DJI RONIN 4D FLEX MODE SETUP GUIDE
In this lesson, Gimbal Op Jason Robbins demonstrates how to set up the DJI Ronin 4D Flex before revealing its flexibility in action! The Flex allows you to separate from the main module with the Zenmuse X9 Gimbal for a lightweight and mobile handheld camera solution.
| PRO TIP: If you haven’t already, bookmark this page to quickly return and reference it. |
This lesson is part of the DJI Ronin 4D Series. This series demonstrates how to get the most out of your Ronin 4D.
Lessons in the DJI Ronin 4D Series:
You’re going to learn:
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Follow along below as Jason walks you through the process of installing the Flex!
STEP 1: PAUSE THE GIMBAL
The first thing is to pause the gimbal, so Jason flips the left switch to the off position.
STEP 2: LOCK EVERY AXIS OF THE GIMBAL
Next, Jason locks every axis as well as the tilt, roll, and pan.
STEP 3: POWER DOWN
After that, Jason powers down the DJI Ronin 4D by holding the power button for three seconds.
Now that he has powered down the 4D, it’s safe to add the Flex.
STEP 4: TURN THE SCREW COUNTERCLOCKWISE & PRESS UNLOCK BUTTON
Now, Jason spins the screw counterclockwise and then presses the Unlock button
STEP 5: TURN GIMBAL COUNTERCLOCKWISE
As he rotates the Zenmuse X9 counterclockwise, it will then pop right off.
STEP 6: ATTACH THE MODULE SIDE TO THE GIMBAL CONNECTOR
The smaller side of the Flex is the module side.
STEP 7: TURN CLOCKWISE UNTIL IT CLICKS
Jason removes the safety cap and lines up the red dots. He inserts it into the slot, rotating it clockwise until it clicks.
He then retightens the screw.
STEP 8: REMOVE MONITOR
Next, Jason removes the five-inch 1000 Nit High-Bright Monitor.
STEP 9: ATTACH MONITOR CABLE ALONG BODY OF THE GIMBAL
With the High-Bright monitor cable, Jason runs it back through the safeties and plugs it in.
| PRO TIP: Make sure the cable is seated correctly and that you use the tightening screw to secure it. |
This part of the Flex is the gimbal module that connects to the gimbal. So, Jason removes the cap and makes sure it is in the unlocked position. It’s a clockwise rotation.
STEP 10: ATTACH TO GIMBAL, TIGHTEN THE SCREW, AND LOCK IT
Jason takes the Zenmuse X9 Gimbal, lines up the two red dots, slides the locking mechanism (the lock icon to the other lock icon), and finally secures it to the little tab, pushing it to the red position.
This finalizes the installation of the Flex. For the next part of the process, power the Ronin 4D back on…
PLACE HANDGRIPS AND MONITOR ON X9 GIMBAL:
Now that Jason has powered the Ronin 4D back on, he plans to take the handgrips and High-Bright monitor from the main setup and attach them to the Zenmuse X9 Gimbal.
For the most ergonomic style of operating, Jason moves the friction mount from the side position to the middle position.
Moving the friction mount allows you to mount it and look directly at the screen.
When completed, slide in the cold shoe and tighten it down.
Once the cold shoe is tightened down, Jason plugs the display port cable in and secures the safety screw.
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Next, Jason removes the hand grips and slides the levers into the unlocked position.
Then, he releases the two front safety tabs.
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Once he slides them out, he inserts them onto the gimbal side.
Justin confirms that the cable is working by pulling up the image.
ENERGIZE THE GIMBAL:
Now it’s time to energize the gimbal. Jason does this by unlocking each axis. Make sure it still has balance and put it into Follow mode.
When Jason picks it up to test it, everything appears to be working correctly. He ensures that he can recenter and use ActiveTrack, while also testing the focus and zoom.
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THE BENEFITS OF THE DJI RONIN 4D BACKPACK:
PGYTech created the DJI Ronin 4D backpack where you can mount the main module.
This allows you to counterweight yourself on the back while holding a much lighter payload up front.
So, Flex Mode benefits the operator with a weight change of 10 ½ lbs to 5 lbs. That’s quite a big difference because every ounce counts when you’re holding the camera for a very long period of time.
Mount this to the bottom plate on the 4D and then slide it into the quick-release mount in the backpack.
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Jason removes the top handle so he can close the backpack.
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SINGLE-SHOT DEMONSTRATION:
Now Jason set up the DJI Ronin 4D for Flex Mode. Next, Jason prepares for a single-shot demonstration.
Jason will push, pan, and tilt to undersling the gimbal. This lets him get as low as possible.
Jason and his team designed a single shot that will showcase the flexibility of the Flex Mode setup. They will start on the feet and boom up to the face.
“So, we’re going to be low on the feet,” explains Jason.
“And then I’m gonna start booming up gracefully, come to the face, come around, set her down, push in, and then start hinging to the right.”
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Jason moves out into a wider shot to see what it looks like and notes the focus holding nicely.
Then, he moves back into a close-up to confirm if the autofocus can do what it promised.
“Pretty dang good,” affirms Jason.
In Conclusion:
When you review the DJI Ronin 4D Flex Mode Setup video lesson, notice how the Flex helped Jason get from very, very low to high with ease, fluidity, and precision. The Flex gives the operator the advantage of a lighter, more manageable camera and the flexibility to move any which way while staying in focus.
- If you haven’t already, watch the first lesson in the DJI Ronin 4D series: The Single Shooter Setup Guide.
Stay tuned for the following lessons in the series that explore other features and techniques of the Ronin 4D.
- DJI Ronin 4D Series: Flex Mode on Poor Man’s Jib
- DJI Ronin 4D Series: Handheld Mode & Sport Mode
