Orion manual #5378 Paragon HD-F2 #5377 Paragon-Plus XHD, OrionTelescopes.com

Orion® Paragon™

Field Tripod & Fluid Pan Head

#5378 Paragon HD-F2

#5377 Paragon-Plus XHD

#5378

#5377

Congratulations on your purchase of a quality Orion product. These sturdy aluminum tripods provide solid support for bin- oculars, small telescopes, still cameras, or video cameras. Designed for use either indoors or outdoors, the Paragons feature a smooth, two-way pan head and quick-release shoe for convenient operation.

To get the most from your new tripod, please take a few min- utes to read these instructions and operating tips. Refer to the labeled figure for the names of specific parts of the tripod.

Adjusting the Legs

Your Paragon tripod comes fully assembled. Note that each leg has two telescoping sections. To extend a leg, loosen the lever lock knob, then extend the leg. When it has been extended to the desired length, tighten the lever knob back down. There is a handy scale printed on the middle segment of each leg, which can be used to judge the relative height of the legs. Before mounting an instrument on the tripod it is a good idea to press down gently on the pan head to make sure the legs are locked securely and will not give way under the instrument’s weight.

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Handle lock knob (hidden)	Quick release shoe
Two-way pan head			Pan head
Elevator shaft
			handle
Elevator		Elevator lock knob
hand crank

Elevator shaft housing

Brace lock knob

Lever lock knobs

Tri-brace

Rubber feet

Dual Rubber/Spike Feet

The Paragons are equipped with dual-purpose feet that con- sist of a retractable rubber foot and a metal spike. The rubber feet are intended for use of the tripod indoors or on a smooth paved surface. The metal spikes are desirable for achieving a firm grip on soft surfaces.

To use the rubber feet, thread the foot counterclockwise until it stops. In this position, the metal spike will be well recessed within the rubber. Be sure all three rubber feet are flat on the floor, not tipped sideways.

To expose the spike feet, thread the rubber foot clockwise until the spike protrudes from the rubber. In some instances you may wish to remove the rubber feet altogether so more of the metal spike is exposed. This can be done by just pull- ing the rubber feet off their anchors. They can be pressed on again at any time.

Adjusting the Tripod’s Stance

The Paragons have a very wide stance for enhanced stabil- ity. The widest stance is achieved when the tri-brace is as far down as it will go on the elevator shaft housing. The brace lock knob should be tightened to secure the stance.

If you are using the tripod in a confined space, the stance can be narrowed by loosening the tri-brace lock knob, and push- ing the legs closer together. The tri-brace will move up on the elevator shaft housing. Retighten the lock knob to secure the legs in the new position. Be aware that the tripod will become more “tippy” as its stance is narrowed. Be very careful when mounting an instrument with an unwieldy center of gravity on the tripod, especially if it is somewhat heavy.

IN 396 Rev. A 08/10