I just became the very proud owner of a used SLIK U212 Deluxe and considering I always had crap tripods I am very, very, very pleased. I never thought that I would need a manual for a tripod but there are a lot of bells and whistles on this thing. Yet they all seem necessary. Go figure.
Is there a place to download the manual for this thing??
Muchos Gracious

I had one (many years ago) and as best I remember, it's not all that complex. You can adjust the angle the legs go to by means of the wing bolts on the leg braces; the 1/4-20 thread on one leg allows you to mount the head there for low angle shots. There's a cam lever on the head to lock the quick release post in position. Most everything else is pretty much typical.

I couldn't find the manual for download online, but I was able to track down the customer service number for THK Photo Products, the US distributor of SLIK. I'm sure if you give them a call they'll be able to help or, at the very least, point you in the right direction. Good luck.
Oops, forgot the number! (800) 421-1141

Thanks for the tips guys. I've got the basic operation down but think that I may need to adjust some of the bolts/nuts. This one says Made in Japan so I am guessing that dates it to 1985-95. It's a great tripod though and will serve me well.

What about this video review
http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=qPdl4o1LrsM
Not sure if the parts catalogs will be any use
http://www.thkphoto.co​m …_Diagrams/SLIK-U212AF.pdf
http://www.thkphoto.co​m …_Diagrams/SLIK-U212DX.pdf

Great Stuff, Lannes. That's exactly what I was looking for. A+++

Cool! I just got one of these tripods. I am SUPER excited. My first tripod was CRAP! When I put my 70-200 f/2.8L on it, it felt like it was going to break. This thing is a monster. My 70-200 f/2.8L looks like a baby on this tripod. I LOVE it. I finally know what it feels like to have a good tripod now

THanks for the video. I learnt things I didnt now about this tripod.

The links to the manuals appear to not be working any more. The link url is valid, but there is no valid document there. A web search has produced nothing for me.
Does anyone have copies of the manual and or parts diagram? They also appear to be missing from the thkphoto site now.

What are you trying to do? It is, as I said, a very straightforward tripod.

I've got a parts diagram from the tech that I talked to. just call that number & they will send you an e-mail with the parts diagram attached.
be careful of the leg locks, they can crack. not hard to replace but shipping cost is high.
had mine since 1989. changed out the plastic 3-way for a metal 3-way . can handle more weight now.
installed a hook on the bottom middle post just in case I need a little more weight on a very windy day.
good luck with your tripod & enjoy