Luminous Landscape Forum

Equipment & Techniques => Medium Format / Film / Digital Backs – and Large Sensor Photography => Topic started by: Dinarius on January 06, 2008, 05:08:28 am

Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: Dinarius on January 06, 2008, 05:08:28 am: I know that this is a pretty bog standard question for such an august forum!

But, I am someone who has been using a Mamiya RB67 and a Sinar P2 for nearly twenty years and never had to flip the cameras on their side. (Only my 35mm/DSLRs had to be flipped.)

I am about to buy a Hasselblad and, since they don't have a revolving back, and I will be using it in portrait mode (a lot!), I need advice on tripod heads.

What tripod head do you use? If it's one of the Manfrotto's, for example, I'd appreciate the manufacturer's code or a link to it on their site.

While I realize that this is a fairly basic question, it does have real practical implications. I hope you agree.

Thanks.

D.

ps. Any of you not bother shooting in portrait mode because of all those pixels you have to play with?
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: ixpressraf on January 06, 2008, 05:15:28 am: Quote
I know that this is a pretty bog standard question for such an august forum!

But, I am someone who has been using a Mamiya RB67 and a Sinar P2 for nearly twenty years and never had to flip the cameras on their side. (Only my 35mm/DSLRs had to be flipped.)

I am about to buy a Hasselblad and, since they don't have a revolving back, I will be using it in portrait mode (a lot!).

What tripod head do you use? If it's one of the Manfrotto's, for example, I'd appreciate the manufacturer's code or a link to it on their site.

While I realize that this is a fairly basic question, it does have real practical implications. I hope you agree.

Thanks.

D.

ps. Any of you not bother shooting in portrait mode because of all those pixels you have to play with?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=165380\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Just get the really right stuff L shaped tripot adapter plate for the H123. Dustback brought it to my attention and it is the best thing to get for mounting a hassie H123 on a tripod.
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: jonstewart on January 06, 2008, 05:59:22 am: Quote
Just get the really right stuff L shaped tripot adapter plate for the H123. Dustback brought it to my attention and it is the best thing to get for mounting a hassie H123 on a tripod.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=165381\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

I use a manfrotto 410 geared head, but with the Mamiya Rotocam (I shoot AFD2), so I would concur with iexpressraf. That won't be as quick, but any L adaptor is better
than having a MF camera hanging at 90 degrees of a tripod head, especially if it has a quick release plate...and I don't care what the manufacturers say the weight limitis are !
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: Wim van Velzen on January 06, 2008, 06:29:07 am: A Manfrotto 410 here as well for my Rollei 6008. Love it.
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: Dustbak on January 06, 2008, 06:37:58 am: I use a Burszynski head with RRS PCL1 pano clamp and RRS L-Bracket.

The RRS L-bracket is perfect. It is light, it fits the H perfectly. So much I leave the bracket on all the time even when shooting hand held. Only when using sync cables there is a small catch. In portrait mode you have to detach the bracket first. I now use Elinchrom El Skyport which is perfect especially with my RX flashes, so no more sync cables for me.

Portrait mode with the L-bracket is no longer a nightmare but easy and painless. I use 39MP and prefer using them all instead of cropping away a large portion to make portrait from landscape.

The Burszynski head together with the pano head give me an extremely low profile and solid head. The PCL1 has a bubble and can rotate with degree markings. Whenever I need to go wider than my 35 can handle (I use the H2) I grab the nodal slide and stitch 2 or 3 portrait images into 1 landscape.

Some brilliant mind at Hasselblad was so kind to put the nodal distances in all lens specifications

The only thing I hate is my Gitzo 1348 tripod. As soon as I can think about the Sachtler without throwing up over its price I probably get one of those.
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: amsp on January 06, 2008, 07:57:15 am: Manfrotto 229 3D SUPER-PRO
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: BJNY on January 06, 2008, 09:00:14 am: Found a link, correct?

http://www.naturfotograf.com/burzynski.html (http://www.naturfotograf.com/burzynski.html)

Quote
I use a Burszynski head with RRS PCL1 pano clamp and RRS L-Bracket.

The RRS L-bracket is perfect. It is light, it fits the H perfectly. So much I leave the bracket on all the time even when shooting hand held. Only when using sync cables there is a small catch. In portrait mode you have to detach the bracket first. I now use Elinchrom El Skyport which is perfect especially with my RX flashes, so no more sync cables for me.

Portrait mode with the L-bracket is no longer a nightmare but easy and painless. I use 39MP and prefer using them all instead of cropping away a large portion to make portrait from landscape.

The Burszynski head together with the pano head give me an extremely low profile and solid head. The PCL1 has a bubble and can rotate with degree markings. Whenever I need to go wider than my 35 can handle (I use the H2) I grab the nodal slide and stitch 2 or 3 portrait images into 1 landscape.

Some brilliant mind at Hasselblad was so kind to put the nodal distances in all lens specifications

The only thing I hate is my Gitzo 1348 tripod. As soon as I can think about the Sachtler without throwing up over its price I probably get one of those.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=165391\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: Dustbak on January 06, 2008, 09:48:35 am: That is the head allright. The clamp shown on that image doesn't come with the head. I use the round RRS PLC1 for a clamp. It is round, has an integrated bubble, turns and is of excellent build quality.

I have tried all sorts of heads, clamps, panoheads. This I am really happy with (not including the tripod).

The head does fall into the tripod very nicely when you have no center column but a flat plate. What I don't like about the Gitzo are the tightenings for the legs. I have the older model that you need to turn apparently the newer ones have tightenings that lock with halve a twist I have been told.
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: Russell Price on January 06, 2008, 11:01:01 am: The Really Right Stuff 55 ball head is fantastic. The whole series are quite well made. A friend of mine only shoots with a monopod and he uses the 25 and loves it.

They make incredible products. I don't think you can go wrong with an RRS head.
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: jimgolden on January 06, 2008, 11:27:56 am: H3D22 mounted on a RRS L bracket mounted on Manfrotto 410 geared - best in my opinion. I've used this setup for a few years now, my fave
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: PdF on January 06, 2008, 12:27:22 pm: I'm generally using the Manfrotto 229 Super Pro Head for the MF, and the 400 geared head for the Sinar P2 (with Sinarcam2 and 43 HR digital back).

Everythink works fine since many years, and in many heavy circumstances (especially for the MF...)

PdF
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: rgold1963 on January 06, 2008, 12:54:00 pm: I use both the 410 geared head and a Markins ball head. It really depends on where and what I am shooting. I have an "L" plate on my 645AFDII and the only complaint I have about it is that the shutter release cable is a little tight and is slightly in the way when mounted vertically.
I think Kirk Photo makes the Arca style plate that fits into the 410 head so you can use an L plate on it. I use my 410 a lot more now that I have that.
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: Dinarius on January 06, 2008, 01:15:25 pm: Two points.........

1. Is this the RRS plate you're talking about?

http://reallyrightstuff.com/rrs/items.asp?...tatus=0&Tp=&Bc= (http://reallyrightstuff.com/rrs/items.asp?Cc=BodyHassyH1&iTpStatus=0&Tp=&Bc=)

2. I've used the Manfrotto Triaut tripod for years now. Fabulous piece of kit. The quick release legs are indispensible once you get used to them - even with the Sinar.

http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfro...id=68|69&idx=70 (http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/cache/off/pid/2287?livid=68|69&idx=70)

Thanks for the suggestions. I like the look of the 229 3D Super Pro head.

D.
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: Dustbak on January 06, 2008, 01:35:58 pm: That is the RRS Plate we are talking about. Remember you also need a clamp with that.

I use this one:

http://reallyrightstuff.com/rrs/Customkiti...DElem%2DPkg&eq= (http://reallyrightstuff.com/rrs/Customkititems.asp?kc=Pano%2DElem%2DPkg&eq=)
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: LA30 on January 06, 2008, 03:52:27 pm: Markins M20 head is amazing. I really like the RRS L brackets, on my 5D and H2.

Ken
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: Jann Lipka on January 06, 2008, 04:05:26 pm: I have a H2 with L bracket from RRS, and frankly i'm not entirely happy with it .
There is some flex movement on the bracket that I do not like ..
It is mounted correctly , I'm not sure if my bracket was slighlty out of specifications ...
I know most people love RRS gear , but still ,my Wimberley regular plate on Mark 3
has way better fit .
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: John_Black on January 06, 2008, 06:11:43 pm: Manfrotto 405 Gear Head - it's the big brother to the 410. Had the 410 before that, but prefer the 405 for the finer control.
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: RicAgu on January 06, 2008, 06:18:46 pm: RRS stuff all around.

B55

B40 and L plates on Canon and Hasselblad.

Flat plates on RZ

If you use all RRS plates then the flip lever is amazing. if you use various then the "Pro" which screws in to tighten.
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: Tomas Johanson on January 06, 2008, 06:46:54 pm: Manfrotto 405 and a Novoflex panorama plate with click stops.
[attachment=4558:attachment]
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: Bernd B. on January 07, 2008, 07:58:12 am: From 1989 until October 2007: Gitzo PL5 from 35mm to 8x10 inches.

Now mostly my new manfrotto 405 with my 5D, H3D and Hassy V.

Bernd
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: BJNY on January 07, 2008, 08:32:33 am: Surprising to read so many using the Bogen/Manfrotto 405. I purchased one many years ago when it first became available, and returned it instantly, as it was too oversized. Instead, I've been using the [smaller] top-end 400 for several years, but now am lusting for the Arca-Swiss C1 Cube + P1(single) monoball.
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: Carl Glover on January 07, 2008, 09:29:36 am: All my tripods have Arca-Swiss B1's. A shockingly good head.
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: Kirk Gittings on January 07, 2008, 10:01:30 am: Quote
Manfrotto 405 Gear Head - it's the big brother to the 410. Had the 410 before that, but prefer the 405 for the finer control.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=165517\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

I've used many many heads over the years, but I've used the Bogen 410 head for the last few years for everything from DSLR and Hassleblad to my 4x5's under a heavy professional work load. A joy to use. I also use a Beseler 468MGRC4 Magnesium Hydrostatic Ballhead on a lightweight tripod (Bogen 055MF3) for hiking.
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: Leonardo Barreto on January 07, 2008, 05:53:12 pm: I just won (I don't have it yet with me) a device that will convert my AFD in to a "revolving camera"

I think that this and a Burzynski ball head wold be a perfect set up for the 645 Mamiya. I think that the adapter rotates the camera leaving the lens center in the same position. If this is the case I can save all the time spent repositioning the tripod (moving it to one side and lowering the hight) with the added value of having avoiding having a heavy/expensive camera leaning away from center of gravity of the tripod.

I hope it works since I spent a fortune on eBay to get it ($42 )

As soon as I get it I will document the way it works that is a bit mysterious to me even now...
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: BJNY on January 07, 2008, 06:03:53 pm: In the past, I think it was Stroboframe that manufactured inexpensive brackets that allowed easy centered "flipping" between horizontal and vertical.
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: mikemigs on January 07, 2008, 08:48:25 pm: I just bought an Acratech V2 Ballhead with Quick Release. It's mounted on a Novoflex plate which mounts on a Novoflex quick release.

I do this so I can change tripod heads (pano to ball and vice versa).

Working great so far but all the parts costs a pretty penny ( or I should say quite a few pennies)!
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: kevinwilson on January 08, 2008, 02:59:42 pm: I use the Manfrotto Tri Aut in combination with an Arca Swiss ball and socket, it is very good and will allow you plenty of scope.
Kevin
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: jonstewart on January 08, 2008, 04:45:40 pm: Quote
I just won (I don't have it yet with me) a device that will convert my AFD in to a "revolving camera"

[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=165730\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Post deleted
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: LoneRangefinder on January 09, 2008, 07:05:34 am: Quote
... now am lusting for the Arca-Swiss C1 Cube + P1(single) monoball.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=165600\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Re: the Cube: I haven't touched the FOBA SuperBall I used previously since buying a C1 Cube a couple of years ago. For composing, it's a lot more satisfying than a ball head so long as you don't have to go instantly to maximum downward tilt. I actually had the Cube for a while before I realized there is a release knob at the rear that allows most of the base to tilt forward to whatever degree you set. It's an ingenious bit of three-dimensional design. LF users don't tilt the camera to re-orienting from landscape to portrait orientation, but when using an MF camera or (D)SLR, you'll want to use an L-bracket, both to maintain center of gravity/stability/min vibration, and because it's faster than unlocking and relocking the tilt lock knob. The two changes I would most welcome are 1) make the left-right lock knobs more compatible with human fingers, and 2) use an ordinary locking clamp for mounting the camera, a la the SuperBall or Jack Flescher's modified Cube.

The C1 Cube is fine stability-wise from a light camera to a heavy technical view camera at normal to moderate extension. If using the latter racked out to 300-400mm with a fast, heavy 8x10 lens up front and an MF back on the rear, then you may have to be careful to keep the leverage from moving the setting of the front-rear tilt knob. You can tighten it's tension, but there's no lock knob per se.

Anyway, my C1 Cube isn't for sale. Hope this helps.
LR
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: free1000 on January 09, 2008, 08:55:02 am: Quote
A Manfrotto 410 here as well for my Rollei 6008. Love it.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=165390\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Yep, I use the 410 with Mamiya+Leaf, Cambo+Leaf, Ebony+Leaf and the DSLR. Lightweight and precise.

I won't use a head that isn't geared again unless someone holds my feet over burning coals.
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: clawery on January 09, 2008, 11:31:39 am: I use the Manfrotto 3265 Grip Action Ball Head. It works similar to a joystick on a airplane. I have a Mamiya RZ ProII with L-bracket and prism and it holds rather well. It's rated for only 5.5 lbs, so I'm not sure if it could handle the weight of a H1 / H2 with a 150mm. Hasselblad's new lenses are quite heavy.

Chris Lawery
Sales Manager
Capture Integration

(404)234-5195 Cell
(404)522-7662 Atlanta
(305 )534-5701 Miami
(877 )217-9870 National
www.captureintegration.com
chris@captureintegration.com

PHASE ONE PARTNER OF THE YEAR - 2006
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: Snook on January 09, 2008, 02:29:02 pm: Quote
I use the Manfrotto 3265 Grip Action Ball Head. It works similar to a joystick on a airplane. I have a Mamiya RZ ProII with L-bracket and prism and it holds rather well. It's rated for only 5.5 lbs, so I'm not sure if it could handle the weight of a H1 / H2 with a 150mm. Hasselblad's new lenses are quite heavy.

Chris Lawery
Sales Manager
Capture Integration

(404)234-5195 Cell
(404)522-7662 Atlanta
(305 )534-5701 Miami
(877 )217-9870 National
www.captureintegration.com
chris@captureintegration.com

PHASE ONE PARTNER OF THE YEAR - 2006
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=166139\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Anybody have the part number by any chance for the Mamiya AFDII L Bracket?
Could not find it on the site.
Thanks
Snook
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: rgold1963 on January 09, 2008, 10:37:30 pm: I use this one : http://www.kirkphoto.com/lbracketso.html (http://www.kirkphoto.com/lbracketso.html)
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: clawery on January 10, 2008, 04:28:16 pm: Quote
Anybody have the part number by any chance for the Mamiya AFDII L Bracket?
Could not find it on the site.
Thanks
Snook
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=166175\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

There are are few brackets that Mamiya produces. Here are two of the brackets that I found:

1. part # 211-758 RotaCam Bracket for 645AFDII/ 645AFD / 645AF

2. part # 212-550 RZ L-grip w/ handstrap and electronic shutter release

Chris Lawery
Sales Manager
Capture Integration

(404)234-5195 Cell
(404)522-7662 Atlanta
(305 )534-5701 Miami
(877 )217-9870 National
www.captureintegration.com
chris@captureintegration.com

PHASE ONE PARTNER OF THE YEAR - 2006
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: Don Libby on January 11, 2008, 03:16:15 pm: Quote
Anybody have the part number by any chance for the Mamiya AFDII L Bracket?
Could not find it on the site.
Thanks
Snook
[{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a] (http://index.php?act=findpost&pid=166175\")

Snook - I use the Kirk Photo BL645AF on my Mamiya AFDII with great success - wouldn't think of not using it. I use Kirk L brackets on all my cameras. I've also added the spacer block to the Mamiya to help with the shutter release - LBA-1 is the part #. Kirk just brought back the L bracket after being discontinued for awhile. Go to [a href=\"http://www.kirkphoto.com/Welcome.html]http://www.kirkphoto.com/Welcome.html[/url]

don
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: Morgan_Moore on January 12, 2008, 07:59:20 am: Can someone explain how the RRS interacts with the H1 quick release plate or is that abaondoned

What is needed IMO is a 90 H1 QR plate ??

So the QR plate bottom is left on the tripod then one either attaches the camera or the camera via a 90 adapter

I like to be able to get my camera off the tripod fast

SMM
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: Dustbak on January 12, 2008, 08:25:37 am: I don't use the Hasselblad quick release, it is a nice idea but it is not possible to do portrait with it. The RRS L-Plate fits over the body like a glove. Only other downside I found (besides the sync cable thingy) is that the centermarkings are very hard to see, they should go over the side of the plate, not just on top of it.

Take a RRS plate and a RRS quickrelease clamp and you have what you want. A system where you can easily and quickly attach & detach your body either in portrait or landscape. You don't even have to undo the clamp entirely, you can slide it in if you only loosen it somewhat.

When you ever consider doing panoramas with your H, don't get the regular RRS clamp but go for the PCL1 pano clamp immediately. That is a clamp and a panohead in one package. You can leave the L-bracket on the H which is what I do. I find it is not in the way of working handheld.

Something that doesn't show on images is the build quality of the RRS clamps and brackets. It is very well built, very rugged. I have had manfrotto QR plates, novoflex plates/heads (pano), Minolta panohead, Nikon panoheads, etc.. none of them had that ruggedness while still keeping silky smooth operation.

I saw someone mention he had movement in his clamp and bracket, that must have been another brand of clamp if not he should return the thing to RRS to get it replaced.
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: Dinarius on January 12, 2008, 08:55:16 am: I tried a H3D2 at my dealer's with both the Manfrotto 3D Pro Head 229 and the Pro Geared Head 405.

Firstly, the 229 is a huge step up from the old 029 and makes the Hassie seem light. I liked it a lot.

Never having used geared heads, I found the 405 a bit ponderous, but I guess you get used to it. I would love a lever to have when flipping the camera over to portrait. The quick release mechanism on the head is good but not hugely to my liking.

D.
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: mikeseb on January 12, 2008, 10:00:02 am: RRS B55 head, L plate on my Contax 645 with battery grip. Rock solid on Gitzo legs.
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: Dustbak on January 12, 2008, 10:28:46 am: Mike,

Do you have the Gitzo with the new release for the legs or do you use the older screw system? If you have the new version how do you like it?
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: Ken Tanaka on January 12, 2008, 11:51:28 am: Another vote for the Manfrotto 410 geared head here. My Mamiya RZ67 has a rotating back so I am not faced with the need to rotate the entire camera.
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: paul_jones on January 12, 2008, 02:47:10 pm: Quote
I use this one : http://www.kirkphoto.com/lbracketso.html (http://www.kirkphoto.com/lbracketso.html)
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=166248\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

i use the rrs bracket on my h1 with a kirk ball head. i like the look of the kirk version of a bracket, looks more sturdy than the rrs type.

paul
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: Kirk Gittings on January 12, 2008, 04:10:20 pm: Quote
Another vote for the Manfrotto 410 geared head here. My Mamiya RZ67 has a rotating back so I am not faced with the need to rotate the entire camera.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=166734\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Jsut to be clear to people though. This head does rotate 90 degrees quite easily.
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: David WM on January 14, 2008, 08:52:59 am: I'd agree with that. By the look of the Kirk L bracket the synch cable plug is inaccessable, which would make it useless to me.
I use the Hasselblad H quick release plate and I'd be very reluctant to leave it. It is easy to use, positive and safe, critical when you think about the value of what it is protecting if you don't quite fit it right (which is something I did once with a Manfrotto hex plate, cost me a new prism finder for an RZ, but today that same mistake could cost a DB).

It would be great if Hasselblad could make a L bracket which fits the body as nicely as the standard plate. I'd certainly prefer to clip the camera off the mount and on again to turning it on its side when attached to a tripod/studio stand.
David

Quote
What is needed IMO is a 90 H1 QR plate ??

So the QR plate bottom is left on the tripod then one either attaches the camera or the camera via a 90 adapter

I like to be able to get my camera off the tripod fast

SMM
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=166691\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: Don Libby on January 14, 2008, 03:22:27 pm: Quote
By the look of the Kirk L bracket the synch cable plug is inaccessable, which would make it useless to me.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=167048\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

I too had trouble with shutter release until I ordered the block that attaches to the side - now no problems whatsoever.

don
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: Leonardo Barreto on January 19, 2008, 10:30:49 am: This is an update on my post regarding this Mamiya device.

The thing came in and I was so eager to see it and test it that I opened the box inside the elevator to my apartment...

but... it is no good. Size and looks are perfect, and it moves nicely but does not lock at all on the portrait or landscape positions.

I don't know what Mamiya was thinking when they designed this. I think I will sell it back on eBay, so don't get it if you see it....

... unless you shoot with flash ...
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: jonstewart on January 21, 2008, 10:35:45 am: Quote
This is an update on my post regarding this Mamiya device.

The thing came in and I was so eager to see it and test it that I opened the box inside the elevator to my apartment...

but... it is no good. Size and looks are perfect, and it moves nicely but does not lock at all on the portrait or landscape positions.

I don't know what Mamiya was thinking when they designed this. I think I will sell it back on eBay, so don't get it if you see it....

... unless you shoot with flash ...
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=168159\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Sounds like the rotacam; if yours is too loose there is obviously something wrong. Mine is excellent, and does lock in both portrait and landscape. Perhaps the springs in yours are knackered?

EDIT: Mind you...just seen the attached thumbnail, and if that's what you bought, it is NOT the rotocam, and does look a bit duff!
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: Leonardo Barreto on January 21, 2008, 05:34:14 pm: I think that I will get a Kirk Enteroruce L-bracket. It looks like the most robust and minimalist alternative...

Quote
Sounds like the rotacam; if yours is too loose there is obviously something wrong. Mine is excellent, and does lock in both portrait and landscape. Perhaps the springs in yours are knackered?

EDIT: Mind you...just seen the attached thumbnail, and if that's what you bought, it is NOT the rotocam, and does look a bit duff!
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=168566\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: Snook on January 22, 2008, 08:13:57 am: Quote
I think that I will get a Kirk Enteroruce L-bracket. It looks like the most robust and minimalist alternative...
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=168650\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
I am about to pick up an RRS BH55 head.. has anybody got any complaints about RRS ball heads?
I will be using it with quick release plates and with a AFDII , RZII and Canon.
Thanks
Snook
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: Wayne Fox on January 22, 2008, 01:11:34 pm: I have been using the RRS BH55 for quite a while. I used a Kirk before I switched to the RRS head. I recently changed to the quick release lever, which I like better than the standard knob clamp. It's a terrific head.

I also use the RRS L brackets on both my Hasselblad and my Canon cameras. Recently I was using my 1Dsmark3 and the new L bracket had not arrived yet ... I forgot how much these L brackets simplify and sturdy up the camera when shooting a vertical.
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: marcmccalmont on January 24, 2008, 12:27:35 am: Quote
I am about to pick up an RRS BH55 head.. has anybody got any complaints about RRS ball heads?
I will be using it with quick release plates and with a AFDII , RZII and Canon.
Thanks
Snook
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=168764\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Only one small nit, the finish is not the usual RRS "Military Black" anodizing which I like but a flat black finish that might be more susceptible to scratching (time will tell). Functionally it is superb.
Marc
Title: Tripod Head - Which do you use?
Post by: Snook on January 24, 2008, 09:55:01 am: Quote
Only one small nit, the finish is not the usual RRS "Military Black" anodizing which I like but a flat black finish that might be more susceptible to scratching (time will tell). Functionally it is superb.
Marc
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=169147\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Thanks Guys..
I picked up the BH55 and the Screw quick release plate because supposedly the Lever type plate does not work well with the KirK plates which are only ones that make the Mamiya 645 AFDII plates still..?
Actually they are back by popular demand..:+}
So I was told to go with the screw type quick release plate..
Sure looks nice.. cannot wait to try it out..:+}
Snook