6	Accessory Dock x 3
7	Attachment Mount

Optional Accessories

Installation

Setting up the Tripod

1. The legs are secured using magnetic catches. Pull the legs from the bottom to separate.

Note! If preferred this step may be performed after step 3.

1. Place the tripod on the ground. Lift the quick release levers fully and raise the tripod to the required height.

2. With the correct height achieved, lower the quick release levers to lock the legs in position.

WARNING! The legs are only sufficiently locked when the locking levers are in the fully closed (down) position.

WARNING! Tripod spiked feet can be dangerous. Always place tripod on the ground before releasing quick release levers.

1

Illustration of hands assembling a mechanical component with red circular components and arrows indicating assembly (no text or symbols)

Installation

Attach Optional Mid-Level Spreader flowtech 75

CAUTION! Ensure the latching pins are fully engaged with the locating holes in the tripod. Failure to attach correctly could result in damage to the equipment

The tripod is delivered with the Hinge Lock in the OFF position for use with a spreader. (See page 10 for lock operation).

1. Hold the spreader between thumb and forefinger and squeeze the release buttons on each side.

1. Align the latching pins with the locating holes on the tripod leg.

2. Release the buttons to lock the spreader in place.

1. Unlock the spreader arms to allow the arms to extend as required.
2. Tighten the spreader locks when the tripod legs are in the correct position.

If the spreader will not lay flat when fitted, check the Hinge Lock is in the OFF (spreader mode) position for use with a spreader. (See page 10 for lock operation).

Installation

Attach Optional Mid-Level Spreader flowtech 100

CAUTION! Ensure the latching pins are fully engaged with the locating holes in the tripod. Failure to attach correctly could result in damage to the equipment

The tripod is delivered with the Hinge Lock in the OFF position for use with a spreader. (See page 10 for lock operation).

1. Hold the spreader between thumb and forefinger and squeeze the release buttons on each side.

1. Align the latching pins with the locating holes on the tripod leg.
2. Release the buttons to lock the spreader in place.

Operation of Mid-Level Spreader flowtech 100

1. Press and hold the arm release button (as below).
2. Extend the inner arm to the required length and release the button.

Visual Distance Markers

Technical illustration of a mechanical device with red components and a magnified inset showing a pin assembly (no text or symbols)

NOTE! The inner arm should not be pushed back against the ratchet mechanism, always hold the release button down whilst extending or retracting the inner arm.

The inner section has three distance markers (as shown above), this helps to visually set the length of the spreader arms.

If the spreader will not go into the selected position, check the Hinge Lock is in the OFF (spreader mode) position for use with a spreader. (See page 10 for lock operation).

Installation

The spreader has 4 x locking positions 50, 40, 30 and 0°

1. Rotate the adjustment cap on top of the spreader, anticlockwise to allow the spreader to open to the selected setting.
2. A positive click will be felt as each position is achieved.

Installation

Attach Optional Ground Spreader flowtech 75 / 100

CAUTION! Ensure the ground spreader legs are all the same length before attempting to fold the tripod with the spreader attached. Failure to observe this procedure could lead to damage of the Ground Spreader

The tripod is delivered with the Hinge Lock in the OFF position for use with a spreader. (See page 14 for lock operation).

Ground Spreader shown in the stored position

Line drawing of a vertical stand with base and legs, no text or symbols present

1. Place the spreader flat on the floor.

Line drawing of a three-legged robotic arm with mounting feet (no text or symbols)

1. Place the tripod foot on the ball of the spreader foot.

Illustration of a robotic arm gripping a red object, with no visible text or symbols

Installation

1. Bend the rubber strap 1 and engage the bottom edge of the lever in the tripod recess.
2. Lift the lever 2 upwards towards the tripod until it locks in place. Repeat for all three legs.

1. Tripod spiked foot secured in the Ground Spreader Foot.

Diagram of a red 3D-printed object with a circular badge labeled '8' (no text or symbols on the object itself)

Operation of Ground Spreader

1. When assembled on the tripod, use your foot to press and hold the arm release button (as below).
2. Extend the inner arm to the required length and release the button. (There are a total of 12 positions).

NOTE! The inner arm should not be forced back against the mechanism, always hold the release button down whilst extending or retracting the inner arm.

The inner section has distance markers (as shown below), this helps to visually set the length of the spreader arms.

If the spreader will not go into the desired position, check the tripod Hinge Lock is in the OFF (spreader mode) position for use with a spreader. (See page 14 for lock operation).

Installation

Closing Tripod with Ground Spreader Attached

1. To close the tripod legs, ensure all the spreader legs are set at the same distance.
2. Lift the spreader using the centre knob, then close the legs as normal.

CAUTION! Ensure the ground spreader legs are all the same length before attempting to fold the tripod with the spreader attached. Failure to observe this procedure could lead to damage of the Ground Spreader

The tripod can be closed with the spreader legs at minimum to maximum extension, as long as they are all set at the same length

Installation

Remove Foot from Spreader

1. To remove the feet from the spreader, push the foot release button towards the centre of the spreader.
2. Lift the foot from the spreader.
3. Reverse the procedure to re-attach the feet to the spreader

The spreader can be removed from the feet while they are still attached to the tripod

Cleaning.

After each use, brush off any dirt or debris, if necessary wash down with clean water.

Installation

Using Locks When no Spreader Used

The tripod can be used without a spreader using the three lock positions.

1. The tripod has 3 x lock positions 20°, 46° and 72°.

Caution! Risk of damage. Only use the 72° hinge lock setting with the legs in the fully retracted position. Do not apply excessive load. Do not place load on the leg profiles.

Caution! Risk of damage. In No Spreader Mode (Hinge Lock ON) position, ensure that the feet are free to adapt to a new footprint area when raising or lowering the tripod.

No Spreader Mode

1. With the lock in the raised position the lock is ON.

Hinge Lock Slider in the engaged (ON) position. (Leg will stop at pre-set positions)

Illustration of a hand pressing a red liquid into a container with a small circular icon labeled '8' (no text or symbols on the diagram itself)

Spreader Mode

1. With the lock in the lower position the lock is OFF.

Hinge Lock Slider in the neutral (OFF) position. (Legs free to move through full movement)

Diagram of a car interior with a red liquid container and a warning symbol (no text or labels)

Caution! Risk of damage. When using with a spreader or dolly, ensure the Hinge Lock Slider is in the OFF position.

Installation

Opening Tripod Legs

The first position at 20^irc is likely to be the most used position.

1. Press the lock button to engage the lock. (No Spreader Mode)
2. Pull the leg outward and it will stop at the 20^irc lock position.

Repeat for the remaining legs.

The angle of each leg can be adjusted independently of the other two legs.

1. To select the 46^irc or 72^irc position, disengage the lock.

a. As a safeguard against accidental collapse the leg must be moved inwards slightly ① to relieve the tension on the lock.
b. Push the lock slider down ② and pull the leg outwards ③.

Installation

1. Move the leg past the 20^irc position.
2. Engage the Lock Slider by pushing the Hinge Lock Button.

1. Continue pulling the leg until it stops at the 46° lock position.

1. Repeat procedure for the 72° position.

1. Repeat for the remaining legs as required.

Installation

Alternative Locking Method

1. An alternative method would be to release the Hinge Lock, and fully open the leg to 90°

1. Engage the lock.

WARNING! Risk of finger entrapment. Avoid trapping fingers when operating the tripod.

1. Move the leg towards the body. As the leg passes each lock point, an audible click will be heard, the leg is prevented from opening past this point again without disengaging the lock first.

Installation Accessories

Close Tripod Legs

1. The legs may be closed with or without the Lock being engaged.
2. Ensure the tripod legs are fully collapsed before moving them inward.

WARNING! Risk of finger entrapment. Avoid trapping fingers when closing the tripod.

The tripod is designed to accommodate the Mid-Level Spreader when collapsed.

1. Ensure the magnetic clasps have engaged and the legs are securely held.

Fit Supplied Attachment Mount

1. There are three accessory docks. These can be used to dock the supplied attachment mount, optional handle or a Magic Arm etc..
2. Offer the accessory to the docking point on the tripod head.
3. Insert the screw and tighten clockwise using a 5.5mm Hex key, tighten firmly.
4. Follow the same procedure to attach h optional accessories to the remaining mounting points if required.

Accessories

Fit Optional Carry Strap

1. Fit the attachment mount as previous section: "Fit Supplied Attachment Mount".
2. Fit the split ring to the mounting point at the bottom of the upper section.
3. Attach the strap clasps to the mounting points.

Attach Optional Rubber Feet

1. Place the rubber foot between the spikes. Check the marking on the foot for the correct orientation. The 'flowtech' marking must face outwards.

1. Bend the rubber strap 1 and engage the bottom edge of the lever in the tripod recess.
2. Lift the lever ② upwards towards the tripod until it locks in place.

Accessories

Fit Optional Carry Handle (S2051-1057)

To attach the handle to one of the accessory docks.

1. Using a fingernail or small screwdriver, lever the rubber sleeve away from the top of the handle to reveal the (pre installed) mounting screw and spacer.

1. Insert the supplied Hex key through the spacer, into the hex bolt in the handle, align with the accessory dock and tighten clockwise, ensure the handle is secure.

Maintenance

Cleaning

Video tutorials are available, if required please contact [e-mail] for further details.

CAUTION! Do not use solvent or oil based cleaners, abrasives or wire brushes to remove accumulations of dirt as these will damage the protective surfaces. Use clean water only.

During normal use the only cleaning required is a periodic wipe-down with a lint-free cloth. Any dirt that accumulates during storage or periods of non-use may be removed with a vacuum cleaner. Particular attention should be paid to the ball base of the tripod.

Use out-of-doors under adverse conditions will require special attention. Salt spray should be washed off with fresh water at the earliest opportunity. Sand and dirt acts as an abrasive and should be removed using a semi-stiff brush or vacuum cleaner.

If exposed to extreme conditions, sand or grit could enter the tripod. This will require flushing to remove any contaminants.

Flush the Tripod

1. Place the tripod in a bucket of clean, 30 cm deep water.
2. Release the quick release levers and extend tripod fully.
3. Keeping the feet in the water, collapse and extend the tripod repeatedly, forcing water through the leg sections until the leg moves freely with no sign of sticking or contamination.
4. If required turn the tripod upside down and repeat.
5. Wipe down the outer surface with a clean dry cloth.

Maintenance

Hinge Lock Cleaning

The Hinge lock is designed so that sand or other debris may be worked out of the hinge lock mechanism.

Repeatedly operate the button and hinge slider, combined with blowing out the debris until the mechanism operates smoothly.

Should this procedure fail to sufficiently clear the debris, follow the instructions below to disassemble the mechanism for cleaning.

1. Pull the leg out to gain access to the M4 lock screw.
2. Using a 2.5mm or 332 " ball ended hex key, remove the M4 lock screw by turning anticlockwise.

Technical line drawing of a mechanical component with a red tool inserted, showing internal parts and a close-up view (no text or symbols)

Caution! If the screw is dropped in the lock mechanism, do not try to close the leg. Turn the tripod upside down and shake the screw out or retrieve using pliers.

1. With the screw removed raise the leg to the horizontal position and push the hinge slider towards the bowl and lift out.

Technical line drawing of two car head Cases with red adjustment arrows indicating movement (no text or symbols)

1. Lift out the hinge lock button.

Line drawing of a car interior compartment with a red connector (no text or symbols)

1. Use compressed air and a soft brush to remove any debris.

WARNING! When using compressed air, wear suitable safety glasses to avoid injury.

1. Work the hinge lock up and down using the flat edge of a screw driver pushing on the centre of the lock, debris will work its way out the bottom of the mechanism.

Mechanical assembly diagram showing a disassembly of a component into a housing, with a magnified inset highlighting the internal structure (no text or symbols present)

1. Once the lock is clean assembly is a reversal of steps 2 - 4.

Caution! When replacing the M4 lock screw, offer it to the thread and turn anticlockwise until you hear a click then tighten clockwise. This will prevent the screw from being cross threaded.

Maintenance

Checking brake force

Periodically check the effectiveness of the leg brake force and adjust if necessary.

1. Extend the middle and lower sections to 20 cm each.
2. Place a rubber mat or similar on a set of scales to prevent damage and skidding. Stand one leg on a set of scales and apply a vertical downward force.

WARNING! Use a non-slip mat to ensure the foot does not slip from the scales when applying downward pressure.

WARNING! Finger entrapment. Take care not to trap fingers.

flowtech 75 flowtech 100

X	< 20 kg(44 lb)	< 30 kg(66 lb)
√	20 - 30 kg(44 - 66 lb)	30 - 40 kg(66 - 88 lb)
X	>30 kg(66 lb)	>40 kg(66 lb)

1. With an average downward force of 20 - 30 kg (44 - 66 lb) flowtech 75 or 30 - 40 kg (66 - 88 lb) flowtech 100 applied, the leg should remain extended.
2. If the leg starts to collapse before a 20 kg (44 lb) flowtech 75 or 30 kg (66 lb) flowtech 100 force is achieved then adjustment is required. "See Adjusting brake force".

Average slip force

Adjusting brake force

1. Lift the quick release lever to clear the adjustment screw. Using a 2.5mm or 332 hex key, turn clockwise to increase the brake force.
2. 10 full turns = 2 kg (4.4 lb) of additional brake force.

CAUTION! Do not adjust more than required as this will lead to increased wear and stress on the brake components.

1. When the adjustment is made, test the brake force again on the scales, repeat if necessary.
2. Repeat the procedure for the remaining two legs.

Should the adjustment range become insufficient to achieve the correct brake force, please contact your local service centre. www.sachtler.com

Maintenance

Leg Friction Adjustment

1. Should the leg friction require adjustment, open the legs to gain access to the M5 friction screws on the underside of the tripod.
2. The correct torque for these M5 screws is 2.5Nm to 3.5Nm Max.

Technical line drawing of a tripod-mounted mechanical component (no text or symbols)

1. Use a torque screwdriver to adjust the M5 screws to the correct torque. (2.5Nm to 3.5Nm Max)
2. Always tighten the screws in an opposite pattern following the numbered pattern in the diagram.
3. If a torque screwdriver is not available, use a Hex Key; follow the pattern in the diagram, but only tighten the screws by a small amount taking care not to over-tighten.
4. Test the legs for correct friction and adjust again if necessary.

CAUTION! Do not adjust more than required as this will lead to increased wear and stress on the leg friction components and damage to the bowl.

Technical Specification

	75 mm Tripod	100 mm Tripod			75 mm Tripod	100 mm Tripod
Bowl 75 mm 100mm				Maximum Operational HeightOn Mid-Level Spreader	157 cm(61.81 in.)	155 cm(61.00 in.)
Maximum payload	20 kg(44 lb)	30 kg(66 lb)		Minimum Operational HeightOn Mid-Level Spreader	63 cm(24.8 in.)	52 cm(20.5 in.)
WeightTripod Only	2.9 kg(6.39 lbs)	3.2 kg(7.01 lbs)		Maximum Operational HeightOn Ground Spreader	158 cm(62 in)	159 cm(63 in)
Transport Length	68 cm(26.7 in.)Excluding rubber foot.	68 cm(26.7 in.)Excluding rubber foot.		Minimum Operational HeightOn Ground Spreader	41 cm(16.4 in)	43 cm(16.9 in)
Operational Temperature	-40°C to 60°C(-40°F to 140°F)	-40°C to 60°C(-40°F to 140°F)		When used without rubber feet the tripod height will decrease by up to 1.8 cm.
Maximum Operational Height(On Hinge Lock)	153 cm(60.23 in.)	153 cm(60.23 in.)		Material	Carbon Fibre	Carbon Fibre
Minimum Operational Height(On Hinge Lock)	26 cm(10.23 in.)	26 cm(10.23 in.)		Extensions X2 X2

Technical specifications are subject to change without notice.

Publication No. S2051-4983/3

Sachtler

A Vitec Group Brand

www.sachtler.com