Need tripod help (user manuals)

[chuckorc]

I recently came across a great deal for a Bogen 3011 tripod with a Bogen 3063 fluid head ($50 for both). However this is my first decent tripod and I'm not quite sure how to use it properly. Can anyone recommend a manual that I can download that will show me how to remove the head?

Also there is some kind of pin that seems loose on the head but I'm not sure what it does.

I eventually plan on getting a ball head so I need to know how to remove the current one. Also the legs seem stiff to pull out are the supposed to be like this or is there an adjustment screw somewhere?

One last thing, when extending the leg sections, should I extend the upper or lower sections first? I'm thinking the upper since the base would be more stable.

Thanks for any help anyone could provide.

At least that's what I can determine from the tags

[SkipD]

The mounting plate for the head should have three setscrews on its under side. Loosen or remove the three setscrews and the head should then be able to be unscrewed from the mounting plate. You may need to get a strap wrench or two (the non-marring type with rubber or nylon straps) to loosen the head if someone really cranked it on in the first place.

Show us the leg clamps and we can help with that too.

[chuckorc]

Ok, here's a picture of the legs
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4008/4471720038_04409f1148.jpg

In order to make them easier to pull out and close, do I need to loosen the bolt in the middle? It seems like only one leg is stiff the others are not as tight.

[chuckorc]

Here a shot of the head
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4029/4471753774_cca524a4a3.jpg

Does anyone know what the lever is supposed to control. I've lifted it until it was tight but I didn't seem to influence anything that I could notice. I also figured out what the red switch above the lever does (limits tilt).

Again thanks for the help so far.

[Doctor Diesel]

The big lever is the tilt friction adjust, perhaps it is a bit loose as it should be able to lock the tilt....I see its a pan/tilt head, my advice is that if you plan to do video, ok, if not...stick the head on ebay and get a ballhead, much easier and sensible.....and yes, the 'spread' friction is affected by the cap screw you mention, adjust it very slightly with a hex wrench if you like.

[Doctor Diesel]

ps $50....great deal well done!

[chuckorc]

I just wanted to say thanks for the help. I'm excited to be able to get such a great deal on this tripod. I never really understood the difference between a good tripod and the ones you get at walmart, target, etc. until I saw and lifted the 3011.

Now I just have to save up and find a decent head to match, although I plan on using the pan head until I find one.

Again thanks for the help.