Arca-Swiss monoball p0 vs Acratech GP-SS in cold weather

Bacalhau
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Arca-Swiss monoball p0 vs Acratech GP-SS in cold weather

Just a quick informational from a recent field/hand-on experience:

- I have both for quite a while, and never had any issues with either, aside having to tweak the p0 clamping mechanism.
Took both of them to an area of very cold temperatures and low humidity, and the p0 failed me at -25F(+/-).
The GP-ss remained functional and smooth, but the p0 got so stiff that I could not even get the panning to work
Once warmed up it was fine. At "warmer" temperatures (still way below 32F) the p0 was functional but a bit stiff, so it seems that it cannot handle extreme cold temperatures very well - I could not find any literature about its working temperature range limits

As a side note, I used a cheapo aluminum that was available for anyone's use, and the leg knobs got frozen at -25F too (not to mention that become dangerous to touch it with bare hands).
Both Sirui AM-254 and RRS TFC-14 carbon tripods were working well with no issues

Jan 24, 2023 at 10:32 AM

jcolwell
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Arca-Swiss monoball p0 vs Acratech GP-SS in cold weather

I've used my Arca-Swiss C1 Cube in temps down to about -35C (-31F). It stiffened up a bit, but it still worked OK.

Jan 24, 2023 at 07:45 PM

Bacalhau
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Arca-Swiss monoball p0 vs Acratech GP-SS in cold weather

jcolwell wrote:
I've used my Arca-Swiss C1 Cube in temps down to about -35C (-31F). It stiffened up a bit, but it still worked OK.
I suspect the mechanism inside the p0 might rely on some lubricant, or is it possible that some moving part contracted a bit too much?
The ring around simply stopped moving. The cube it's a scary one to handle gloveless

Jan 24, 2023 at 09:32 PM

sjms
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Arca-Swiss monoball p0 vs Acratech GP-SS in cold weather

all metal to metal moving contact areas depend on some form of lubricant. of course different alloys have different expansion/contraction variables.

Jan 25, 2023 at 11:51 AM

Bacalhau
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Arca-Swiss monoball p0 vs Acratech GP-SS in cold weather

sjms wrote:
all metal to metal moving contact areas depend on some form of lubricant. of course different alloys have different expansion/contraction variables.

Then Acratech has it figured out, because the panning was working fine. No issues with the ballhead, which I am sure you know it's completely exposed.

I emailed As regarding the issue, so waiting for some response - it won't be anytime soon, that I will be under those extreme temperatures, but for sure I would like to hear if AS has any solution to such issue - at this point not sure if was simple metal contraction, or if mfr lubricant simply can't handle those temperatures; on the later I might be willing to get a proper one, if otoh can still function properly at temperatures above 100F

Jan 25, 2023 at 02:28 PM

sjms
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Arca-Swiss monoball p0 vs Acratech GP-SS in cold weather

the panning base sits on a polymer/composite ring which is non metallic. it does wear though over time and easily replaced.

i disassembled my ultimate when i had it for the short time

the P0 has a steel mechanism which closes and opens when turned like an aperture for even pressure on the ball from what i vaguely remember.

Jan 25, 2023 at 02:34 PM


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