HC1-PRO and HC1-PROA Tripod Adapter Instructions

HC1-PRO and HC1-PROA tripod adapter instructions
for bottom loading camcorders.

Note:
These instructions are for a now-obsolete product. The PROT and PROAT are the current products. Apologies for any confusion.

Description:
These instructions cover both the HC1-PRO and HC1-PROA adapters. The difference between the two is that the PROA has accessory mount bar and a screwdriver pass-through hole in the base plate.

Overview:
The included adapter is designed to allow the removal of the tape of a Sony HDR-HC1 and HVR-A1 series camcorders, as well as many other bottom-loading camcorders, while still on the tripod. This block does not prevent the removal and replacement of the battery. Also, this adapter can serve as a good stabilizer when placed on a table or other work surface.

Included Parts:
You will need this kit, which includes two plates, a set of four adhesive felt pads, two flat head screws, a long hex socket screw, and a hex key. The hex key is sometimes called an allen key or allen wrench. On arrival, should any parts be missing, damaged or incorrect, please email parts@dm-accessories.com for a prompt replacement.

A flat head screwdriver is needed to assemble, which is not included.

Included parts for the HC1-PRO

Included parts for the HC1-PROA

Handling:
When working with this or any other camera or camcorder, be sure to handle them gently. Camcorders have precise optical, electrical and mechanical components that may be damaged when dropped, abused or otherwise handled improperly. Consult the camcorder's manual for details. While working on the camcorder, placing it on on a soft, clean pad or towel is a good idea.

Assembly:
The vertical plate has a stainless steel alignment pin meant to fit into the smooth pocket that is forward of the threaded pocket on the camcorder. The end with the pin is the "top". Place the long screw, thread end up, into the largest hole on the vertical plate. Now take the bottom plate, with bevel edge toward the vertical plate and screw in by hand the small flat head screws. The forward end is the end away from the holes in the plate. The bottom plate captures the long screw inside the adapter, to prevent the screw from getting lost.

Insert long screw.

Long screw shown inside block.

Insert short screws into base. Be sure that the threaded hole in the base plate lines up with long screw hole.

Thread short screws into vertical plate

Firmly tighten with screwdriver

Assembled HC1-PRO

Assembled HC1-PROA

Mounting:
Insert that alignment pin into the smooth pocket and align the screw hole with the threaded pocket. Insert the long screw through the bottom end of the vertical plate, then gently turn screw with the hex wrench, until it stops turning. On the HC1/A1 camcorders, you want to turn the screw tight enough to fully compress the rubber anti-skid pad behind the tripod mount hole. Do not use power tools as the camera could be damaged.

Insert hex key into threaded hole.

Check to see if key seats into screw socket

Position adapter

Tighten very securely, by hand only, but enough to flatten the anti-skid pad behind the threaded hole.

Check alignment against the tape door outline.

Tripod mounting thread in base

Camera and adapter mounted onto tripod

Accessories (HC1-PROA only):
The HC1-PROA features an accessory mount for accessories that normally screw into the camcorder's tripod mount. The Canon SA-1 and Bescor VB-50 universal shoe adapters are two example accessories that could be used to mount external lights and microphones. The base plate included with the HC1-PROA has have a hole in the base plate just below the accessory mount bar. This hole allows passing through a screwdriver for tightening certain accessories such as an SA-1 that need to be tightened with a screwdriver.

Bescor VB-50 Example

Position accessory

Tighten accessory thumbscrew

Finished VB-50 installation

Canon SA-1 Example

Position and align accessory

Tighten accessory screw

Mounted SA-1

Check to see if tape operation still works

Service:
If there are any faulty or missing parts, email sales at demaagd dot com to exchange it with working parts. Keep in mind that while this adapter is designed to work with many bottom loading adapters, I do not warrant that it will work with any camcorder other than the Sony HDR-HC1 or HVR-A1 camcorder lines, but am willing to return the purchase price of the adapter if it does not work for your camera.

Maintainance:
The aluminum plates are protected by satin black powder coat. While powder coating greatly improves durability and scratch resistance, the protection is not absolute. Should nicks and scratches appear, they could be touched up with a black marker or small amounts of hobby paint. Fingerprints can be cleaned using a clean, lint-free cloth. For table top resting, you may want to attach the enclosed protective felt pads to the corners of the base plate to prevent abrasion to the base plate and table surfaces.

Replacement Parts:
The short screws are a relatively standard 1/4"-20 thread, with a 5/8" length flat head phillips screw and should be available at many hardware stores. Using stainless steel screws is recommended for best longevity and best corrosion resistance, but standard zinc coated steel screws should do fine. The long screw is a 1/4"-20 x 1 1/4" hex socket cap screw, and may be somewhat harder to replace. Keeping the adapter assembled is recommended so as to not lose any of these screws. The hex key is a 3/16" size key.

Should the user lose the hex key or screws and is unable to locate replacement parts, replacements can be sent for a nominal fee. Should any parts be missing on first arrival, please email parts@dm-accessories.com.

http://dm-accessories.com/

sales@dm-accessories.com

Last updated March 18, 2006

HC1-PRO and HC1-PROA tripod adapter instructionsfor bottom loading camcorders.

HC1-PRO and HC1-PROA tripod adapter instructions
for bottom loading camcorders.