KiWi Panoramic Tripod Head ™ User’s Guide - V1.
KiWi Panoramic Tripod Head Overview Welcome to the Kaidan KiWi and Panoramic Photography Thank you for purchasing a Kaidan KiWi™ Panoramic Tripod Head. This manual is designed to help you understand how to use your KiWi to create quality panoramas. This document will be revised occasionally and updated versions can be downloaded from the KiWi page on the Kaidan web site. Kaidan popularized panoramic VR/ QTVR panoramic photography with our KiWi™ tripod head more than 8 years ago.
The KiWi Family Introducing the KiWi Components KiWi Rotator Base & Accessory Pouch The primary component in the KiWi family is the Rotator Base. The base uses interchangeable indexing discs called ClickDiscs that provide various click-stop positions. The base contains an integral circular bubble level and accommodates either 1/4” or 3/8” tripod threads. Included with every KiWi is a convenient Accessory Pouch.
KiWi ClickDiscs How to install and remove ClickDisc indexing discs Disassembly 1) The Rotator Base is held together with a recessed set screw which is located at the zero degree position on the barrel. Use the set screw wrench located in the blue accessory pouch and loosen the set screw (do not remove) by turning several revolutions counter-clockwise. 2) With the set screw loosened, remove the axle by pulling up on the knob which contains the bubble level.
KiWi ClickDiscs How to install and remove ClickDisc indexing discs Assembly 1) Install the appropriate ClickDisc into the cavity on the top of the barrel. Be sure to orient the tab of the ClickDisc into the notch of the barrel. Push the ClickDisc into position. 2) Place the horizontal plate over the barrel and reinsert the axle. Make sure that the plastic washer is on the axle.
KiWi Rotator Base Tripod threaded bushing adapter The KiWi comes with a tripod adapter bushing which accommodates both 1/4-20 inch and 3/8-16 inch threaded tripod mounts. 1/4 inch Tripod If your tripod has a 1/4 inch threaded mount, leave the brass bushing in the center hole in the bottom of the rotator as shown at lower left.
Spring Plunger Indexing How to adjust the spring force and click-stop action. The KiWi uses a spring plunger which is threaded into the horizontal plate. This plunger works with the ClickDisc to provide a solid and smooth click-stop action. The force of the plunger and the feel of the detent action can be adjusted by threading the plunger in and out of the horizontal plate.You can use a wide-blade screwdriver or a thin coin to adjust the plunger.
Standard Camera Bracket - Camera Mounting Mounting your camera on the Standard Camera Bracket To mount your camera, first select the appropriate slot in the bracket that will best locate the tripod mounting thread on your camera.You may need to reposition the camera knob. To remove the knob simply slide it along the slot to the end that has the threaded hole. Unscrew the knob out of the threaded hole, being careful not to crossthread. Replace the knob into the appropriate slot by reversing the procedure.
Twin-Axis Camera Bracket (Optional) Mounting your camera on the Twin-Axis Camera Bracket The Twin-Axis Camera Bracket is offered as an optional choice when purchasing a KiWi. You can also purchase it separately. The Twin Axis Bracket has two separate axes of adjustment. This makes it easier to slide the camera into the proper position in order to locate the nodal point over the axis of rotation. There are two sliding and locking adjustments with purple locking knobs.
Quick Release Camera Mounts (Optional) Arca Swiss Style Quick Release Plates Both the Standard Camera Bracket and the Twin-Axis Bracket can be ordered or upgraded with a Quick Release Mount. These mounts are simply bolted on the respective bracket and make it easy to remove and replace your camera in seconds. The Standard and Twin-Axis Camera Brackets have optional Quick Release Camera Brackets.
Nodal Point What is it and how do I find it? This is one of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to stitcher-based panorama creation. Once you understand the basics, you’ll be able to easily locate the nodal point for any camera and lens combination. that you’re not rotating your head around your eye’s nodal point, which is somewhere in the center of your eyeball. Instead, you’re rotating about your spine which is several inches to the rear and off to one side.
Nodal Point (continued) What is it and how do I find it? viewfinder, find another vertical edge or line that is far away, such as another building or telephone pole. Align the two objects and rotate the pan head so they are in the left hand side of the viewfinder. Rotate the pan head so the two objects move over to the right hand side of the viewfinder.
Shooting Panoramas How do I begin? How much Overlap? obtain the best results. Taking the Photos The amount you turn the camera for each shot varies. It is dependent on a number of factors such as the field of view (the angle) of your camera and lens, as well as which program you intend to use. For example, with iSeeMedia PhotoVista,VR Toolbox VR Worx or Apple's QuickTime VR Authoring Studio, the recommended image overlap is anywhere from one-quarter to one-half.
Shooting Panoramas (continued) How do I begin? it takes. Let me also reiterate what's not as important as some people think. and if you have any questions or problems using our equipment, please let us know. The overall level of the head/camera is not as critical in order to produce good stitched results.
Warranty and Product Return Information Copyright © 2004 Kaidan, Inc. All Rights Reserved. First Edition, Sep 2004. KiWi, QuickPan is a trademark of Kaidan, Inc. Other products mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective companies. Patents Pending. Information in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Kaidan.
