More Ballhead

[Kermit Burroughs]

So, I think I want a ball head. I've read all the threads here I could find. All I would like to me sure of is that any of the mid-weight type (Markins M10, RRS BH40, Kirk BH3) will be ok with my 6lbish wood field. Shooting landscape. Spec wise, should be fine. I know bigger would be better, but I would like to put that money elsewhere if I can (I need a 90mm).

Thanks

[Eric James]

Also consider: http://acratech.net/

I have a Kirk BH3 and it is marginally adequate with my Ebony RW45E.

[Greg Lockrey]

You would really want the RSS BH 55 too.

[Kermit Burroughs]

Well, I know I want the 55, but would the 40 be ok? I mean, when you look at price, I can get the bigger Kirk for the price of the 40. That might be the thing to do, I just like the way the RRS seems to operate better.
Likewise, I don't really want to buy something only to discover it doesn't do what I need.

[naturephoto1]

I definitely suggest that you consider the Markins M10 or the M20. Also, the M10 and the M20 are not that much different in their cost.

You indicate that you have read the threads here. If you have not read the one that is about the Markins Emille, Q3 read through the thread, but for the weight of the camera you are suggesting I would not consider the Q3, but read what is mentioned about the other Markins heads:

http://www.largeformatphotography.in...ad.php?t=23700

Hope this helps.

Rich

[Greg Lockrey]

Well, I know I want the 55, but would the 40 be ok? I mean, when you look at price, I can get the bigger Kirk for the price of the 40. That might be the thing to do, I just like the way the RRS seems to operate better.
Likewise, I don't really want to buy something only to discover it doesn't do what I need.

I was hesident about the extra bucks for the 55 for my Leica with Visioflex and extesion bellows and an occasional Graphlex use. Once I had in my hand, all doubts were gone. It's worth every penny. It is incredibly smooth and very adjustable and locks tight with ease. It will hold a tank! The size is very accomodating too.

[Rakesh Malik]

I second that part... the BH55 is gorgeous. And smooth. And when you lock it, your camera is locked as if it were welded down.

[Greg Lockrey]

I second that part... the BH55 is gorgeous. And smooth. And when you lock it, your camera is locked as if it were welded down.

And there is no slop in it at all.

[naturephoto1]

And there is no slop in it at all.

I can say the same about my Markins M20. It is much smaller and lighter than my Arca B1. I like the Markins better; it easily supports my Linhof Technikardan 45S in any position. It locks the camera down like a vice and is very smooth in adjustment and panning.

Rich

[Ted Harris]

Not knocking any of the heads mentioned but you have left out a whole raft of excellent heads ... you might want to take a look at the Foba Superball Mini, Acratech, Graf Studio Ball and Novoflex Classic 3 to name a few. I use a Foba and I much prefer the positive way it works ot any of the Arca look alikes, I have also just ordered a Novoflex Classic 3; when I saw it at a show last year both it and the the Novoflex QR system totally wonme over as the solidest and most versitle ball head system out there.