The Manfrotto 612 Nitrotech is a flat base fluid video head designed for the versatility needs of the independent content creator who's engaged in different types of projects. Thanks to its flat base with a 3/8"-16 mounting thread, as well as its relatively compact and lightweight design, the head can easily be moved between a compatible tripod and a slider, jib, monopod, and various other gear. One of the key features of the 612 Nitrotech is its Nitrogen gas piston counterbalance mechanism (hence, Nitrotech), which allows continuous counterbalance adjustment—as opposed to stepped or fixed—for the head's full payload range of 8.8 to 39.7 lb. Additionally, an upgraded fluid technology significantly improves continuously variable drag performance and enables smooth and judder-free pan and tilt movements.

Providing further flexibility, the head's camera plate system features a side-lock mechanism that allows for quicker and safer mounting of your camera plate and camera load. Instead of having to align and slide in your camera plate from the rear, you're able to conveniently tuck in one side of the plate from the top and then push and click on the other side.

The 612 Nitrotech offers two rosette mounts for attaching the included pan bar on either the left or right side. These rosettes also feature Manfrotto's Easy Link system for mounting accessories via an articulating arm. Each rosette has a 3/8"-16 port in the center and both Manfrotto and ARRI anti-rotation slots surrounding the mounting port. The Easy Link system is designed to support Manfrotto articulating arms equipped with anti-rotation pins or those with ARRI locating pins to prevent twisting. At the same time, standard articulating arms can also be attached.

Other features of the 612 Nitrotech include improved resistance to lower operating temperatures in comparison to previous Nitrotech models and improved ergonomics and materials used for the different knobs.

Flat Base Head; Half Ball Included    Nitrogen Piston Counterbalance Mechanism    8.8 - 39.7 lb Continuous Counterbalance    Continuous Variable Pan and Tilt Drag    3-Section Tripod, Removable Spreader    66" Maximum Height / 29" Minimum Height    Twin Spiked Feet with Rubber Overshoes    Side Lock Camera Plate System    Rosette Mounts with 3/8"-16 Port    Manfrotto and ARRI Anti-Rotation Slots

• Flat base with 3/8"-16 mounting thread allowing for use on tripods, sliders, jibs, monopods, and other support gear
• Nitrogen gas piston counterbalance mechanism allows for continuous counterbalance adjustment for the full payload range of 8.8 to 39.7 lb
• Upgraded fluid technology enabling smooth and judder-free pan and tilt movements via continuously variable drag performance
• Easier, safer side-lock camera plate mechanism
• Two rosette mounts with a 3/8"-16 port and Manfrotto and ARRI anti-rotation slots for attaching the included pan bar and a standard or anti-twist articulating arm
• 5.9" height

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. How durable are the twist locks when using in harsh conditions like rain, sand, mud etc?? I'm sure if sand enters the lock mechanism, it would be difficult to clean thereby creating a sandpaper effect internally.

A: This head is great in terms of performance size and weight but it is difficult to recommend in the situations that you described. The design has more components exposed to the elements than other heads (such as the 504X). This means it will require more maintenance and is more susceptible to getting sand and other debris in the mechanics. There is a lot that you can do to maintain it if you choose to go with this tripod (we also sell a lot of replacement parts for this tripod if necessary) however there are limits to how deep you can clean it without being a Manfrotto technician. I recommend considering one of the other Manfrotto models that does not expose as many elements Manfrotto 504X Fluid Video Head with 635 FAST Carbon Fiber Tripod B&H # MAMVK504XSFC MFR # MVK504XSNGFC Or a brand that is better suited for tough environments like Sachtler Sachtler aktiv6 flowtech75 MS Tripod System B&H # SAS2064SFTMS MFR # S2064S-FTMS

Q: 2. What would be needed to pan with tripod fully extended + no step stool? Manfrotto telescoping pan bar not long enough.

A: We recommend using the optional telescopic pan bar from Manfrotto with the Manfrotto 608 Nitrotech Fluid Video Head and 536 Carbon Fiber Single Legs Tripod. Manfrotto Telescopic PVC-Free Pan Bar for Select Manfrotto Video Heads BH #MAMVAPANBARL https://bhpho.to/2GRam0q

Q: 3. Does this head come with the flat to Bowl mount? or do I have to buy it seperately to run on these legs?

A: The Manfrotto 612 Nitrotech Fluid Head with 645 FAST Twin Aluminum Tripod System and Bag includes the locking tie down adapter, which locks the head to the Manfrotto legs.

Q: 4. I just received the tripod combo without bottom spreader but has the 608 head. The end of the legs don't match any dollies I have. What would be a recommended dolly to use?

A: You can use the Manfrotto 114MV Cine/Video Dolly for Tripods with Spiked Feet (B&H # MA114MV MFR # 114MV). Remove the rubber feet align the spikes with the dolly and lock them in place using the rubber latch.

Q: 5. What size is the included half ball? For 75mm?

A: Yes, according to Manfrotto the head attaches to the tripod through a 75 mm half ball.

Q: 6. What’s the full weight of the 612 head along with the carbon fiber legs of this kit?

A: You are looking at approximately 12.3lbs.

Q: 7. Is this tripod compatible with the Manfrotto Dolly 114MV?

A: Yes, This Manfrotto Nitrotech kit will work with the 114MV Dolly. Manfrotto 114MV Cine/Video Dolly for Tripods with Spiked Feet BH #MA114MV

Q: 8. What Manfrotto tripod bag comes in the box?

A: The exact model of bag is not listed by Manfrotto. However it will be a Manfrotto Branded, Padded Tripod Bag that can handle the folded length of the entire system.

Q: 9. How does this fluid head perform if less than 4 kilos of weight are added to this tripod?

A: The counterbalance capabilities are rated and tested for 3.99kg or higher, thus the counterbalancing options will not perform to the product's expectations.

Q: 10. Does the tripod bag included have an inner pocket for accessories?

A: Yes, the following bag has a small pocket where you can stow Allen keys and accessories inside.