re:Miller Compass 12 tripod...
 

Is it me or is there something wrong with my Compass 12 head?

I just received the Compass 12 two days ago. (I'm moving up from the Manfrotto 504HD Head 2-Stage w/546B Aluminum Tripod System.) I'm concerned about the panning function. At position Zero, it revolves around very freely. However, I expected far less tension at position One. It takes a little force to make it move, much more so than getting the 504HD to move. Pushing the pan bar will cause the tripod to tilt over (no camera on tripod). Position Three requires a very good amount of push/pull to get it to move. (Yes, the release knob is completely free. I can hear the racket gear engage as I move from setting to setting and sometimes it requires some force to move to another position). Is this normal? Is there some breaking in involved? The tilt functions feels normal.

Thanks. John

Re: Miller Compass 12 tripod...
 

I haven't used the Compass 12 as I have Sachtlers and a Miller (bot not the Compass 12) but it sounds as if normal counterbalance is engaging? How heavy is your rig? I know some of the Vintens have user changeable springs to adjust fixed counterbalance but not sure if the Miller does? Also, if you underweight a lot of pro tripods, you can get a result like you describe. My only Miller is the AIR and it has just two fixed counterbalances, position one is around 4lbs and position two is 11lbs. Both work great. Is there is a function to variable adjust the counterbalance dampening on your head? Have you read the manual?

Re: Miller Compass 12 tripod...
 

Thank you Dan for your reply. I know it has been awhile since I posted but life and videos shoots do happen.

I could use two different cameras on the tripod with them weighing either about 5 lbs and 8 lbs. I've tried them both but I think I should have more freedom of movement at the "1" position for panning. I've decided to return the tripod as even one of the concentric leg angle locks wouldn't engage right out of the box. Perhaps I just got an overall lemon for head and sticks.

I first thought of getting the Miller Air but realized for a few hundred dollars more I could upgrade to a supposedly better head. I figured it was cheaper to get the Miller Compass 12 system now than getting the Miller Air first buying a better head later.

Thanks again.

John