Fanotec Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Series Operating Manual

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Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1

Nodal Ninja 3 MK3

OPERATING MANUAL

September 7, 2020

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Page 2: Table Of Contents
Three Fanotec rotators are designed to fit the NN3 MK3:..................24 Popular Accessories: ............24 NN3 MK3 w/No Lower Rotator..........25 Three Fanotec lower rotators are designed to fit the NN3 MK3:..................25 Popular Accessories: ............25 Copyright © 2020 Nodal Ninja...
Page 3 Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1 Other Models..............Specifications..............Accessories ..............Using the Nadir Adapter ............30 U5 30mm Tripod Offset Bracket ..........31 Small Camera Mounting Knob ..........33 Changing Detent Ring for Rotator Mini V2......36 Finding the No-Parallax Point of a Lens...... Lower rail setting: ..............39 Upper rail setting:..............40 Abbreviations ..............
Page 4: Introduction
Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1 Introduction Wikipedia: ”Panoramic photography is a technique of photography, using specialized equipment or software, that captures images with horizontally elongated fields of view. It is sometimes known as wide format photography.” Panoramic photography, for our purpose of this manual, is better defined as capturing multiple adjoining images and stitching them together with the use of third-party software to form a single seamless higher resolution composite.
Page 5: Features Of The Nn3 Mk3 Series
Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1 Features of the NN3 MK3 Series Fanotec began the development of Nodal Ninja in 2004. The latest generation NN3 MK3 is created using state of the art computer-controlled cutting (CNC) machines, resulting in greater precision, uniformity, and cross-compatibility.
Page 6: Bullet Point Features Include
Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1 NN3 MK3 w/Lower Rotator RD10 Bullet Point Features Include: ● The level of expertise required is rated as entry-level, however many seasoned professionals will also enjoy the added benefits of this model. ● Small, lightweight, and very compact. ●...
Page 7: Step By Step Setup Instructions
Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1 ● Small Rotator Base – smaller nadir (down shot) to edit during post- production. ● Numerical demarcations on horizontal and vertical rotators for easy reference. ● Universal – fits small compact cameras up to Micro-four-thirds (MFT) and most crop sensor cameras, to include smaller DSLR using lenses up to about 50mm.
Page 9 Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1 Step 1 Mount rotator to the tripod. Every Nodal Ninja uses a 3/8” female mounting system. We also include Mount rotator a 3/8”-1/4” thread adapter for free to tripod. to accommodate mounts using ¼” male threads.
Page 10 Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1 Step 4 Flip or rotate upper assembly rail 180°. Flip up the upper rail. Tighten upper rotator knob. Step 5 After the rail is rotated to a vertical position, tighten using the upper rail rotator knob turning clockwise.
Page 11 Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1 Step 7 Loosen the 4 set screws of the anti-twist plates slightly using the provided hex key. Loosen the screws of anti-twist plates slightly using the hex key. Lift up the anti- twist plates. Step 8 Lift or slide upwards the anti-twist plates.
Page 12 Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1 Step 10 Mount your camera/lens onto the camera mounting plate and secure by gently tightening the camera mounting knob being careful not to overtighten. Check the camera is aligned to upper rail by looking from bottom view of camera.
Page 13 Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1 Step 12 Once you are satisfied with the camera/lens alignment, finish by tightening the “camera” mounting knob securely. Next, loosen the set screws of the anti- twist plates with the provided hex key. Loosen the screw Press the anti-twist plates of anti-twist...
Page 14 Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1 Step 14 Loosen upper rotator knob and rotate upper rail so camera/lens is pointed towards the horizon. Next, while holding the camera, loosen the camera mounting knob and slide the camera to the no-parallax point (NPP) of the lens, after which tighten securely Slide the stop plate...
Page 15 Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1 Holding camera! Step 16 While holding the camera, loosen the vertical rail mounting knob just enough to allow the vertical assembly to slide back and Loosen the vertical rail forth on the lower mounting knob slightly.
Page 16: Configurations
Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1 This concludes the basic setup. This setup guide can also be used for the NN6 and other models as well – some steps may vary slightly. Configurations NN3 MK3 can be configured in many ways to include using with the Lower Rotator Mini V2 (F1235-*) or the Lower Rotator RD10 (F1140) with or without Nadir Adapters.
Page 18: Nn3 Mk3 + Nadir Adapter W/Lower Rotator Rd10
Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1 NN3 MK3 + Nadir Adapter w/Lower Rotator RD10 ● SKU# F3321 ● Weight Load 3.3lb (1.5kg) ● Level: Amateur - Pro ● Lenses: 8mm - 50mm focal length (DSLR) ● Features: Compact, Inexpensive, Durable ●...
Page 19: Nn3 Mk3 W/Lower Rotator Rd10
Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1 NN3 MK3 w/Lower Rotator RD10 ● SKU# F3320 ● Weight Load 3.3lb (1.5kg) ● Level: Amateur - Pro ● Lenses: 8mm - 50mm focal length (DSLR) ● Features: Compact, Inexpensive, Durable ● Popular Uses: Real Estate, Travel, Hobbyist, Landscape, High- Resolution Composites ●...
Page 20: Nn3 Mk3 W/Lower Mini Rotator + Nadir Adapter
Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1 NN3 MK3 w/Lower Mini Rotator + Nadir Adapter ● SKU# F3302-1 ● Weight Load 3.3lb (1.5kg) ● Level: Amateur - Pro ● Lenses: 8mm - 50mm focal length (DSLR) ● Features: Compact, Inexpensive, Durable ●...
Page 21: Available Detent Rings
Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1 Available detent rings: ○ Detent Ring V2 - 120° (3 stops) SKU# F1240 ○ Detent Ring V2 - 90° (4 stops) SKU# F1241 ○ Detent Ring V2 - 72° (5 stops) SKU# F1242 ○...
Page 22: Nn3 Mk3 W/Lower Mini Rotator
Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1 NN3 MK3 w/Lower Mini Rotator ● SKU# F3300-1 ● Weight Load 3.3lb (1.5kg) ● Level: Amateur - Pro ● Lenses: 8mm - 50mm focal length (DSLR) ● Features: Compact, Inexpensive, Durable ● Popular Uses: Real Estate, Travel, Hobbyist, Google Trusted Photographer ●...
Page 23: Available Detent Rings
Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1 Available detent rings: ○ Detent Ring V2 - 120° (3 stops) SKU# F1240 ○ Detent Ring V2 - 90° (4 stops) SKU# F1241 ○ Detent Ring V2 - 72° (5 stops) SKU# F1242 ○...
Page 24: Nn3 Mk3 W/No Lower Rotator + Nadir Adapter
The addition of the Nadir Adapter adds ease of workflow when shooting the nadir. See Using the Nadir Adapter. Three Fanotec rotators are designed to fit the NN3 MK3: ○ Rotator Mini V2 SKU# F1235-* ○...
Page 25: Nn3 Mk3 W/No Lower Rotator
This configuration is convenient if you already have a lower rotator and do not have a need to eliminate the nadir (down shot) during the post- production of your panorama. Three Fanotec lower rotators are designed to fit the NN3 MK3: ○ Rotator Mini V2 SKU# F1235-* ○...
Page 26: Other Models
Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1 Other Models Buying a panoramic tripod head can be like trying to match a pair of shoes. With 3 basic series (NN3, NN6, and M series) we can pretty much satisfy most needs. We would encourage you to reach out to a local authorized dealer to explain your needs so they might fit you into a proper head that best suits your particular needs.
Page 27: Specifications
Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1 And for aerial photography we have a lineup of lightweight and super strong Carbon Fiber Poles to include: ○ Travel Pole extends to 9ft (3m) ○ Pole Series 2 extends to 19ft (6m) ○...
Page 28: Accessories
Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1 ● Included: Upper assembly, Adapter, lower assembly with rotator, misc. bits (hex key, spare parts). NN3 MK3 w/No Lower Rotator + Nadir Adapter (SKU# F3307) ● Product Weight: 1.32lb (603g) ● Weight Load: 3.3lb (1.5kg) ●...
Page 29 Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1 ● NN3 MK3 / NN6 Camera Plate Fittings SKU# F6045 ● NN3 MK3 / NN6 Lower Rail Stop and Hex Key Holder SKU# F6046 ● NN3 MK3 / NN6 U5 T-Adapter with offset SKU# F3315 ●...
Page 30: Using The Nadir Adapter
Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1 Using the Nadir Adapter SKU# F6026 The NA provides for a quick and easy way to shoot the Nadir (down shot) without having to remove the camera from the Nodal Ninja. This is very handy especially if bracketing your shots or needing longer exposures.
Page 31: U5 30Mm Tripod Offset Bracket
Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1 7. Optional - rotate tripod/camera/lens 90° around the center point and offset slightly. Taking this added shot is handy where this actual footprint may be desired, such as with tiled or mosaic flooring. U5 30mm Tripod Offset Bracket SKU# F3315 Unlike the older style T-Adapters which were...
Page 32 Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1 1. Mount bracket to the base of the camera. 2. Loosen bracket set screw. 3. Slide bracket so the camera mount is positioned with the center axis of the lens. 4. Adjust tabs on Camera Mounting Plate as needed. 5.
Page 33: Small Camera Mounting Knob
Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1 Small Camera Mounting Knob SKU# F6040 The Small Camera Mounting Knob (SCMK) is included with the purchase of a complete package. The SCMK is useful for extra adjustment room on the upper rail as when using smaller cameras with pancake style lenses.
Page 34 Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1 Remove the camera and camera mounting plate. Remove the stop plate. Remove the standard camera mounting knob from the end of rail. Change the drag screw to the top, if needed. Install the small camera mounting knob from the end of rail.
Page 35 Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1 Reinstall the camera mounting plate and camera. Tighten the knob. While holding the Reinstall the stop plate camera, loosen the from the end of rail. knob half to one turn. Slide the camera to the NPP position.
Page 36: Changing Detent Ring For Rotator Mini V2
Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1 Changing Detent Ring for Rotator Mini V2 SKU# F1235 There is a process of swapping out rings, but once learned and done properly, this task can be completed in just a few minutes. Be sure to have a clean surface free of dirt, dust, and grease.
Page 37 Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1 Choose the desired orientation of camera. Align hole of detent ring to the socket on rotator for the desired orientation of camera. Default Orientation Reinstall the rotator lock assembly. Compress the ring to rotator, securely tighten Tighten the rotator lock to set screw further away...
Page 39: Finding The No-Parallax Point Of A Lens
Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1 Finding the No-Parallax Point of a Lens Wiki definition of Entrance Pupil: “The geometric location of the entrance pupil is the vertex of the camera's angle of view and consequently its center of perspective, perspective point, viewpoint, projection center, or no-parallax point.
Page 40: Upper Rail Setting
Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1 2. Loosen the vertical rail mounting knob (or Nadir Adapter knob) enough to slide the upper assembly so the lower rotator is positioned in the center of the viewfinder. 3. Tighten and set with lower rail stop. Note: Once the lower rail setting is set, this will never change with the camera body regardless of the lens or focal lengths used.
Page 41 Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1 3. Place two objects with vertical reference lines in front of the camera lens – one about 3 ft (1m) and the other placed further back about 6ft (3m). Anything can be used for vertical referencing such as a door jam with a window frame in the background, fence posts, etc.
Page 42: Abbreviations
Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1 Abbreviations In this manual, you will see abbreviations being used as well as some popular commonly used nomenclature being shortened. Below is a list of some of the most commonly used abbreviations. Variable SKU options MECHA First Generation Controller Number of Detent Options (followed by a number (e.g.
Page 43 Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1 Nodal Ninja No-Parallax Point Advanced Rotator (ball bearings) with number of detents Advanced Rotator (ball bearings) with 10 selectable detent RD10 options Rotator Mini Internal Identification Number denoting specific packages and/or parts T Shaped Adapter Adapter Second Generation with...
Page 44: Warranty
○ In the unlikely event, an item is recalled due to safety factors Fanotec will bear full responsibility to the consumer to replace it. ○ Warranty service is available through any authorized Fanotec service center.
Page 45: Copyright Information
This manual was written by Bill Bailey, CEO Nodal Ninja USA 2004-2019, on behalf of Nick Fan of Fanotec. Nodal Ninja is owned & operated by Fanotec. Both Nodal Ninja and Fanotec are registered trade names. All rights reserved. No part of this publication...
Page 46: Resources
Nodal Ninja 3 MK3 Operating Manual v.1.1 Resources https://wiki.panotools.org/Entrance_Pupil_Database https://forum.nodalninja.com https://www.facebook.com/NodalNinja https://www.youtube.com/user/NodalNinja Finding the NPP of a lens without a pano head: ○ Google YouTube “Nodal Ninja finding the No Parallax Point of a lens” ○ Finding NPP without a pano head http://michel.thoby.free.fr/Banknotes_intro.html https://docsbay.net/how-to-take-a-perfect-nadir-image-for-spherical- panoramas-without-taking-the-camera-from-the-panohead...
Page 47: Disclaimer
Fanotec makes no representations or warranties concerning this manual or for the products described herein, and shall not be liable for any damages, losses, costs or expenses, direct, indirect, or incidental, consequential or special, arising out of, or related to the use of this material or the products described herein.

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