p.2 #1 · Which Arca Swiss P0 monoball version and plates?
As I start to forget steps when they are routine, I invested in the flip lock system. It's not the best to use with gloves, but I never forget to mount my camera completely. Some people complain the three steps to open are very fumbling. It's something I can't copy.
p.2 #2 · Which Arca Swiss P0 monoball version and plates?
I am a big fan of F-S in many things, but their plates are mediocre at best, and shockingly bad at worst. Some of the plates are primarily extruded aluminum as opposed to machined, and they just don't have the fit and finish that a nice machined plate will have.
Plus, they don't make 'fitted' plates for the camera body that you really want, as those fit perfectly and never twist or come loose once you put them on properly.
So, take the recommendations above for a fitted body plate.
As for the clamp, the two versions of the Sunwayfoto discal clamps make this decision a bit confusing. One has a longer neck on the clamp screw, and apparently the threading on that version is very coarse, so you have to be careful about locking and unlocking the camera. The other one has a short clamp screw neck, apparently doesn't come with the correct mounting screw, and also may interfere with the rotation of the pan mechanism because of the locking screw handle.
I've never used a lever-action QR plate, as I've always used screw-action ones. One reason for the unwillingness to use lever-action ones was because I had a variety of different cameras with different plates, and adjusting the head all the time for each camera would have been a hassle. Now that I am down to a single camera system, this shouldn't be a problem anymore, but to get a lever version with a locking lever is important (IMO) so an accidental bump while you are carrying the camera over your shoulder doesn't send it to the ground. To me, that is a good reason to stick with a screw-action QR rather then lever-action, and also possibly to avoid the Sunwayfoto QR that has the coarse screw.
This is theoretical, since I haven't used the Sunwayfoto clamp, but from the comments on B&H that is my impression. Other than that, I think the dedicated p0 Sunwayfoto clamp looks like a very good and inexpensive option.
I'm conflicted on the lever-action vs. screw-action QR... so I need to resolve that so I can make a purchase as well.
p.2 #3 · Which Arca Swiss P0 monoball version and plates?
Guys i think i will go for P0 version which comes mounted with classic AS clamp. I don't have any other plates or clamps so I don't have to worry about mounting them here.
My reasoning is how bad a manufacturer's dedicated version be?
I wouldn't mind going with slidefix model also because its cheaper and liggter, but I don't know why they don't make a L bracket for such a panorama friendly ball.
p.2 #4 · Which Arca Swiss P0 monoball version and plates?
I have had the P0 for about a year now and absolutely love it - total stability and so small and light. I went for the 'classic' screw AS clamp in the end as I didn't want to mess about with bolts and maybe risk stability, but also as I felt it was more future proof. I also think it looks nicer - the head itself oozes quality and it would be a shame to ruin that with a 3rd party clamp. Really dislike the way in which they are trying to push their new system on the consumer to tie them into the brand, not sure I really see any real benefits in terms of usage.
p.2 #6 · Which Arca Swiss P0 monoball version and plates?
Macrogirl wrote:
I have had the P0 for about a year now and absolutely love it - total stability and so small and light. I went for the 'classic' screw AS clamp in the end as I didn't want to mess about with bolts and maybe risk stability, but also as I felt it was more future proof. I also think it looks nicer - the head itself oozes quality and it would be a shame to ruin that with a 3rd party clamp. Really dislike the way in which they are trying to push their new system on the consumer to tie them into the brand, not sure I really see any real benefits in terms of usage....Show more →
nandadevieast wrote:
Yes, i like the way the classic thing looks.
it's just that AS charges so much for their clamp that I had to consider options. I had a spare AS style clamp, but the 1/4 style was very prone to falling off! Eventually, I switched to bolt when I went with the RRS clamp, and been using for years without a hiccup.
On a side note, my head is dirty as heck, filled with sand and dirt but still works great. One day I'll have it serviced or figure out how to on my own, but it's been great so far. Such a great head.
p.2 #7 · Which Arca Swiss P0 monoball version and plates?
I've been using first off the AS Z1 double pan for several years now. It could almost hold me it's so strong and I have been using the flip lock just as long. It's a pain but I never lost a camera over it. Bigger issue was when I was in Texas 2 weeks ago I broke the flip lock as I left it open and put tripod in car. Well it snapped. I called home had my Son Fedx overnight one I had on my monopod. But I did go to a automotive store that day and used instant epoxy and it worked. I do like the RRS stuff lever lock as well and going to use that for now on. I used to have the PO at one time but it would not tilt for a vertical. I did buy one that did I think it was the P1. Might have my names wrong. But now I'm looking for a smaller setup. I have the RRS 24L legs . I just don't need this heavy duty of a system now.
sebbe wrote:
As I start to forget steps when they are routine, I invested in the flip lock system. It's not the best to use with gloves, but I never forget to mount my camera completely. Some people complain the three steps to open are very fumbling. It's something I can't copy.
p.2 #8 · Which Arca Swiss P0 monoball version and plates?
Guy,
Are you sure on the vertical issue? The P0 has a notch like all the typical ballheads, so it can go vertical in about the same manner as all the rest out there. Since the pan mechanism is above the ball, you can flop it into the notch and then use the pan to adjust the camera orientation.
Anyway, I think most people use L-brackets so they don't need to flop the head for good verticals. For that reason, I don't see that as a significant drawback for a lot of shooting, unless you are constantly switching back and fourth, as portrait shooter do, but even there, I would be shooting primarily hand-held for flexibility.
p.2 #9 · Which Arca Swiss P0 monoball version and plates?
I had it backwards one I had did it the other did not. I got the names wrong. I had both types. It was a issue when shooting tech cams since they can't use a L bracket type device. I might think about buying one again my Z1 is big. Like to try and reduce the weight and bulk. I use a L bracket on my Sony but I still want the slot.
mjm6 wrote:
Guy,
Are you sure on the vertical issue? The P0 has a notch like all the typical ballheads, so it can go vertical in about the same manner as all the rest out there. Since the pan mechanism is above the ball, you can flop it into the notch and then use the pan to adjust the camera orientation.
Anyway, I think most people use L-brackets so they don't need to flop the head for good verticals. For that reason, I don't see that as a significant drawback for a lot of shooting, unless you are constantly switching back and fourth, as portrait shooter do, but even there, I would be shooting primarily hand-held for flexibility.
p.2 #10 · Which Arca Swiss P0 monoball version and plates?
I was thinking when I looked closely at the P0 design details that they needed to put a seal at the top of that locking ring to keep it from collecting grit and possibly forcing it into the mechanism eventually. This photo confirms that feeling I had.
However, It may not be a problem at all in actual use. It would be nice to see that mechanism a little better designed for dust, though.
p.2 #12 · Which Arca Swiss P0 monoball version and plates?
Ken_Cravillion wrote:
I still use the A-S B1 that I got 14 years ago and love it. Mine has the screw clamp. Was never a fan of the lever.
I have a Kirk BH-1 that I purchased about 25 years ago. Still works great, but it is pretty worn on the edges and the anodizing is fading, etc. It looks pretty beat, but is still a real workhorse.
I chose the Kirk because of the ball lockup reputation that early A-S heads had. Not sure that it was a real issue or not, but they had a reputation at that time to occasionally (rarely) lock up. I believe that it was in part due to the elliptical shaped ball, but I don't remember the details at all anymore.
p.2 #13 · Which Arca Swiss P0 monoball version and plates?
Can anyone that has a P0 do me a favor and measure the diameter of the black barrel of the top portion? Not the base where it connects to the tripod, but the top where the tighten/loosen collar is located. I'm not seeing that in the specifications anywhere.
p.2 #14 · Which Arca Swiss P0 monoball version and plates?
mjm6 wrote:
Can anyone that has a P0 do me a favor and measure the diameter of the black barrel of the top portion? Not the base where it connects to the tripod, but the top where the tighten/loosen collar is located. I'm not seeing that in the specifications anywhere.
Thanks, ---Michael
Does this tell you what you need to know? If so, it's 60mm.
