Fitting a PANAFLEX Camera to a Pan and
Tilt Head

BEFORE FITTING A CAMERA TO A SLIDING BASE PLATE FIRST MAKE SURE THAT THE BASE PLATE IS SECURELY LOCKED IN ITS SLIDE.

To attach a PANAFLEX camera body to a PANAHEAD or a Sliding Base Plate make sure that the tail lock is completely withdrawn by fully turning it counter-clockwise and downwards, place the camera body squarely on the front of the dovetail shaped interface and push forwards until an audible click is heard indicating the camera is firmly in position; rotate the tail lock knob clockwise and tighten until the rubber pad is firmly against the rear of the camera.

Earlier PANAHEADS and Sliding Base Plates have a tail lock which must be pulled downwards to release rather than turned to one side.

When the camera has been completely assembled with a loaded magazine, a lens and other appropriate accessories, the entire unit may be slid forwards and backwards to bring it into balance by releasing the balancing slide lock lever on the left side of the dovetail plate.

Securely lock off the balancing slide when proper balance is achieved.

To remove a PANAFLEX camera from a PANAHEAD or Sliding Base Plates, position the viewfinder fully forward (resting on the matte box) hold the camera body firmly by the handle on top of the camera, release and turn the tail lock counter-clockwise until it is clear of the camera, pull the release catch at the side of dovetail, move camera back and lift carefully off the base, using both hands to do so.

Using a Sliding Base Plate

PANAFLEX cameras may be fitted to any other flat top tripod head (O’Connor, Ronford, Sachtler, Vinten, etc.) by the use of an optional Sliding Base Plate assembly which provides an interface between a standard 3/8" 16 TPI tripod screw and the PANAVISION Dovetail attachment system. Note: A Sliding Base Plate is always supplied and is to be found in the camera case.

1. Top of PANAHEAD with tail lock set to one side, 2. Tail lock set tight, 3. Earlier type tail lock, 4. Side release lever, 5. Removing camera from a PANAHEAD using two hands, 6. Sliding base plate, 7. Sliding base plate on fluid head.