Arca Z1 owner question

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Archive 2009 · Arca Z1 owner question

STJ_Photo
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p.1 #1 · Arca Z1 owner question

I'm looking for a new tripod head and have it narrowed it down to the Arca Swiss Z1 and the Markins M20, both of which I'm sure are excellent. Right now I prefer the Z1 since I can have the double panorama option build in.

The problem is that I have a Gitzo Systematic Tripod with a large baseplate. My question is now - has anyone had trouble with the panoramabase lever on the Z1 hitting the tripod base such that it could not tighten properly? I'm afraid it would slowly get used and then have this problem...

(I know it will never happen if the tripod base was smaller)

I recently saw a Z1 in a shop that had this problem - so I could not use it at all. However I would like real world experience before making my final decision. Thanks for your help folks!

Oct 15, 2009 at 02:52 PM

plubbry
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p.1 #2 · Arca Z1 owner question

I have the AS Z1 on a GT3541LS. The teardrop shaped pan-lock does hit the tripod base plate. However, it only prevents the pan-lock from being FULLY loosened. It does not prevent it from being fully tightened. With this limitation I can go from fully locked (knob pointing up) to a lightly 'damped' pan action (knob contacting base). IMO it is not really an issue at all. The only instance the panning felt a bit on the stiff side was when I was using the gear in below freezing temperatures.

I have not used my setup long enough to see whether there will be excessive wear resulting in the knob needing to be turned further to engage the lock. Perhaps someone that has used a similar combo long enough has some insight.

Oct 15, 2009 at 04:59 PM

David Israel
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p.1 #3 · Arca Z1 owner question

I have the exact same combination as plubbry and my experience has been identical to his.

Oct 15, 2009 at 06:15 PM

Lars Johnsson
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p.1 #4 · Arca Z1 owner question

It's the same with my Z1 and GT5541 LS

Oct 15, 2009 at 06:53 PM

STJ_Photo
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p.1 #5 · Arca Z1 owner question

Dear all,

Thank you for the answers. Nothing beats real world experience.

Oct 16, 2009 at 12:02 PM

STJ_Photo
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p.1 #6 · Arca Z1 owner question

Dear all, again thanks for your help - I recently bought the ARCA Z1 dp. I have the Gitzo Systematic with a large base and the panorama base lever hits the base. However, it doest actually not matter at all - it opens and locks wonderfully. Before buying I ased ARCA directly and they told me that they make the Z1 such that it locks in the "upwards" position. Locking seems to me rather "on / off" so I dont feel a need to open the lever further. The doubly pan feature is also great - Ill not have to use a separate panning device - it's already build in and works really well. Thanks again for your help.

Nov 05, 2009 at 08:06 AM

Lars Johnsson
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p.1 #7 · Arca Z1 owner question

Here you can see how it looks on a really large Gitzo series 5 tripod (5541LS) It will work without problem, even if the pan-lock is very close to the top-plate

This image is copyrighted by the owner

Nov 08, 2009 at 06:37 AM

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