Results 1 to 7 of 7

Thread: Field Optics Research FPH-200 Pan Head Question

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Jan 2002
    Location
    West Palm Beach, FL
    Posts
    285

    Field Optics Research FPH-200 Pan Head Question

    Has anyone used the Field Optics Research FPH-200 Pan Head? By what I see it seems like a quality item. I just can't seem to find out just how heavy a load it takes. I have seen numbers from 6.6 lbs to 8 lbs. I am wondering if it will hold my Wisner Technical Field. If anyone has used the head I would love to hear from you! Robbie

  2. #2

    Join Date
    Sep 1998
    Location
    Loganville , GA
    Posts
    14,409

    Re: Field Optics Research FPH-200 Pan Head Question

    Why not just take your camera to Palm Beach Workshop and investigates what will work for you? And then have local support?

  3. #3

    Join Date
    Jan 2002
    Location
    West Palm Beach, FL
    Posts
    285

    Re: Field Optics Research FPH-200 Pan Head Question

    Quote Originally Posted by Bob Salomon View Post
    Why not just take your camera to Palm Beach Workshop and investigates what will work for you? And then have local support?
    Because it's far easier to sit here in my chair and ask you experts.

  4. #4

    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Chicago, IL
    Posts
    222

    Re: Field Optics Research FPH-200 Pan Head Question

    I recently bought one to replace a ball head on my new tripod, but I have not had a chance to use it yet.

    In general, I am please with the purchase. I like its small size, light weight and that it can tilt +-90 degrees front-back and 90 degrees left. My only concern is that the pan is a bit stiff, more-so because when I tighten the set screws in the tripod head to secure the pan head, the screws appear to distort the base a bit, making it harder to pan. I alleviated some of the problem by not over-tightening the set screws and by carefully positioning the pan head relative to the screws so they fit in the shallow depressions in the bottom of the pan head.

    The FOR site lists the load at 8 pounds.

    Bob

  5. #5

    Join Date
    Jan 2002
    Location
    West Palm Beach, FL
    Posts
    285

    Re: Field Optics Research FPH-200 Pan Head Question

    Quote Originally Posted by r_a_feldman View Post
    I recently bought one to replace a ball head on my new tripod, but I have not had a chance to use it yet.

    In general, I am please with the purchase. I like its small size, light weight and that it can tilt +-90 degrees front-back and 90 degrees left. My only concern is that the pan is a bit stiff, more-so because when I tighten the set screws in the tripod head to secure the pan head, the screws appear to distort the base a bit, making it harder to pan. I alleviated some of the problem by not over-tightening the set screws and by carefully positioning the pan head relative to the screws so they fit in the shallow depressions in the bottom of the pan head.

    The FOR site lists the load at 8 pounds.

    Bob
    Thank you VERY much Bob. This is the information I am seeking and you have given me big hopes. May I ask what weight camera you are intending to use with it? I am about to purchase the head and just need a little more info. Like you, I will be using it as a replacement to my ball heads. I would be using it with my Wisner which weighs about 7 pounds, and also with my smaller cameras. I appreciate your input!

  6. #6

    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Chicago, IL
    Posts
    222

    Re: Field Optics Research FPH-200 Pan Head Question

    My camera is an Okuhara, an old Japanese half-plate wooden field camera. With a 210mm f9 G-Claron, it weighs about 5 pounds. The pan head holds it stable even when tilted. A picture is attached.

    I am having more trouble with mounting the head on my Sirui tripod, however. The way I had it was a bit loose (rotated a bit side-to-side), so I had to tighten it on the tripod's screw post. If I tighten the two set screws too much, however, the panning is very still. I think I have found the proper tightening. I should note that the screw on the tripod cannot be turned on it's own and fixing the pan head on the tripod depends on turning the head until it is tight and then tightening the set screws.

    Bob

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Camera on Pan Head.jpg 
Views:	17 
Size:	43.4 KB 
ID:	213267

  7. #7

    Join Date
    Jan 2002
    Location
    West Palm Beach, FL
    Posts
    285

    Re: Field Optics Research FPH-200 Pan Head Question

    Quote Originally Posted by r_a_feldman View Post
    My camera is an Okuhara, an old Japanese half-plate wooden field camera. With a 210mm f9 G-Claron, it weighs about 5 pounds. The pan head holds it stable even when tilted. A picture is attached.

    I am having more trouble with mounting the head on my Sirui tripod, however. The way I had it was a bit loose (rotated a bit side-to-side), so I had to tighten it on the tripod's screw post. If I tighten the two set screws too much, however, the panning is very still. I think I have found the proper tightening. I should note that the screw on the tripod cannot be turned on it's own and fixing the pan head on the tripod depends on turning the head until it is tight and then tightening the set screws.

    Bob

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Camera on Pan Head.jpg 
Views:	17 
Size:	43.4 KB 
ID:	213267
    Ah, Perfect. Thank you Bob. Your photo shows me exactly how large the head is. I would be using it on my Manfrotto 55CXPRO3 tripod. It sounds like the same sort of mounting as your tripod. It looks like a perfect match. I will be ordering my new head on Monday. Thank you Bob for your time and effort on this! Robbie

Similar Threads

  1. Dallmeyer Radial Drive - research needed on transitional optics
    By goamules in forum Lenses & Lens Accessories
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 27-Jan-2019, 14:10
  2. optics question
    By esearing in forum Lenses & Lens Accessories
    Replies: 69
    Last Post: 3-Jan-2018, 00:43
  3. Cold Light optics question - anyone want to take this on?
    By JW Dewdney in forum Darkroom: Equipment
    Replies: 17
    Last Post: 23-Dec-2013, 22:25
  4. General optics/lens question - help!
    By Robert Edward McClure in forum Lenses & Lens Accessories
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 26-Apr-2008, 11:31
  5. A question about large format optics
    By claudiocambon in forum Lenses & Lens Accessories
    Replies: 24
    Last Post: 14-Feb-2007, 10:54

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •