Is there such an animal as a geared head that is light enough for field work or am I dreaming? Similar weight to or not much more than an Arca ball head?
Chris.
Is there such an animal as a geared head that is light enough for field work or am I dreaming? Similar weight to or not much more than an Arca ball head?
Chris.
What's your budget? What kind of field work? And what's "light enough?"Originally Posted by Chris Dunham
There's always the Arca-Swiss C1, which is light (2lbs) and strong, but definitely not cheap.
The Manfrotto 410 is very well regarded, is rated for loads up to 11lbs, and weighs less than 3lbs.
Got a Manfrotto 410 last year for the 4x5. The precise movements on single axiis (?) are nice but there's one thing I find a tad annoying.
With the qr plate under the camera, I find grabbing one of the quickset knobs hard to do since it's almost aligned with the top of the head. Slow control is fine, just the fast slew.
notch codes ? I only use one film...
I use the 410 on my Sinar f1 4x5 and used it last weekend on my Arca 8x10 (12 lbs). It worked well in the field and didn't seem to struggle with the weight. I was really carefull with the 8x10 but it seemed to manage well with no problems. I am looking for a stronger one for when I finnish my 12x20. I think the 410 will buckle under that weight. Arca Cube would be nice (DREAMING!!!!).
I switched to the 410 after watching Eric Biggerstaff use one at Chaco a few years ago. It is now my standard for everything from DSLR to 4x5 rail.
Thanks,
Kirk
at age 73:
"The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep"
The 410 does it all and exceptionally well!
"One of the greatest necessities in America is to discover creative solitude." Carl Sandburg
I had one for a couple years until i got my Pentax 67II. I then noticed that the gears were sloppy in the pan control. Of course, a very solid head is necessary with that camera. I think the head will handle most gear but mine didn't last long with frequent use. I wish it did cuz those geared movements are the best thing since cold beer.
To add to Vinny's comment, i've had a 410 for about 4 years and lately i've also noticed a bit of slack when it's heavily loaded. It's usually fine, but in windy conditions it tends to wobble a bit more than i'd like, particularly at longer extensions when the camera catches more wind.
Coming late to this thread, does anyone have experience using the 410 with a wooden 8x10 such as the Kodak 2D or Tachihara?
Answering late; Well, not with a wooden camera but with a Wehman (8x10). Works.
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