I need a compact pan & tilt head, to hold my camera / camcorder rigs on superclamps. Something like the Manfrotto 056 3D Jr, or the older 3025, or the Manfrotto 460MG,
These heads are rated for 6.7 lbs, and my heaviest rig is right at 6 lbs. It may eventually reach 6.5lbs, which concerns me.
Are these ratings usually conservative? Should I be worried?
Has anyone used this head with 6+ lbs, for a long time, with no problems?
My only other option is the 410 geared head, which supports 11 lbs, but it's a lot more money, and I need three of them.
Sadly, my application is quite difficult to deal with ergonomically, and VERY hard to explain in detail.
I need independent control over all three axis. A small geared head or at least a plain three-way. (Everyone could use a good threeway now and then, but I digress....)
I already have the Manfrotto dual-ball pivot things, but they don't work because I need to adjust the three axis independently of each other.
And finally, space is obscenely limited. I need the smallest heads I can find that will support the weight. (and low price. - The $1500 FOBA would work, but .... )
I may just have to go with the 410 geared head, (rated for 11 lbs) but that's $750 for 3. Ouch.
Without knowing the true weight limits of these devises, I can't move forward, & Manfrotto has not answered any of my emails. Ughh ...
Well I guess the rating for those devices is about the clamp strength and what it will typically hold up without having to crank it down harder than what would seem reasonable. The metal strength is probably 10x that rating and I bet if you crank it down tight the clamp strength is actually about twice that rating. Just my guesses tho - but that's how most similar equipment seems to work out.
there is a device for communication that generally gets right to the right people that will give you the right answer. that is of course if their in at the time to use said device. it called a telephone. the reliance on email is proving to be problematic at best due to the amount they probably get. the best course of action for the answers you need is direct to the source where you can easily discuss discuss it.
Manfrotto Distribution, Inc - 565 E. Crescent Ave., Ramsey, NJ 07446 USA T: (201) 818-9500 F: (201) 818-9177 E: [email protected]
Operational Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm EST
p.1 #11 · Manfrotto 3D Jr Head - True safe weight?
Thanks, Mike. That makes me feel a little better.
I'd be mounting a 5D with battery grip, L-plate, RRS portrait-perfect bracket (well, I guess I could remove that) 580EXII, and up to a 135/2. I just got a digital scale yesterday, and it's 7.3 lbs.
How certain are you that this will hold, day after day? By any cahnce could you try to overload your head, with say a 70-200 or 300/4, to see if it holds that for a few minutes? I would be heavily in your debt.
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It would be better for me if I can mount the head horizontally, instead of vertically. In other words, screw it directly into the side of the superclamp. (The clamp is on a vertical pole, so the stud is facing forward) I would use a stud with a 3/8" threaded socket, for more strength, so that should be no problem, but can't work out in my head if I'll have enough adjustment movement. The specs give + and - figures, but don't show which is which.
With the head this way, I'd first need to angle the platform back up to "almost" horizontal. The camera would not have to look straight-level nor upwards. Always slightly downward. Can it do this?
Then, I'd need maybe 10-15 degrees of movement for adjusting the horizon. This is the critical adjustment,
esp for the camcorders, and must be easy to fine-tune it, then lock it down. For my application, this would be done with what is normally the panning adjuster. Can it be semi-loosened, so as to make accurate, fine adjustments?
Last, I'd need left-right adjustment, but this is not so critical.
p.1 #12 · Manfrotto 3D Jr Head - True safe weight?
Mike, one more question, while I'm imposing on your time:
Do you think it's possible (have you perhaps already done it?) to remove the Manfrotto clamp & plate, and mount an arca-type clamp? I know I can attach an arca clamp to the existing plate, but I'm trying to save every inch, plus that a hair less weight.
p.1 #13 · Manfrotto 3D Jr Head - True safe weight?
I have a Manfrotto 3030 and I'm sure it will hold well over the rated weight - but that's dependent on the way I can can tighten it down. One thing I've noticed is that the horizontal panning base has a little give in it, a little rocking when loose , just the way it fits together. Typically one could pan first, then lock that and there is no give, then adjust for tilt, etc. Unfortunately, the top part is a casting so there is no convenient way to remove it and add a AS type plate. Although a little machining to get it flat and a new hole and bolt, etc, could be used if desired.
The heads with a simple 1/4" screw thread stud like shown above, you can probably remove the existing captive screw and work through the slot. I'd think a galnce through the RRS, Kirk, Acratech sites would locate an AS base that could work or could be adapted easily enough. Certainly easier than one with an RC2 base cast in.
p.1 #14 · Manfrotto 3D Jr Head - True safe weight?
Craig Gillette wrote:
Unfortunately, the top part is a casting so there is no convenient way to remove it and add a AS type plate. Although a little machining to get it flat and a new hole and bolt, etc, could be used if desired.
Yeah, that's exactly what I did with an old Bogen pistol-grip head I have. I just filed-off the edge, added a thin dense pad to the top, then screwed an RRS clamp onto it It took all of ten minutes, and has been strong and solid ever since.
I don't care about resale value, but even so such a mod probably increases the value for the next owner.
Kirk does make a special arca clamp that fits into the existing Manfrotto clamp, but it's $130!
That's just absurd.
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