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Frequently Asked Questions
NOTE: As we add questions from customers the below numbers may change.
Categories:
General Questions
- Which Nodal Ninja is best for me?
- How can I find the settings for my camera?
- Do I need a level on the cameras shoe?
- What size thread mount screw does the Nodal Ninja use?
- Is there a scale (in degrees) that allows you to know how much you're tilting up/down?
- How stable is this unit in the wind (assuming a good rigid tripod)?
- Is there room to change the battery without removing the camera from the mount?
- How can I lessen the footprint in my pano?
- What ring should I use?
- How quickly can the unit be set up?
- I placed an order in the store and cannot login and view tracking status.
- What’s a good tripod to use?
NN3 & NN3 MKII
- What’s the difference between NN3 and MKII?
- How do I know if my lens will work on NN3?
- Is it okay to apply a bit of grease to the detent plates for smoother rotation?
- I have the older style NN3 and noticed some leveling issues and a slight wobble at the rotator base and my lower rotator knob sometimes unscrews, is this normal?
- Can you adjust the tension of the click stops.
- I am using the Nikon D80 and apparently this camera has very shallow threads. I cannot mount the camera securely, how can I get around this?
- Can I mount a Flash while using NN3 on my camera.
- I just purchased a NN3 MKII. Is it possible to use it at less than 15 degree increments?
NN5L & NN5
- What is the difference between NN5 and NN5L?
- Are there any reviews on the new NN5 unit?
- Can I upgrade my NN5L to NN5 and if so how much will it cost?
- Does NN5 allow me to batch template stitching?
- I own a NN3. What parts if any are interchangeable between NN3 and NN5?
- I’m having trouble finding the NPP on the 70-200mm F/2.8 VR - any ideas?
- I own a RRS ball head with the Arca Style mount. I need to find some sort of universal camera plate that will marry the base of my NN5L to the Arca Style mount on my tripod, can anyone recommend a good plate?
Other heads Rotators and accessories
- Why Nodal Ninja 180?
- Does the D8 rotator attach to the NN3 rail?
- How much weight will the new rotators support?
- Will the rotator work with my existing Nodal Ninja?
- Will you extend your NN buyback offer to just rotators, for those looking to upgrade?
- What's the purpose of the two brass rings on the EZ-Leveler?
General Questions.....^
- Q. Which Nodal Ninja is best for me?
A. It depends on several factors including camera, lens, type of panoramas you are wanting to do, software and workflow. Because of so many variables we would like to ask you to post this question in our forum with above information. Most posts are replied to very quickly and with many experiences users frequently the forum you will get good answers......^
- Q. How can I find the settings for my camera?
A. We post our settings here. If you do not find your camera/lens on the list the manual teaches you how to find these settings. It is highly encouraged that you learn how to find the no parallax point of a lens. Once learned the technique is very easy and works with almost any lens. Here is another tutorial from John Houghton that might help - click here......^
- Q. Do I need a level on the cameras shoe?
A. No you don’t. You really only need one level - the one with NN3. Using multiple levels can be very complex and difficult. It is also important to note that the bubble level on all Nodal Ninja’s are extremely sensitive so some bubble drift is likely, as long as it isn’t extreme you should be achieve a good initial level. The tripod you are using also plays an important role to a good level. The tripod needs to be of good build quality and doesn’t wobble......^
- Q. What size thread mount screw does the Nodal Ninja use?
A. All Nodal Ninja’s use a 3/8” to 1/4” adapter so they mount on virtually any tripod head. .....^
- Q. Is there a scale (in degrees) that allows you to know how much you're tilting up/down? I see a scale but does that translate into degrees?
A. Yes there are demarcations in 5 degree increments on NN3 and 2.5 degrees increments on NN5......^
- Q. How stable is this unit in the wind (assuming a good rigid tripod)?
A. Just as stable as any other rig. NN being made of metal assures a sturdy configuration. A good sturdy tripod is essential in windy environments. Some tripods have hooks under the neck to allow you to attach backpacks or other items of weight to add to the stability......^
- Q. Is there room to change the battery without removing the camera from the mount?
A. yes - on almost all cameras. Some prosumer cameras needing the off-axis camera bracket may not......^
- Q. How can I lessen the footprint in my pano?
A. Here is a great tutorial by Eric Rougier using the Nikon D70 + Nikon 10.5mm on NN3 - click here. Also Rosauro Ona gives tips in his tutorial as well - click here.....^
- Q. What ring should I use?
A. In selecting a ring it’s important to know some DSLR’s have focal length mulitplier. Canon DSLR’s (like the Rebel and 30D) have a focal length multiplier of x1.6, Nikon’s have a 1.5 multiplier. So an 8mm lens on a Nikon D40 is actually shooting at the 12mm focal length (8x1.5). Full frame sensors like the Nikon D700 or Canon 5D do not have a crop factor.
That said here is a table outlining suggested number of shots to take for single row panoramas with a good 20-30% overlap between images with a full frame sensor (these are general guidelines only).
8mm - 3 shots around, one image each 120 degree
10mm - 4 shots around, one image each 90 degree
12mm - 7 shots around, one image each 51.4 degrees
14mm - 8 shots around, one image each 45 degree
18mm - 10 shots around, one image each 36 degree
20mm - 12 shots around, one image each 30 degree
24mm - 14 shots around, one image each 25.7 degree
28mm - 16 shots around, one image each 22.5 degree
35mm - 18 shots around, one image each 20 degree
40mm - 24 shots around, one image each 15 degree
Also here is a link to a website with built in calculators that will also assist:
http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/image-projections.htm .....^
- Q. How quickly can the unit be set up?
A. Under 30 seconds. Nodal Ninja comes pre-assembled and you only need to attach the upper assembly to the lower assembly then mount on your tripod......^
- Q. I placed an order in the store and cannot login and view tracking status.
A. When you initially create an account or place an order you are prompted to enter a password. If you do not then you won’t be able to login to check order status. It is strogly encouraged you actually create an account. Doing so will allow you to not only track packages but view order history as well......^
- Q. What’s a good tripod to use?
A. Stability and budget are the two biggest biggest factors. You want a good sturdy tripod that doesn’t exhibit “wobble” when the head is rotated. Also we find many hand crank models to be less reliable. We posted a thread in our forum that shows what others are using in the way of tripods.......^
Questions specific about NN3 and NN3 MKII:.....^
- Q. What’s the difference between NN3 and MKII?
A. The lower rotator as been changed. The new rotator in greatly improved and no longer do you need to adjust the lock screw which as been removed. In addition the MKII uses a ball bearing system rather than the detent pins increasing precision and durability. The lower rotator knob also has rubber edges. The MKII uses proprietary detent rings. Those with older NN3’s can upgrade with the newer rotator and will be able to use their existing rings......^
- Q. How do I know if my lens will work on NN3?
A. Nodal Ninja 3 will work with most lenses if you stay under the suggested weight limit of 3kgs (7 lbs). Some lenses may only allow for partial rotation up like the Canon 10-22mm or Sigma 10-20mm. To shoot the zenith (up shot) with these lenses you will either need to move the camera/lens forward on the upper rail to get the full rotation or simply shoot it manually. You could also shoot two rows - one row at 30 degree tilt down and one row with 30 degree tilt up to catch the zenith......^
- Q. Is it okay to apply a bit of grease to the detent plates for smoother rotation?
Hmm, this really isn’t necessary, the grease could get everywhere! If you do use grease ONLY use a very minimal amount. .....^
- Q. I have the older style NN3 and noticed some leveling issues and a slight wobble at the rotator base and my lower rotator knob sometimes unscrews, is this normal?
A. No - this is not normal. You may simply need to tighten the rotator base. There is a wrong way and right way. Once properly tightened the unit should be both secure and should not unscrew (although we always recommend turning it in a clockwise manner) here is the procedure:
a) Loosen the knob with "Nodal Ninja 3" marking, next loosen the inner lock screw on the knob. Once the knob is loosened, the silver lock screw is easy to loosen. You can loosen the screw with your finger.
b) Tighten knob until you achieve the desired rotation tension or friction. You can note the amount of friction by holding the base rotator and turning the lower arm around in a "clockwise manner", as this prevents unscrewing of the base unit until locked with inner lock screw. It doesn't take much tightening at all.
c) After the larger NN3 knob is tightened, tighten the inner (silver) lock screw with a screw driver or coin). This "locks" the tension of the rotator knob and it should not unscrew. You might have to do this a couple times to get the proper feel. Double check the tension against the click stop feel and readjust as needed.
If the unit still has a tendency to unscrew try placing an extra Teflon washer (included with each NN) under the rotator knob (with Nodal Ninja markings) and repeat above steps.
Proper tightening should enable the user to find a friction point that you feel comfortable with. This is actually a customizable option....see video
Please consider upgrading buy purchasing the NN3 MKII lower rotator. You can use your existing detent rings when doing an upgrade and the steps would all be eliminated......^
- Q. Can you adjust the tension of the click stops.
A. Yes - on older NN3’s the underside on the rotator base you’ll see a little set screw. Use a small standard screwdriver and turn clockwise to tighten and counterclockwise to loosen. NN3 uses a hex screw (hex tool included with each unit).
On NN3 MKII adjustment is set at the factory and should not be needed. If you feel the tension does need a bit of tightening please see our current manual for instructions......^
- Q. I am using the Nikon D80 and apparently this camera has very shallow threads. I cannot mount the camera securely, how can I get around this?
A. Some cameras (Nikon D80 and some Nikon D40’s) have shallow threads and we have a work around if this might pose a problem. Take a couple of the enclosed washers in your package and place them under the square washer before mounting your camera (see image). This shouldn’t be necessary is using a camera plate......^
- Q. Can I mount a Flash while using NN3 on my camera.
A. It’s not recommended because the added extension of weight creates torque stress and may actually damage the NN3. Generally speaking you should not use an on camera flash anyway because this would cause uneven shadows and possible even banding in the panorama. Just use a slower shutter speed. Or if you absolutely must use a flash try mounting it off camera in a static location that would can fire remotely......^
- Q. I just purchased a NN3 MKII. Is it possible to use it at less than 15 degree increments?
A. NN3 MKII ships with a 15/0 ring installed. All you need to do is unscrew lower rotator to expose ring and reverse it. The reverse side is zero degree stops in affect eliminating any click stops. The reason we include this 0 degree ring is for folks needing less than 15 degree stops. You will of course need to reference the marks on the lower rotator which are in increments of 5 degrees. This will allow for longer focal lengths and assist those doing mosacis.......^
Questions about NN5L and NN5.....^
- Q. What is the difference between NN5 and NN5L?
A. The only difference between NN5 and NN5 Lite is that NN5 Lite doesn’t have upper rotator “detents” or click stops lowers the maximum weight load is approximately 7kgs (15lbs). The maximum weight load on NN5 is closer to about 10kgs (20lbs). This is because NN5 uses a “positive” detent locking system every 15 degrees in its upper arm rotator. Photographers shooting mosaics for super high resolution images generally shoot in very fine increments both horizontally and vertically. NN5L doesn’t have vertical detents however NN5 users would need the detach the vertical detent mechanism. The lower horizontal rotator are the same on each units and allow for “on the fly” detent release......^
- Q. Are there any reviews on the new NN5 unit?
A. Yes we do. Reading some of these reviews may also help to answer any questions you might have:
Max Lyons - www.tawbaware.com/nn5_review.html
Erik Vlietinck - it-enquirer.com .....^
- Q. Can I upgrade my NN5L to NN5 and if so how much will it cost?
A. If you purchased your NN5L prior to August 2008 you are eligible for the trade-up programs once the NN5 upgrade package is released late 2008. Basically those eligible were promised a trade-in for old to new upper rotator of NN5 which uses 15 degree positive locks while paying only the difference of the two models ($50+shipping). More details will be available the closer we get to time of trade-in program......^
- Q. Does NN5 allow me to batch template stitching?
A. NN5 may be very close to producing repeatable results (and some have claimed successful batch stitching) but we prefer not to make this claim from a design stand point......^
- Q. I own a NN3. What parts if any are interchangeable between NN3 and NN5?
A. The only parts that can be used on both models are the rail stops and camera mounting plate as well as the t-adapters......^
- Q. I’m having trouble finding the NPP on the 70-200mm F/2.8 VR - any ideas?
A. It's really easy to estimate the position of the entrance pupil (the no parallax point or NPP), which can be seen simply by looking into the lens. It just needs to be back lit by light entering the camera via the eyepiece at the back of the camera and reflected down by the penta-prism - click here. The Canon 70-200mm also has the entrance pupil behind the lens mount at the 200mm zoom position, so expect the Nikkor to be similar.......^
- Q. I own a RRS ball head with the Arca Style mount. I need to find some sort of universal camera plate that will marry the base of my NN5L to the Arca Style mount on my tripod, can anyone recommend a good plate?
A. RRS has many lens plates. get one with a length of about 60mm long. Also our new Arca Style QR plate should be ready by ready by the end of 2008 and much cheaper........^
Questions about other heads rotators and accessories.....^
- Q. Why Nodal Ninja 180?
A. The NN180 will support camera/lens combination's which NN3 and NN5 do not support.
They include gears for dual shot spherical panos when using lenses such as Nikon FC-E8/E9 and the Sunex 5.6mm Fisheye. Also supports long converter-camera combination's such as the earlier mentioned FC-E9 and also Raynox DCR-CF185 Pro when using with long prosumer or point and shoot Digital Cameras. For more information click here.....^
- Q. Does the D8 rotator attach to the NN3 rail?
A. Yes, the rotator can be attached to NN3. The rotators have a M6 socket. So the lower rail is mounted onto the rotator by a M6 screw. NN3 rubber camera mounting plate can be placed under the rail as anti-twist padding. This should be sufficient considering the small loading you are to put on NN3(II) You can use the old rubber washer as anti-twisting material. It is more than sufficient. ......^
- Q. How much weight will the new rotators support?
A. Rotators are built to support 10kg (22lbs) or slightly more.......^
- Q. Will the rotator work with my existing Nodal Ninja?
A. Yes - All our rotators will work with any Nodal Ninja. During checkout please make sure to tell us what version Nodal Ninja you are buying the rotator for. This option should be listed on the product page but you can also make a note of it on your order during checkout........^
- Q. Will you extend your NN buyback offer to just rotators, for those looking to upgrade?
A. Unfortunately no. Currently the only buy back program we are running from the website is for existing customers wanting to upgrade to NN5 (buy back programs, if any, may vary between resellers).......^
- Q. What's the purpose of the two brass rings on the EZ-Leveler?
A. The bottom ring is for adjusting the actual level and the top ring is for locking the setting. Note from Nick: “It will also reduce the residual tolerance in the screw and nut. I hope you understand what I mean. The screw and nut can't be without gap. It took us 6 months to prove it. :-). So there can be some small gap which can cause vibration. THe locking ring will compensate this gap.”......^
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