I suppose that if you got the next size up Leveling head that you would be able to see the level which makes me wonder why it would not come with the next size up as standard or am I missing somthing as to why it comes the way it dose ??
While this add-on does not have anything to do with the last few conversations in this thread, I felt I needed to add to the original review. I won't go into a whole lot of detail you can find the specifics of my situation at amazon.com in the product review section. My comments regard the Sunwayfoto DB36LR, the little brother to the DB-44LR. I was in tripod/ball head heaven for a short period of time using the this ball head. However, when there was a product breakdown the tables turned - big time. Before you spend your hard earned money please consider that there are absolutely no North American contacts for this product. The so called warranty papers refer you to a Sunwayfoto email address that is in China and you will NOT get a response in any way, shape or form. So think twice and look at products that will have, at bare minimum, an 800 telephone number to assist you in the event of necessary communications. It will save you an awful lot of grief, stress and heartache.
So the North American contact: sunwayfoto.us was of no help? I have not had to actually deal with the U.S. since I live in Ukraine, so my initial contacts and dealings have been factory direct which has always been prompt. I understand there is now a European distributor, but as Ukraine is still not part of the EU .... China is still my source. I will contact EU and see if servicing and products are available directly from them.
I took my lever arm apart (by accident) by unscrewing the thumb screw out too far, it was a pain to put back together, but once it was back no problems. Had I read the instructions and/or downloaded the PDF's I would not have done that!
I am sorry you had problems, and glad that Amazon resolved your issue! I am still using my products worry free though.
Fraucha, I expect that most users of this product will be delighted with it - I sure was at first use. It would have been a perfect product if there had been some backup & support form the company or some response to multiple requests for assistance. But all that is behind me now. It's good to know that there are some positive comments to be made about the product. Plus you seem to have the mechanical ability to take things apart and put them back together. Unfortunately, that is not one of my strong points. I continue my search for a new ball head and if I can find a decent used Kirk or Markins I'll be a happy camper again.
Well, upon some investigation, I found that the main contact for sales, left Sunway for another company (making dedicated L-brackets, Gimbals etc.) It appears the person taking his place has yet you get on the ball.
Used: Just save the extra $ and get new, the warranty will be worth it. RRS makes killer ball heads!
I need to add a short postscript. I have now heard from the distributor. OEC Camera Accessories. He has given me a reasonable explanation for the communication problems as well as acknowledgment of the design issues with the device. Appropriate design modifications have been made and will appear in future production models of the ball head. I need to offer a public 'thank you' to John of OEC for his efforts.
Still using this ball head and clamp, nearly everyday. Ok, the wife does have "things for me to do". But still pretty heavy use. Now, I have tried a universal Battery Grip L-Plate from Fittest Photo in China also, for my D300s. A slight turn of the clamp's thumb screw and the new plate fit perfectly. I really have no issues with the ball head or the clamp after repeated use in dirty environments and wet conditions, no snow yet though....soon.
Gavin Gilmour wrote:
I have DYH-66 leveling Base it has a very good quality finish, my ony gripe is that you have to set up your T-pod and leveling base first before ataching the ballhead otherwise you can not see the level, this is workable if you do not have to move arround to much, but a pain having to remove the ballhead each time if you relocate, I am not sure why they did not have the level on the outside of the unit like the Novoflex unit.
