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Author Topic: Hasselblad V users: Tripod head?  (Read 5756 times)

Alex MacPherson

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Hasselblad V users: Tripod head?
« on: November 12, 2010, 02:49:31 pm »

I shot in studio for the first time last week with my Hasselblad 553ELX/P30.

I was using my Manfrotto 322rc ballhead which I use for my dslr but I found it terrible when trying to keep the body level. I hated it.

Any suggestions from the Hasselblad users here?
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langier

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Re: Hasselblad V users: Tripod head?
« Reply #1 on: November 13, 2010, 12:53:24 am »

I used to use a Manfrotto ballhead for years and it was mediocre at best.

About 10-12 years ago, I simply said the heck with it and went with an Arca-Swiss B1 ball head. Never regretted it and with a Really Right Stuff plate, it makes using the head easy. I now have a couple of them.

I've tried others including the Giottos. None were as durable, solid or locked-down as well as the Arca.

I mainly used this system on a 500EL/M and up to the 350mm. It always has worked well.

Alternatives to the Arca head would be the Really Right Stuff, Kirk, and Markins heads.

In any case, I still use the heads today and use the Manfrotto sticks, both metal and carbon. The Arca heads will outlast most tripods, in my opinion.

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robert zimmerman

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Re: Hasselblad V users: Tripod head?
« Reply #2 on: November 13, 2010, 04:23:32 am »

this gitzo off center ballhead is the one i like best. big huge nob, quick, smooth, heavy duty gitzo quality.
works great with an rz67, so it should work well with a hassy.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/170928-REG/Gitzo_G1576M_G1576M_Ball_Head_with.html

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Alex MacPherson

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Re: Hasselblad V users: Tripod head?
« Reply #3 on: November 13, 2010, 01:35:27 pm »

I am skeptical of getting a ballhead for a medium format camera like the Hasseblad V.
If I want to switch from portrait to landscape orientation. I just remove the back and
reposition it.

What would be the advantage of a ballhead over a 3-way or a geared head?
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robert zimmerman

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Re: Hasselblad V users: Tripod head?
« Reply #4 on: November 13, 2010, 04:08:45 pm »

What would be the advantage of a ballhead over a 3-way or a geared head?


Speed. It's the only reason. Open up, move, lock down, shoot.
With a 3 way head it's: find the right knob, turn, turn, next knob, turn, turn, etc.
That would drive me nuts.
But, if 100% precision is more important for you than speed, then...but you know better than me what you need.

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jools230575

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Re: Hasselblad V users: Tripod head?
« Reply #5 on: November 14, 2010, 05:57:24 am »

I have a 501CM and use a Manfrotto carbon fibre tripod plus a Manfrotto 410 head. I've found it sturdy enough for my needs. It's also easy to unlock it and quickly go from a landscape to portrait shot. You just need to fine tune it a little after that.

photoshutter

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Re: Hasselblad V users: Tripod head?
« Reply #6 on: November 20, 2010, 05:56:35 pm »

I have 500EL/M with digital back and use Slik single action panhead (pistol grip) Also have Arca-Swiss B1, but Slik is better.
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stretchdcanvas

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Re: Hasselblad V users: Tripod head?
« Reply #7 on: November 22, 2010, 10:13:03 am »

My ballheads are collecting dust after getting a 410.  I first got one for the camera-stand and loved it so much I got one for my tripods.

I don't use it for LF but it's my head of choice for 35mm and V's.



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Yangt26224

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Re: Hasselblad V users: Tripod head?
« Reply #8 on: November 25, 2010, 09:53:50 am »

Arca Swiss Cube!! It is not cheap, but once you use it, it will not look anything else. 
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David Watson

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Re: Hasselblad V users: Tripod head?
« Reply #9 on: November 25, 2010, 10:19:18 am »

I agree that the only really satisfactory solution is the Arca Swiss cube for MF.  The Arca clamp on this head is not great so I swapped it for a Really Right Stuff screw clamp (they do a little kit for this purpose) and I use a Really Right Stuff L-bracket which is permanently fixed to my camera.

The whole sits on a Gitzo 1530 without a centre column.

The only other thing I would recommend is the RRS telephoto support bar if you use long or heavy lenses.

 :)
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David Watson ARPS

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Re: Hasselblad V users: Tripod head?
« Reply #10 on: November 25, 2010, 01:27:01 pm »

My vote goes to the Manfrotto 410's bigger brother, the 405. It beats any head I've ever used hands down and it's a joy to work with.
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