Please Recommend a Ball Head for 4x5

[Ari]

Hi,
I have an ultra-light CF tripod that I use for travel with the 4x5, a Technikardan 45.
Recently, I sold the chunky 3-way head to get something smaller and lighter, and I was thinking of a ball head.

I have always been dead-set against using ball heads with LF; I shoot quite a bit of architectural stuff, so the ball heads are/were poison.

But now I'd like to know if there is any ball head out there, small, compact that behaves somewhat like a 3-way head.
That is, can it be set to move in one axis only?
Would you trust it near your 4x5? :)

Please recommend anything you know of, regardless of price.

Thanks in advance.

[biedron]

I don't know if this qualifies as "lightweight", but the Arca Swiss Z2 has independent movements:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/367752-REG/Arca_Swiss_8010017_Monoball_Z2_3_Way_Ballhead.html

Perhaps only available used?

Bob

[Richard Wasserman]

It's not a ball head, which I don't care for with large format—I use a Linhof 3-way leveling head with a TK. It's about the same size as a ball head, weighs less than 2 pounds, has independent movements and is very solid. I like it a lot. They are pricey, but do show up on the used market.

[Peter De Smidt]

If Richard's suggestion appeals, check out: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Linhof-3-Way-Leveling-Head-I-77mm-Base-Top-Supports-11-00-lb-4-54-kg-/271130296403?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f20a0005

[Walter Calahan]

I know you want a ball head, but in my experience of trying to level an LF camera with a ball head I've come to the conclusion that they are not worth using. That said, there are many fine ball heads out there. Good luck.

[Bill_1856]

If Richard's suggestion appeals, check out: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Linhof-3-Way-Leveling-Head-I-77mm-Base-Top-Supports-11-00-lb-4-54-kg-/271130296403?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f20a0005

This may well be the world's best tripod head, but you'll have to spend another $50 for a 1/4" screw to use it with your camera.

[Ari]

Thank you, everybody.
The Arca head is pretty cool, but it weighs twice as much as my tripod :)
I love the Linhof head, I know about it already, thanks Peter, Richard and Bill.
I'd likely get it if I can't find an interesting ball head.

I'd like to find out something I don't already know in the realm of ball heads, so please, keep your suggestions coming.

Thanks in advance.

[Bob Salomon]

Check out the new Novoflex Classicball 3 II which can be used as either a ball head or a leveling head. This is not to be confused with the discontinued Classicball 3 which it replaced.
Also look at the new Arca compatible Linhof 3-way leveling head. This is an uodated version of the 003663 Linhof 3-way leveling head.
The new version is available with either an Arca top or a Linhof Quickfix top. It is not available with a thread top at this time.

[Joseph Dickerson]

I'm using the Really Right Stuff BH-55 with my Sinar F1 and it works great. I should point out that the Sinar cameras allow you to make port/starboard adjustments by rotating the rail in the tripod clamp, thus simplifying the leveling process.

JD

[Pawlowski6132]

I use ball heads exclusively and can't imagine one reason why anyone else shouldn't consider it.

[Ari]

I use ball heads exclusively and can't imagine one reason why anyone else shouldn't consider it.

Can you recommend one or two, Joe?
Thanks Bob and Joseph.

[Peter De Smidt]

If you have to use a ball head, the RRS ones are very nice.

[ROL]

I suggest strongly that you take a look at the Acratech (http://acratech.net/) ballheads. I have an early model which has worked flawlessly for 10 years with my 5x7. There are now many models to choose from, they are lightweight, and made in America (OK, SoCal). They are available directly from the manufacturer, as well as B&H. I only offer you this advice because you have indicated that you have seen the light, and are willing to cross the perilous divide between the morally superior, unyielding pan headers and the tolerant, enlightened ball headers :D.

If you happen to decide on one that suits your 'lockable axis' needs, please report back here. Thanks.

[Ari]

Thanks again, Peter, thanks ROL.
Will have a look-see.

[Pawlowski6132]

Ari, I don't think my setup fits your requirement. It's pretty heavy duty. It's a Zone VI tripod and Bogen head. Check it out HERE (http://photoset.com/ta70fpcr). I don't really use it any more. In fact, I think I'm gonna list it right now.

;^)

[cowanw]

The FLM t(ilt) ballhead is what you want
http://www.flm-gmbh.com/en/product4a_1.html
With the two top knobs loose it acts as a ballhead and with the smaller knob tightened the ball moves only in one direction. Just got the big one for an 8x10 setup and I think it is very good value for money.
Ps. it pans also

[Ari]

Holy cow, Joe, that's a good set-up, but too large for me.
You'll sell it here lickety-split, I think.

Thanks, Bill; I will investigate.
I've seen a lot of great ball heads, but nothing that would yet convince me to give up on 3-way heads for LF.

[Cletus]

I'm firmly in the ballhead camp, both 4x5 and 8x10 (Wood Field 8x10). People go on endlessly about how poorly suited ballheads are for LF, but I don't agree. The only instance I've seen where a 3-way head might have had some real advantage was with a big Sinar 8x10, a heavier monorail camera that was more difficult to level for its weight and its height when mounted on the tripod. Unless you're incredibly fastidious about perfect level and perfect alignment, you shouldn't have any problem with your lightweight Technikardan using a quality ballhead. The Sinar or Linhof type pan-tilt heads also appear to be a good option, but I have no experience there.

With that said, there are many quality ballheads to choose from in all price ranges. In many cases you really get what you pay for. Really Right Stuff BH-55 and Arca-Swiss B1/Z1 are pretty much the top models - and reflected in the price. But then your camera isn't exactly an inexpensive entry level model either is it? I use the BH-55 and can't imagine I'll ever need to look further, or buy another tripod head.

[Ari]

Well, all the ball-head users are coming out; you guys were pretty well-hidden :)
Cletus, thanks for the recommendation.
I am quite exacting when it comes to levelling the camera, if it's architecture.
The ball head can certainly get me there, but the 3-way head gets me there faster and with less of a headache.
That said, I like what I've seen from Arca, Acratech, RRS, and Sunwayfoto; I'll get something in the next few days and post it here.
If it goes well, I might even trade my venerable Manfrotto 229 for a ball head.

Thanks, everybody!

[Peter Lewin]

To throw in one more ballhead which has not been mentioned, look at the Markins line. When I bought mine they were the lightest in their class, comparing very well with the Arca heads in quality. I have mine on a carbon fiber gitzo, it is a nice light weight set-up, but I keep looking for an equally light and compact three-way head, just haven't found one yet. IMHO, ball heads work very nicely for landscapes, portraits and still life, but are a bit of a pain with architecture, where the three-way comes into its own.

[Lenny Eiger]

I had a very nice Novoflex, which I still use for my Mamiya 7. They are expensive, but deliciously well made. However, I can't use it for my 4x5. I got the smaller Gitzo magnesium...


Lenny

[Ari]

Thanks Peter and Lenny.
Will look at each of those.

[fuegocito]

I think this is exactly what you looking for, a geared ball head-the Arca D4. The only problem is its price tag :P

[Jac@stafford.net]

I prefer a three-way conventional head, but for the heavy view cameras, the Reis head (http://www.riestripod.com/products/heads) is terrific.

[Maris Rusis]

A Manfrotto 468MGRC4 Hydrostatic Ball Head holds up my 4x5 and 8x10 cameras. It weighs 28 ounces and holds up to 35 pounds. The hydraulic locking system is super strong with only light finger pressure. I got mine cheap from KEH.

[dave_whatever]

I used a 410 geared head most of the time, but for something lighter I've used this with my 5x4 with great results:

www.daveparryphotography.co.uk/flm-cb38f-tripod-ballhead-review

[Ari]

I think this is exactly what you looking for, a geared ball head-the Arca D4. The only problem is its price tag :P

Damn nice, but you're right, too much $$$. Thanks


I prefer a three-way conventional head, but for the heavy view cameras, the Reis head (http://www.riestripod.com/products/heads) is terrific.

It looks terrific, but way too large for my tripod. Thanks

A Manfrotto 468MGRC4 Hydrostatic Ball Head holds up my 4x5 and 8x10 cameras. It weighs 28 ounces and holds up to 35 pounds. The hydraulic locking system is super strong with only light finger pressure. I got mine cheap from KEH.

I had considered that, too, but I'm looking for a ball head that thinks it's a 3-way head. Thanks.


I used a 410 geared head most of the time, but for something lighter I've used this with my 5x4 with great results:

www.daveparryphotography.co.uk/flm-cb38f-tripod-ballhead-review

Dave, I read your review and I'm looking hard at the FLM line; they do look impressive and I like the features a lot.
Thanks for that.

[Noah A]

I briefly tried using a ballhead (a very nice arca-swiss) but soon figured out it was not working for me. Obviously they work for some photographers, but for me I found it very difficult to adjust for level on one axis without messing up the other. It's not the tiniest thing out there, but the Manfrotto 410 is really just about the best thing going under $1k. It makes leveling the camera easy and fast.

The Linhof 3-way leveling head is also very nice. It's a bit sturdier and smaller than the Manfrotto but you lose the gearing. I'd say it (the Linhof 3663) is the closest thing you can get to having ballhead size and rigidity with 3-way head convenience. Sometimes the used prices aren't too bad.

[jp]

Maybe one of the leveling heads? Not as likely to flop over, but not as adjustable either. If you weren't preferring to use carbon fiber, I'd have suggested a leitz tiltall for three way head and modest tripod.

[Ari]

Thanks, Noah.
I would strongly consider getting a Linhof head, despite it being heavier than my tripod. Anything Linhof is great, the prices sometimes give me pause.
The 410 has been hailed as the greatest thing ever, and I'm sure it is wonderful, but I prefer tripods and heads to be rated well above what I need; the 410 just clears the weight I need.

JP, the leveling heads are a consideration, but like you said, are somewhat restricted in movements; I had a Tiltall, but it wasn't seeing any use, so I sold it.
Good tripod, but the CF I have is much lighter and folds much smaller, so for me, it's a better travel tripod.
Thanks.

[John Kasaian]

While I wouldn't recommend a bald head, it will save you lots of money on haircuts (but you'll end up spending more on sunscreen and hats!)
Oh.
Ball-head.
Nevermind.:o

[dave_whatever]

The 410 has been hailed as the greatest thing ever, and I'm sure it is wonderful, but I prefer tripods and heads to be rated well above what I need; the 410 just clears the weight I need.


Don't let manfrotto's official stats put you off, they rate the 410 surprisingly low for some reason only known to themselves. In real use you can be confident that any field 5x4 setup is going to be absolutely fine on one.

[Ari]

Don't let manfrotto's official stats put you off, they rate the 410 surprisingly low for some reason only known to themselves. In real use you can be confident that any field 5x4 setup is going to be absolutely fine on one.

Hmm, yes I think I remember reading that as well, probably somewhere on this forum.
It is an attractive option, and I'll keep it o the list as a viable alternative.
The only thing I don't like are the RC4 plates, they come loose quite easily without the usual extra clamping screws.
Thanks again, Dave.

[dave_whatever]

The only thing I don't like are the RC4 plates, they come loose quite easily without the usual extra clamping screws.
Thanks again, Dave.

Bingo (http://www.daveparryphotography.co.uk/manfrotto-410-gearde-head-arca)

[Peter De Smidt]

Here's another option for using an AS plate on a 410: http://www.hejnarphotostore.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=16_17

Alternatively, I've used an Arca clamp on the Manfrotto plate for a few years without any problems.

Maybe someday I'll get out the angle grinder and do Dave's mod.

[fuegocito]

Hi Ari,

There is a provision for locking/clamping screw on the 410, just without the screw itself. I borrow one from a Manfrotto hex plate and screw it in and all is well. I am currently using the 410 for both my 45 and 810.

The only issue with using the 410 head on a really light CF pod is the weight, the 410 is liable to be as heavy or almost as heavy as the legs.

BTW, which CF pods are you using, I am in the market for a light set, ideally some where around 18" tall, extends to about 54-58" and with legs thick enough that doesn't wobble around like tooth picks:-)

[Kevin Crisp]

I've used the Acratech head for everything up to a Canham JMC 8X10 with no issues. It is all I use now.

[Ari]

Thanks, Kevin; I looked at the Acratech and it's pretty impressive. I will certainly consider it.

Fuegocito, that's good to know about the RC plate; it was a source of annoyance for me with heavier gear, or if the camera got knocked slightly.
Thanks for that tip.

I have a Triopo tripod, very small and light, rated for 14kg (30 lbs).
http://www.linkdelight.com/K9V-Triopo-Carbon-Fiber-Tripod-GT-3228X8.C-4-Section.html

If you can get over the questionable build quality of some of the plastic/rubber parts, it's an amazing tripod, able to withstand a lot of weight and abuse.
The price is great, and I've used it easily with all kinds of 4x5 cameras.
So far, nothing has broken or come off/loose, despite some shoddily-assembled components.
I used it to shoot this (http://www.aritapiero.com/the-last-jews-of-miskolc.html) over the summer; Wista RF, Grafmatic and Grandagon 115 (about 6kg).
Everything was sharp, and the tripod did all that was asked of it.

[fuegocito]

Thanks Ari

Good luck with your research for the ball head. A friend of mine uses an Arca style ball head for his 57 and it works well enough for him to get things all leveled. Actually he is in Ottawa too if you want to hook up with him.

[Ari]

Thanks, Fuegocito; sent a PM.

[patrickjames]

The problem with ball heads, at least some of them, is that they "creep". You want one that doesn't do that. I don't have vast experience with ball heads because I have been using a Foba Superball combined with a Linhof quick release for a long time now. The Foba ball is nice because it has a lever that you just need to flick to lock it in. No creep. The Linhof quick release is nice too since the plates are a generous size but I did have to custom fit it on the Foba. I am not saying the Foba is the best, but it is nice.

I have never had trouble using a ballhead with my 4x5 but I don't shoot architecture. If I am ever able to afford the Arca Cube I would love to have one.

[Ari]

Thanks for the input, Patrick.
I feel the same way about the Cube. :)

[Ari]

I picked up an FLM 38-FT head; when it arrives, I'll post my findings.
But it looks quite promising.

Thanks to all who helped.

[Peter De Smidt]

Please let us know what you think of it.

[Ari]

Please let us know what you think of it.

Absolutely; thanks for the suggestions, Peter.

[Drew Wiley]

If you want be travel lightweight and want the best stability, the best head is none at all! I just clip or
bolt the camera to the tripod platform. A ballhead seems to be just about the most senseless LF accessory I can think of.

[Ari]

How do you bolt the camera to the tripod?
Do you spin the tripod while holding the camera or vice versa?

[oysteroid]

I have an Arca B1 and use it sometimes with my Toyo/Omega monorail. It seems a bit light for my monorail. I can't really set the minimum friction setting tight enough to make sure I avoid accidentally having the camera "flop" if I forget to tighten down properly. And I get some vibration with the head on that I don't get without it. Anymore, unless I really need the angles it makes possible, I just mount the camera directly on my tripod legs with no head at all. That is the most stable way to shoot and yields the sharpest images. And it is lighter too. And I rarely shoot something that requires pointing the camera very steeply up or down.

And yes, levelling the camera with a ballhead is a bit of a pain. I'd rather have something else. Ballheads are best for shooting wildlife with a DSLR and a telephoto, in my opinion, not so great for careful LF work.


How do you bolt the camera to the tripod?

Just carefully spin the camera down on top of the bolt.

[Ari]

I've not had a problem with sharpness, as I tend toward heavier 3-way heads.
The idea of spinning a heavy view camera onto a bolt seems riskier to me than using a ball head with a QR plate.
I realize everyone has their preferred method of working, but the "bolt" method sounds impractical for precision work.
I am imagining fiddling with all three tripod legs just to get the horizon straight, then further fiddling to adjust angle and height.
By that time, ten minutes has gone by, the light has changed, and I've turned a pleasant experience into an annoying one.

But I may be wrong; after all, I never thought I'd ever consider a ball-head for LF work.

[Drew Wiley]

You just use a turnbolt on the tripod - it has a knob on the bottom, and is what spins. Just look at any Ries tripod or any survey tripod - it's how things were done for over a century. And they had fussier leveling than you're likely to encounter. With a little practice it's just as fast to compose a shot. It usually takes seconds once your legs are extended. Maybe not for everyone ... but hands down, it is the lightest wt and most stable way of doing thing, by far.

[dave_whatever]

Or you could find an arca-type clamp with a 3/8" thread and screw it onto your tripod, then clamp the camera in as normal.

Still, the 500g weight penalty is worth paying for most people. Would be a royal pain in the arse having to tweak the leg lengths to level on uneven ground etc.

[Roger Thoms]

Anyone using a Berlebach tripod with the built in ball head? Seems like it might be a good compromise between a conventional ball head and no head. Some like this: http://www.berlebach.de/?bereich=details&id=289&sprache=english

Roger

[Drew Wiley]

No pain in the arse at all. I shoot on uneven ground all the time with no tripod head - have even done
it Class 3 mountaineering where the pack had to be pulled on ropes. Do it everywhere. Sure, I own
my share of nice pan/tilt heads and Sinar clamps etc - but rarely use them. You just have to learn
how to tweak the legs; and this rarely even involves lengthening or shortening them. It gets instictive, just like focus. Now a ball head is what I consider a royal pain and a slow device - might be good along with some rocks in a mesh bag below the tripod on a windy day.

[jennym]

I used to use a 3-way head. When I needed to replace it I decided to try a ball head. I bought a BH-55 head, which is a great solid piece of engineering, but it was quite heavy for hiking so I tried an acratech head. I thought I would use the BH-55 95% of the time and the acratech head 5% of the time. However the acratech head rarely comes off the tripod! Despite being so light it has been rock solid with my LF camera with any lens at any angle. Small pan movements are easy and adjusted separately, and with the tension in the head adjusted for my camera, I quickly learned to make all other small adjustments - a great lightweight head which has worked well for me.

[Bob Salomon]

Anyone using a Berlebach tripod with the built in ball head? Seems like it might be a good compromise between a conventional ball head and no head. Some like this: http://www.berlebach.de/?bereich=details&id=289&sprache=english

Roger

They are not built-in ball heads. The ones that have it have a leveling ball or a leveling column. Not as much movement as a ball head.

[Drew Wiley]

I'd like to see someone use a ballhead on my Norma with a 450 extension on it, let alone in the wind,
let alone a P Sinar. Bet it would wobble like hell. With 8x10 sounds like the epitome of silliness. Even
worse are some MF SLR's with long lenses, like a 300 on my P67 - it actually takes a heavier pan/tilt
head than with my 8x10 to keep vibrations down, even using my larger Ries tripod. But again, just
clamp the damn thing right to the tripod head itelf and I can successfully use a much lighter tripod.
The disadvantage is that you can't do vertical-oriented shots that way, of course, like with a VC. For
that kind of problem I simply carry a machined little L-bkt (proper alloy), which weighs about a fourth
as much as any ballhead and does a better job. Still, if you like the ballheads and are accustomed to
them, why not? I obviously don't.

[Roger Thoms]

They are not built-in ball heads. The ones that have it have a leveling ball or a leveling column. Not as much movement as a ball head.

I realize that, specs say 30 degrees of movement. I guess I should have said leveler instead go built in ball head. My question is are they any good.

Roger

[Drew Wiley]

Why would you need a true leveling base unless you were doing digital pano stitching? Even a self-
leveling theolite or auto-level has to be within 8 deg of manual level. If you can't do that, how do you
even stand without falling over? Thirty degrees is a helluva lot, uless you are pointing the camera
straight down.

[Roger Thoms]

Theolite? Maybe you mean theodolite. As far as standing up somehow I manage. Seems like a leveling head would be easier. Maybe I'm just an idiot.

Roger

[Drew Wiley]

Yeah, fingers getting stiff (geezer issues compounded by data entry) ... the****lite. I don't bother with
leveling heads even with those things. A lot different than back when we used three-point leveling with
transits; but we never did that with any kind of head either, just with leg adjustments, then a final
tweak if needed. I used a pan/tilt head the other day with a lightwt 4x5, just because I had slept in too
late and was too lazy to remove it, and wanted other tripods left alone, headless, ready for action with
the bigger cameras. Had a big argument about this with an aging relatively famous photo info guru friend of mine, who was explaining how he could stitch with an Arca MF digital system and save all that
wt versus the 4x5 he had used for years. By the time you add up all the extra trimmings like that
precise leveling base, he wasn't saving even an ounce - maybe on filmholders per se, but sure not on
the camera .... and oh, all those extra $$$$ !

[Bob Salomon]

I realize that, specs say 30 degrees of movement. I guess I should have said leveler instead go built in ball head. My question is are they any good.

Roger

They are excellent tripods, and I don't say that because we are their US distributor either.

[Shootar401]

I use this Benro ball head, around 18 pounds max load and sturdy.

http://www.adorama.com/BEB0.html

I can't see spending $500 more on a Gitzo, RRS, Acratech, etc. when all you are doing is buying the same exact head but with a boutique nameplate.

[Ari]

The new (to me) FLM ball head arrived today.

I have not put it on the tripod yet, nor have I used it with the intended camera (a Technikardan 45), so here's what I see right out of the box:

Only 88mm tall, (3,5 inches)
Weighs 440g, just shy of 1lb
Max load is 20kg (44l
Very precise and well-built
Weighted slightly more at the bottom
Individual pan, friction, lock controls
Separate tilt lock- this is key for me, as I plan on using a monorail, and some subjects require a fair amount of precision.

Everything works very smoothly, typical German precision machining; and, fyi, FLM is a small family-owned business.

Most of the knobs are familiar to anyone who uses a ball head.
What sets this one apart from the rest is the tilt lock.
Basically, you decide at which angle your tilt will be, lock the tilt knob, and the plate will move only along one axis at the angle at which it was set.
So if I set it to 90˚, straight up, I can adjust the ball head to move only forward or rearward, never moving sideways.

I bought this off eBay from a nice chap in England, but brand new at B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/288445-REG/FLM_FLMCB38FT_Centerball_38_FT.html) this tripod head will set you back $250.
If you are in the market for a ball head to use with LF cameras, you could do much worse than this one.
I am guarding my enthusiasm until I have used it in the field with various types of equipment, so there is more information to come on this mini-marvel.

[fuegocito]

That is nice, thanks for the report, Ari.

I just picked up a used Manfrotto medium ball head(498Rc2). The build/operational quality is definite no teutonic but since all I am using it for is a little TLR, it's 8KG capacity will do just fine.

Robert

[Ari]

Robert, you're welcome.
Each tool has its uses.
I used the FLM head with my Technikardan today, and I really enjoyed having the ball head.
It was very easy to set-up and zero, and it's quite light and compact.

Unfortunately, I bought mine off eBay, so the head I got came in less than perfect working condition, and I'll have to return it.
But I will buy the same FLM head brand new, that's how much I like it.

[Cletus]

Ari - I've been following this post and quite interested in the FLM line of heads, which I hadn't heard of until now. I'm sorry to hear your "new" head isn't working and must be returned. Would you care to elaborate on the problem you're having? It seems a little unusual for a ballhead to malfunction - at least in my limited experience - and I am right curious to hear what's wrong with yours...and just when I was starting to get hot on the idea of one of these nice looking heads too! :)

[Ari]

Hey Cletus,
The problem with this head hasn't soured me on the FLM line; if anything, I want to get a couple of them, but new.
I put my Technikardan (3kg w/out lens) on the head; when I pulled on the camera's back, as if to insert a film holder, the camera moved very gently backward with the pull.
I then cleaned the head as directed, and this time I tightened all the knobs as much as I could, but the problem persisted, albeit to a lesser degree.
The head can be moved, with a little difficulty, with my hands when locked tightly; that's when I decided to send it back.
The seller kindly agreed to inspect it, and refund the purchase if it checked out.

Buying new would be no-risk and little hassle should the next head prove "difficult".
I've been assured by a forum member who owns these heads that his very heavy 8x10 cameras are well-supported by the FLM head, without any creep at all.
I hope that this head was just badly used, ergo the sale.

[dave_whatever]

But I will buy the same FLM head brand new, that's how much I like it.

I think the model you've had is an older one - the knob configuration is different on the current models (concentric friction control).

[Ari]

I think the model you've had is an older one - the knob configuration is different on the current models (concentric friction control).

Yes, that's true; but I was sufficiently impressed with the quality and features of the head to try again with a brand-new copy.

[Cletus]

From recent reading I've done, it looks like FLM has several configurations of their 38mm ballhead, including the model Ari has and the one Dave mentioned with the concentric friction ring. They also have a 58mm ball (I think that's it) for larger cameras, but the price starts to approach Arca and RRS by then. To me, the appeal of the FLM head is the quality and performance of the big guys, with lower price.

Ari - Was it the 38mm head that could "easily support a heavy 8x10"?

[Ari]

From recent reading I've done, it looks like FLM has several configurations of their 38mm ballhead, including the model Ari has and the one Dave mentioned with the concentric friction ring. They also have a 58mm ball (I think that's it) for larger cameras, but the price starts to approach Arca and RRS by then. To me, the appeal of the FLM head is the quality and performance of the big guys, with lower price.

Ari - Was it the 38mm head that could "easily support a heavy 8x10"?

No, it was the 58FT, Cletus. The 38FT is rated for 20kg (44lbs), so it should hold most 8x10 field cameras comfortably.

For me, the attraction of these ball heads is the tilt lock; at this price, I don't know of any other manufacturer offering a similar feature until you get into $1000 Arca/Linhof territory.

I do plan on buying another 38FT, new; and if that goes well, I'd spring for the 58 for the 8x10, if I thought it was needed.

[Ari]

I have since returned the 38FT to the owner, and purchased a new 48FT from Speed Graphic in the UK.
The 48FT is a mid-size model, unavailable at B&H, and it cost £178 including shipping ($279), and excluding VAT.
The heads come with a 5-year warranty.

So, I have my fingers crossed that the first head was just old and worn out.

[Peter De Smidt]

Ari, is the angle of the tilt lock adjustable or fixed?

[Ari]

Peter, the angle is adjustable; once locked up, the ball can only move forward or backward, at the angle at which you've set.

[Cletus]

I think from everything I've read here and elsewhere, FLM must be one of the best values in quality ballheads out there. I need to look again as I didn't realize there was a 48mm model (thanks Ari) and its starting to look like this might be a short list item for my 'new gear acquisition' list.

I don't have too much trouble with my traditional RRS ballhead, but I definitely like the idea of the Axis Lock feature and there's no way I'm putting out $1200 for the big Arca!

[Peter De Smidt]

Peter, the angle is adjustable; once locked up, the ball can only move forward or backward, at the angle at which you've set.

That's slick!

[Ari]

I just ordered the 48FT from SpeedGraphic (http://www.speedgraphic.co.uk); at that price, it would be hard to beat.
FLM in Germany replied to my email, saying the full line-up should be at B&H this spring, and at Henry's in Canada as well.

I will post more when I receive the head.

[gnuyork]

They are excellent tripods, and I don't say that because we are their US distributor either.

I concur. Excellent tripod. And I use mine without a head just fine for 4x5. Although I am thinking if getting one of the FM ball heads for use with my 5D. for the first time I wanted to point my camera up two weekends ago, and I couldn't due to the 30º limitation.

Bob do you know which of those FLM heads will fit best with the the berlebach (size wise)? I realize you may not be an LM dealer, just wondering if you know...