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Manfrotto 612 Nitrotech Fluid Video Head

BH #MAMVH612AHUS • MFR #MVH612AHUS
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Manfrotto 612 Nitrotech Fluid Video Head
Key Features
  • Flat Base with 3/8"-16 Mounting Thread
  • Use with Tripods, Sliders, Jibs & More
  • Nitrogen Piston Counterbalance Mechanism
  • 8.8 to 39.7 lb Continuous Counterbalance
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.
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Manfrotto Nitrotech Series Video Head Overview

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.

Key Features
  • 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
UPC: 719821443087

Manfrotto Nitrotech Series Video Head Specs

Key Specs
Camera Mounting
1/4"-20 Screw with Locating Pin (Quick Release Plate: 504PLONG)
Head Type
Fluid Head
Drag Control
Yes
Load Capacity
39.7 lb / 18 kg
Weight
5 lb / 2.27 kg
Head
Camera Mounting
1/4"-20 Screw with Locating Pin (Quick Release Plate: 504PLONG)
Head Type
Fluid Head
Base Mount
Flat Base (Thread Size Unspecified)
Counter Balance
Continuous (8.8 to 26.4 lb / 3.99 to 11.97 kg)
Pan & Tilt
Drag Control
Yes
Independent Pan Lock
Yes
Independent Tilt Lock
Yes
Vertical Tilt
+90° to -70°
Lateral Tilt
No
General
Load Capacity
39.7 lb / 18 kg
Accessory Mounting
2x Pan Handle Fitting
2x 3/8"-16 Female Thread
Bubble Level
Yes (Illuminated)
Weight
5 lb / 2.27 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
6.5 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
30 x 20 x 9"

Manfrotto Nitrotech Series Video Head Reviews

Manfrotto 612 Nitrotech Fluid Video Head+

By Gary
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2025-01-30

This is an outstanding video head manufactured by Manfrotto. It is very solid and can hold up to 27 pounds. It just has a real professional feel to it and it's panning and up and down movement is totally awesome and way off the charts. This is a must buy if you want a video head that is going to give you outstanding filming results.

Poor Lifespan, plastic is not going to last

By Edward
Rated 2 out of 5
Date: 2024-10-21

Overall it worked well but just after warranty window the fluid drag system knob broke off and shortly thereafter the plastic plate lock lever snapped. Repair estimate was $20 less than replacing new.

See any errors on this page?

Is the plate a standard Monfrotto and compatible ...

Is the plate a standard Monfrotto and compatible with other Monfrotto video heads?
Asked by: Russell
Yes it is. This includes the 504PLONGR Camera Plate which is compatible with most of the other heads like the 502 and 504.
Answered by: Joe P
Date published: 2020-01-21

is this Nitrotech different than the traditional ...

is this Nitrotech different than the traditional fluid head?
Asked by: an
Yes. Fluid drag is common to most good heads, but each model has different types of counterbalance. When a camera is well counterbalanced on a head, with a little fluid drag, it can be left hands free without drifting up or down. It also means more even balance throughout the vertical range, as opposed to very stiff when not close to horizontal. This counterbalancing leads to more even tilts, and fluid drag also means more even tilts and pans. Counterbalance also means you can leave it hands free without the camera tilting forward and falling over to the ground. Good counterbalance is vital for live shooting with heavy cameras but also helps with smoother movement for filming. Some heads have 3 or 4 weight settings which is limiting. This head has an infinite variation, between limits(2-12Kgs for the N12) of camera weight that it can handle. It uses a pneumatic spring to do the counterbalancing and is adjustable in minute variations. The 608 and 612 models are supposed to have ungraded fluid drag over the N8 and N12.
Answered by: Paul
Date published: 2025-06-09

What it is the difference between this one and ...

What it is the difference between this one and the Nitrotech N12 Video Head?
Asked by: Matthew
This is the new version of N12
Answered by: Yuqi
Date published: 2020-06-24

Being a flat base, do you get any slip at ...

Being a flat base, do you get any slip at connection between half ball adapter and the fluid head when your pan drag is set to greater resistance?
Asked by: Marcus
No. The unit offers set screws to prevent slippage when fastened properly there is no need to worry about using the unit to pan and etc.
Answered by: hectorm
Date published: 2022-02-01

can I add a second arm?

can I add a second arm?
Asked by: Joan
Yes. Please review the following item Manfrotto Telescopic PVC-Free Pan Bar for Select Manfrotto Video Heads BH #MAMVAPANBARL • MFR #MVAPANBARL https://bhpho.to/3KpXZrv
Answered by: hectorm
Date published: 2022-03-07

what if my gears are let's say only 2kg in some ...

what if my gears are let's say only 2kg in some setups. the Counterbalance is still going to work?
Asked by: Vasile
The load will need to be between (8.8 to 26.4 lb / 3.99 to 11.97 kg) for proper performance.
Answered by: Joe P
Date published: 2020-11-01

Has anyone used this head at the maximum weight ...

Has anyone used this head at the maximum weight capacity? I am looking at using it on a slider with my F5 + heavy Canon Cine 17-120 lens. Approx 25-26 pounds. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thank you.
Asked by: russell
This is a very high quality video head that will work well at the higher end of the load capacity.
Answered by: Joe P
Date published: 2020-10-26

Can this head hold a Blackmagic Ursa broadcast ...

Can this head hold a Blackmagic Ursa broadcast camera with shoulder mount handle, studio view finder, Fujinon XA220SX8, focus and zoom controls?
Asked by: HBC
Yes, this fluid head has a load capacity of 8.8 to 26.4 lb and will handle your rig.
Answered by: Marcell Makher
Date published: 2020-11-04
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