Suitability of Linhof leveling head for 4x5?

[John Schneider]

Does anyone have experience using this Linhof head (p/n 3664) for 4x5? (see http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation for a pic and description).

The weight is right, and with less overslung mass, it would appear to be more stable than a ball head (as long as you can live with the limited (15 deg) movement, which I don't feel to be a disadvantage). Since it looks so good on paper, I'm curious why I don't know of anyone using them. Are there disadvantages in use, or is it just expensive?

I should also mention that I have a similar head for my 5x7 Kardan Master L, but it's jammed, and in any case is has a permanently-mounted rail clamp for that rail, so I couldn't try that with a 4x5 anyway. In case Bob is reading this, can Marflex repair this head (I assume the worn parts are not specific to the Kardan Master L)?

Thank you.

[Bill_1856]

After seeing the video of Roman Lorac using one, I'd buy it in an instant if the price wasn't totally crazy. It's totally ripoffsville!

[Bob Salomon]

You would have to ask Marflex.

marflex@aol.com

[Phil Hudson]

I use one of these all the time. It is wonderful for all large format cameras - the weight is kept very low and there is no "leverage" effect adding to wobble. If you don't need a quick release and you only need to make relatively minor levelling adjustments I cannot recommend it enough. Worth the money IMHO.

Phil

[Ed Richards]

Manfrotto makes one for much less money that works very well - since I have not used the Linhof I cannot make a direct comparison, but since the Manfrotto is completely tight and easy to adjust, I can see little else you would need.

[Bill_1856]

Ed, I looked for the Manfrotto version but couldn't find it in B&H site. What's the model number?

[Ed Richards]

bogen 3502

[Bill_1856]

Me arss am showing -- I was thinking of the Linhof #3663 ($700+) for which I LUST! My apologies to john and Ed.