Standard of Japan Photo and Video Accessory Association (JPVAA)

Max payload of camera tripods / monopods / heads

JPVAA S102-2015(E)This translation is based on the original Standard (JPVAA S102-2015“カメラ用 三脚・一脚・雲台の最大搭載荷重”). In the event of any doubts arising as to the contents, the original Standard inJapanese shall prevail.

Established on 01 July, 2015
Prepared by
The Tripod Committee, Japan Photo and Video Accessory Association

JPVAA Tripod Committee - Technical Working Group Members(Chief)

Takeshi Shiozaki

Velbon Corporation

Akira Tanaka

LPL Co., Ltd.

Toshihiro Imai

Guardforce Japan Ltd.

Hiroshi SuzukiSlik CorporationHitoshi Yamamoto

Slik Corporation

Satoshi Ito

Hakuba Photo Industry Co., Ltd.

Davide Cappellini

Lino Manfrotto +Co., Spa

Kenjiro Suzuki

Lino Manfrotto +Co., Spa(coordinator)

Yukio Sato

JPVAA(coordinator)

Masahiro Ono

JPVAA

Revision history
Date
01 July, 2015

Notes
EstablishedStandard of Japan Photo and Video Accessory Association (JPVAA)“Max Payload of Camera Tripods / Monopods / Heads”
1.

Scope
This standard defines the standard when declaring max payload specifications of tripods / monopods /heads for photo cameras.

2.

Definitions of terms
The definitions of most terms used in this standard are based on definitions in JPVAA’s organization
standard JPVAA S101-2015 “Camera-yo Sankyaku” (Tripods for Cameras), as well as the following:a) Pmax declared max payloadb) Ptest value measured in the test

3.

Tests
3.1. Test conditions
3.1.1. Preparation before tests
Tests shall be executed after keeping the product in a high temperature high humidity
environment (temperature 75°C, humidity 70%, 24 hours), and then returning to ordinary
temperature.
3.1.2. Judging pass or fail of testsSet the target max payload that the product will declare, test if Ptest satisfies the Pmax value
explained in Section 5. and judge pass / fail. In case the test fails, the product’s max payload shallbe amended to a value not greater than the Pmax that can be satisfied by the tested Ptest value.
3.2. Tripod tests
3.2.1. Center column lock strength
3.2.1.1. Test method
Extend the center column, lock the knob with the prescribed torque (seeSection 4.), apply load in the direction of pushing down the center column.
The load when the center column starts moving is the Ptest.

3.2.2. Leg payload
3.2.2.1 Test method
Extend each section of the leg midway of the extension stroke, lock the leg locks,
stand the leg vertically and apply load in the direction of pushing down. The loadwhen the leg starts moving is the Ptest. Test each of the 3 legs.
If the leg lock is a lock nut type, lock the leg locks with a torque not exceeding theprescribed maximum tightening torque (see Section 4.) before testing.

13.2.3. Body strength
3.2.3.1. Test method
Contract the legs to the shortest positions, place the tripod on a surface
without asperity (plastic tile or equivalent) with the legs spread, apply loadto the center of the tripod in the direction of pushing down. The load limit
when the tripod cannot support the load is the Ptest. For tripods withvariable leg angles, test for each leg angle.

3.3. Monopod tests
3.3.1. Leg payload
3.3.1.1. Test method
Extend each section of the leg midway of the extension stroke, lock the leg locks,
stand the leg vertically and apply load in the direction of pushing down. The loadwhen the leg starts moving is the Ptest.
If the leg lock is a nut locking type, lock the leg locks with a torque not exceeding theprescribed maximum tightening torque (see Section 4.) before testing.

3.4. Head tests
3.4.1 Test jig
For head tests, use a jig that can be attached to the head’s camera attachment screw, and can beapplied loads at heights of H=55mm and H=100mm from the head’s camera attachment surface.
Test results of H=100mm is used if the product will declare Pmax of 2kg (19.6N) or greater, while
H=55mm is used for Pmax under 2kg (19.6N), therefore if it is already decided whether Pmax will
be 2kg (19.6N) or greater / under 2kg (19.6N), the tests can be done with either of the H heights.
3.4.2. Quick release static payload
3.4.2.1 Test method
Set the head’s camera attachment surface level, attach the jig on
the quick release plate, apply load of Pmax on the jig’s position of
H=55mm or H=100mm in 4 directions as the diagram, and checkif there is no abnormity in the quick release function.

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3.4.3. Quick release dynamic payload
3.4.3.1. Test method
Set the head’s camera attachment surface level, attach the jig
on the quick release plate, attach a weight of 1/2Pmax on thejig so the center of gravity of the jig is at the position of
H=55mm or H=100mm, and with the head’s locking handles
unlocked to free position let the weight turn to the tilt direction
and the portrait tilt direction with its own weight, and check if
there is no abnormity in the quick release function.
If the head has a friction control function, set it to the minimum
before testing.

3.4.4. Head locking strength
3.4.4.1. Test method
Set the head’s camera attachment surface level, lock the locking handle / knob with a torque
not exceeding the prescribed maximum tightening torque (see Section 4.), attach the jig to thehead’s camera screw, apply load of Pmax on the jig’s position of H=55mm or H=100mm in 4
directions as the diagram, and check that it does not start to move.

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4.

Knob / handle maximum tightening torque
When conducting tests, the prescribed maximum tightening torque on the knob / handle should be as
follows. It is not necessary to tighten up to the prescribed maximum tightening torque.
4.1. Knobs operated by fingers
Prescribed maximum tightening torque = 87.5 * D / 1000 (Nm)
D is the knob’s max diameter or width (mm) x≤50
Note: If D is greater than 50mm, the prescribed torque is 4.375Nm.
4.2. Handles gripped by hand
Prescribed maximum tightening torque＝273 * D / 1000 - 3.5 (Nm)
D is the handle’s diameter (mm)20≤x≤5045.

Max payload Pmax
The declared max payload Pmax value must satisfy the conditions listed below.
For tripods and heads, Pmax should adopt the lowest value among the multiple conditions.
For set products of tripod+head or monopod+head, the payload of the set product is [Pmax of tripod ormonopod – weight of head], or [Pmax of head], whichever is lower.
5.1. Tripods
Test
Center column lockstrength
Leg payload

Body strength

Conditions
Models with Pmax 4kg(39.2N) or greater: Ptest

Pmax+10kg(98.1N)

Models with Pmax under 4kg(39.2N):

Ptest

Pmax+6kg(58.8N)

Models with Pmax 4kg(39.2N) or greater: Ptest

Pmax+8kg(78.5N)

Models with Pmax under 4kg(39.2N):

Pmax+4kg(39.2N)

Ptest

Models with Pmax 4kg(39.2N) or greater: Ptest

Pmax+40kg(392.3N)

Models with Pmax under 4kg(39.2N):

Ptest

Pmax+20kg(196.1N)

Models with Pmax 4kg(39.2N) or greater: Ptest

Pmax+20kg(196.1N)

Models with Pmax under 4kg(39.2N):

Pmax+12kg(117.7N)

5.2. Monopods
Test
Leg payload

Conditions

5Ptest5.3. Heads
Test
Quick releasestatic payload

Models with Pmax 2kg (19.6N) or greater: Ptest(H100) Pmax
Models with Pmax under 2kg (19.6N):

Ptest(H55) Pmax

Quick release

Models with Pmax 2kg (19.6N) or greater: Ptest(H100) 1/2Pmax

dynamic payload

Models with Pmax under 2kg (19.6N):

Head locking

Models with Pmax 2kg (19.6N) or greater: Ptest(H100) Pmax

strength

6.

Conditions

Models with Pmax under 2kg (19.6N):

Ptest(H55) 1/2Pmax

Ptest(H55) Pmax

How to indicate max payload
For products satisfying the JPVAA testing standard, an asterisk (or an arbitrary icon) should beindicated where the max payload is indicated on product catalogs, product instructions, etc., andclearly write the footnote “based on JPVAA S102-2015 testing standard”.
The footnote can be ommitted if it is clearly written “based on JPVAA S102-2015 testing standard”
elsewhere.

7.

Re-examination and revision of the Standard
Contents of this Standard shall be adequately reviewed and revised to meet the needs of the times.

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Standard of Japan Photo and Video Accessory Association (JPVAA)“Max Payload of Tripods / Monopods / Heads” CommentsThese comments explain about the issues defined in the Standard, and related issues, and is not part of
the Standard.

Background
For tripod / monopod / head users to conduct photo shooting operations safely and comfortably, it is an
important factor to know the payload capability of the legs or the head, and it is essential to indicate the“max payload” (there are various terms such as max payload weight, suggested load, payload, etc.) tohelp users selecting the product.
However, the load figures indicated on materials like catalogs can differ greatly between manufacturers,and there has been no uniformed standard for the testing method, which makes it confusing for users.
JPVAA’s Tripod Committee set up the “Technical Working Group”, holding its first meeting in December
2013, to create a standard testing method for “max payload” of tripods, monopods, and heads, aiming torealize fair competition among manufacturers and to benefit users selecting the safe product matching
the need, with a technical, transparent, uniform testing method. Since the discussion required technicalknowledge, the working group members were consisted mainly of engineers and R&D staff of the Tripod
Committee member companies.
The Technical Working Group had discussed in a monthly basis, and drew up ad draft with the consent
among the members, and established the JPVAA Standard for max payload testing in its 15th meeting inMay 2015 and released to tripod manufacturing companies.
By indicating “based on JPVAA testing standard” on products satisfying this standard, users should be
able to use the products without worries.
By having more tripod manufacturers using this standard, we believe that this standard will contribute inminimizing accidents and troubles during photo shooting by the users.
We hope that users who love photography and love tripod / monopod / head products can enjoy photoshooting safely and comfortably.

Detail comments of the defined contents
3.1.1. Preparation before tests
Assuming that the product shall perform satisfactory when the end user starts using it after
production, shipping, and distribution of the product, the Standard defines that the tests should beconducted after keeping the product in a high temperature high humidity environment (temperature75°C, humidity 70%, 24 hours) and then returning to ordinary temperature.

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3.2.1. Center column lock strength
The Standard assumes that there should be no problems when the user loads the camera
equipment on the product, and also part of the user’s own weight is applied onto the product.
3.2.2. Leg payload (Tripods)
Since a tripod holds camera equipment with 3 opened legs, we discussed and defined the minimum
vertical payload required on one leg.
3.2.3. Body strength
The Standard assumes that there should be no problems when the user loads the camera
equipment on the product, and also part of the user’s own weight is applied onto the product.
3.3.1. Leg payload (Monopods)
Unlike tripods, a monopod supports the camera equipment weight and part of the user’s own weightwith just one leg, so the Standard requires higher test values than tripods.
3.4.2. Quick release static payload
The Standard is defined assuming that the user’s valuable equipment should not fall off easily.
3.4.3. Quick release dynamic payload
The Standard is defined assuming that the user’s valuable equipment should not fall off easily evenwhen the user mistakenly takes his hands off the camera equipment.
3.4.4. Head locking strength
The Standard is defined assuming that the camera equipment can be fixed at the desired position.
4. Knob / handle maximum tightening torqueLocking strength tests should be tested with a tightening torque achievable by any user, so that any
user can obtain the performance commensurate with the max payload. Considering this, theStandard prescribes a realistic maximum tightening torque against the diameter of the knob /handle.
If there was a knob with a design that is small but can achieve strong torque easily, and any user
can achieve higher torque than the Standard’s prescribed torque, we must consider excluding thisstandard as an exception. However we did not find such exceptional knob, and decided to review
the Standard when such knob is developed.
5. Max payload Pmax
For Pmax of tripods and monopods, the Standard changes the conditions between products with
Pmax 4kg (39.2N) or greater, and products with under 4kg (39.2N). Today photographic equipment
weighing 4kg (39.2N) or greater is also very expensive, so we made the standards stricter
considering that such users can use without worries.
For heads, the Standard changes the conditions between products with Pmax 2kg (19.6N) orgreater, and products with under 2kg (19.6N). We considered that the head’s functions andperformance are large factors for the usability of the tripod, and that many tripods / heads with max

8payload under 2kg (19.6N) are affordable products made of plastic.
- System of units For the system of units, historically MKS gravitational units have been used in the tripod industry, butfrom April 1974 JIS (Japanese Industry Standards) has decided to use SI (International System ofUnits). In this Standard, by right we should use SI, but in the market max payload indications aremostly in MKS gravitational units, so in this document we used MKS gravitational units and SI
together, or SI alone, and for the graphs we used MKS gravitational units.

JPVAA max payload standard – recommendation and special instructions“Max payload”, indicated for users to shoot photos safely and stably when using the tripod / monopod /head, is an important factor when choosing the product, and is indicated in catalogs and other material ofeach manufacturer. Since there has been no standard for the measurement method for it, sometimes
consumers wavered over when deciding the product. Therefore in the JPVAA Tripod Committee, after
discussion in its Technical Workikng Group, has established JPVAA’s voluntary standard of a unifiied
testing method, in order to help consumers choose their products. This standard should match withconsumer benefits, so it is recommended not only for JPVAA member companies, but for all companies
manufacturing and selilng tripods, monopods, and heads, to positively adopt this standard.
This JPVAA standard is a non-binding standard, but max payload specs based on the testing standard
can indicate so in their catalogs and instructions.
Along with the new standard, JPVAA’s organization standard “camera-yo sankyaku (tripods forcameras)” (last revision Dec. 4th 2003) has also been revised.

[Special instructions]-JPVAA and JPVAA members do not provide warranty of any kind to the content of this standard, andassume no responsibility whatsoever to any damage or disputes resulting from the use of thisstandard.

-Reproduction of this standard without permission is prohibited. Any reproduction of all or part of thisstandard must have permission from JPVAA, and in which case the standard must be used as theoriginal without amending.

Copyright © 2015 JPVAA All Rights Reserved.

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