What fluid head do you use or recommend?

[Deuceofspades]

I want to upgrade from my current Bogen 503. 503 good for the price, but I am now ready to spend some more $$ and upgrade. Want to keep under or near $1000. Fluid head, smooth. Prefer one with numbers so you can tell where you are at friction wise, in both axis.

What are you guys using with your HVX200 and how much did it cost and how do you like it (how smooth are your pans , is there lag/play i the head, any noticeable recoil at the end of the pan? etc..)

Note that I will be using a 35mm adapter with my HVX, some or most of the time.

Thank you for your input.

[puredrifting]

Hi Faith:

Unfortunately it doesn't fall within your budget but I have been using the Sachtler DV-6SB and absolutely love it, it is a superbly smooth and precise and has the numbered tilt and pan drag settings you speak of.

For $1,000.00, you are probably looking at something like a Cartoni Focus or a higher end Bogen. Perhaps Miller makes something in that price range?

Best of luck,

Dan

[Stephen Pruitt]

I am using the Manfrotto 519 and like it quite well. It has two springs for counterbalancing and it balances my heavy HVX setup (Brevis, Nikons, external monitor, follow focus, rails system, mattebox, handles, and shoulder support) quite well. It's very smooth, but I can't say how well it works compared to similarly priced units.

Stephen Pruitt

[taormina]

I think Dan was waiting for this post....fluid heads are his passion - LOL!!!!

Seriously - He said it right. I use a Bogen 516. It is about a $600 head. It does not have markings of any kind. I like it, and it's smooth and capable. It's load capacity is 22 pounds - adequate for the heaviest of HVXs.

What is the difference between a high end Sachtler and a Bogen 516? Quite a bit, but you have to ask yourself whether you need it. The Sachtler DV6SB that Dan has is a very good head, but on the lower end of the Sachtler line. You can spend $10K on a fluid head with them.

However, it has a bunch of features that set it apart from a 516. For the extra $1K you don't get any load bearing capability - as a matter of fact, it can carry 2 punds less. It does have a dynamic counterbalancing capabilty, which is adjustable through a dial on the front. The 516 uses a non adjustable spring to accomplish this. Obviously the sachtler is better in this regard.

Tilt and Pan drag is done through knobs on the 516, whereas the satchler has dials with numbers for more repeatable results. Other gimmicks are things like illuminated bubbles in the satchler which would be nice in low light situations.

I think the most telling spec is the weight. The 516 is something like a 4 pound head. The Satchler is about a 12 pound head. It weighs 3 times as much because it's made of all metal and very robust. It weighs 3 times what the 516 does, and cost 3 times as much.

You get exactly what you pay for.

Where the rubber meets the road, I can probably pull off 99% of the shots that the Satchler can. Why? Because the HVX is light even with all the crap on it compared to big cameras, and the 516 is good enough to handle it.

Where expensive fluid heads start to really shine is in the 35-40 pound range. In that category and up, you need the best money can buy or your shots will look like shit. Satchler makes heads than can carry 250+ pounds for the big toys.

If I were you, I'd buy a 516 because in this low range of weight, it is adequate for the bulk of your shots. It has pan and tilt drag as well as locks, a spirit level, a great baseplate system with a one button release, and is made mostly of metal. You decide if you need more.

[Blaine]

Cartoni Focus. If you're just talking about the head, you can get it for under $1000. I got a two stage system out the door for about $1299.

[cordvision]

I also use a Sachtler DV-6SB and I love it. Absolutely worth it's price and remember it's a piece of gear you probably going to use for a long time... I mean you will probably replace your camera a couple times before you have to replace your tripod...

[Ted Spencer]

Cartoni Focus. If you're just talking about the head, you can get it for under $1000. I got a two stage system out the door for about $1299.

I second that. I have the same model. Love it.

[puredrifting]

Hi Adam:

Couldn't have said it better myself. Good advice and true!

Dan




I think Dan was waiting for this post....fluid heads are his passion - LOL!!!!

Seriously - He said it right. I use a Bogen 516. It is about a $600 head. It does not have markings of any kind. I like it, and it's smooth and capable. It's load capacity is 22 pounds - adequate for the heaviest of HVXs.

What is the difference between a high end Sachtler and a Bogen 516? Quite a bit, but you have to ask yourself whether you need it. The Sachtler DV6SB that Dan has is a very good head, but on the lower end of the Sachtler line. You can spend $10K on a fluid head with them.

However, it has a bunch of features that set it apart from a 516. For the extra $1K you don't get any load bearing capability - as a matter of fact, it can carry 2 punds less. It does have a dynamic counterbalancing capabilty, which is adjustable through a dial on the front. The 516 uses a non adjustable spring to accomplish this. Obviously the sachtler is better in this regard.

Tilt and Pan drag is done through knobs on the 516, whereas the satchler has dials with numbers for more repeatable results. Other gimmicks are things like illuminated bubbles in the satchler which would be nice in low light situations.

I think the most telling spec is the weight. The 516 is something like a 4 pound head. The Satchler is about a 12 pound head. It weighs 3 times as much because it's made of all metal and very robust. It weighs 3 times what the 516 does, and cost 3 times as much.

You get exactly what you pay for.

Where the rubber meets the road, I can probably pull off 99% of the shots that the Satchler can. Why? Because the HVX is light even with all the crap on it compared to big cameras, and the 516 is good enough to handle it.

Where expensive fluid heads start to really shine is in the 35-40 pound range. In that category and up, you need the best money can buy or your shots will look like shi*. Satchler makes heads than can carry 250+ pounds for the big toys.

If I were you, I'd buy a 516 because in this low range of weight, it is adequate for the bulk of your shots. It has pan and tilt drag as well as locks, a spirit level, a great baseplate system with a one button release, and is made mostly of metal. You decide if you need more.

[DC]

I have a 519 and love it.

Why don't you come to the next Los Angeles HVX200 User Group meeting on Dec 15th and check out some of our gear? :)

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=115437

[Deuceofspades]

I have a 519 and love it.

Why don't you come to the next Los Angeles HVX200 User Group meeting on Dec 15th and check out some of our gear? :)

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=115437

I AM SO THERE IT IS NOT EVEN FUNNY :) - Just RSVPed to your thread. Really looking forward to meeting all of you guys!

[Deuceofspades]

I second that. I have the same model. Love it.

I wanted that head, but regretably it will not fit my tripod and I really really love my tripod and don't want to change it. The cartoni ball is larger and also the screw at bottom is too lareg and the tripod cannot close when I pack it.

[Deuceofspades]

I have a 519 and love it.



Well the problem with the Mannfrottos is I don't like their dial to adjust friction. there are no numbers so you have no idea where you are at. This becomes a bit of a pain when trying to perform diagonal pans. In that case you want both axis to have the same drag. It helps to have numbers. Also I hate the location of dial under plate. So I would rather not stay with Manfrotto.

I tried a nice head friday, around $1000 but can't remember the name of brand. It was grey and was not a cartoni. It did fit my tripod sticks :). Will find out what it was and post here, see if you guys have feedback on it.

[Cees Mutsaers]

But I think the DV-6SB is not future proof if you want to step up to the HPX500. Than you need a Sachtler Video 15 SB (more expensive but a depth investment).




I also use a Sachtler DV-6SB and I love it. Absolutely worth it's price and remember it's a piece of gear you probably going to use for a long time... I mean you will probably replace your camera a couple times before you have to replace your tripod...

[puredrifting]

Definitely, the DV-6SB only is rated to 20lbs. I shot with a fully cinema prepped Varicam last month, it weighed in at almost 50lbs. Always get the biggest and best you can afford because it's true, when you do trade up, trading up everything is a lot more expensive.

If the head was gray, sounds like Vinten (beware, the low-end Vintens ARE Bogens), Miller or a Libec.

Dan

[Deuceofspades]

OK, the head I tried was a Vinten Vision 6. Anyone hear of this brand / model?

[taormina]

If you're trying to future proof, I wonder if there is a disadvantage to getting a heavy duty head and using a really light camera.

[puredrifting]

Hi Adam:

Yes, there is a distinct disadvantage. Many heavy duty heads will not function properly with a featherlight 6lb camera. Their counterbalance system is not setup for such light loads on at least some models. Guess if you get one of those, you need a Letus, rods and rod base, mattebox, etc., right ;-)

Dan

[puredrifting]

Hi Faith:

Yes, Vinten has been popular for years and years. The same parent company that owns Bogen and Sachtler, now owns Vinten. Unfortunately one of the side products of this corporate lineage is that the accountants begin to "value engineer" which means that essentially the low end Vintens have become Bogens. If you look at the Bogen 501 and Vinten Vision 3, you can see several shared main body components. I am not saying that the Vision 3 or 6 are the same as a Bogen 501 or 503, but they do share many of the same components. You would have to compare the Bogen and Vinten side by side to determine if the Vintens have the same shortcomings as the Bogens. I would suspect that Vintens are better but are they worth the money? You would have to determine that.

Other "value engineering" results are that all of the low end Sachtlers are now assembled in Costa Rica, rather than Germany, like they used to be.

It's just a fact of life, we run into this now with cars, homes, everything...

Dan

[taormina]

The upgrade thing is weighing on me since I am buying a RED. I know I'll need new a head but don't want to do it until when the camera will ship since I want to avoid using a big head on the HVX for the counterbalancing issue.

[JonathanLB]

Hey guys, some good stuff here, but could I ask you all a question about tripods so I can figure something out here?

Basically, let's say we are renting out our two HVX200s, and we want to have nice tripods that professionals wouldn't complain about, what would you suggest? Do we need to spend thousands and thousands of dollars or can we get away with something like a $600 to $1,500 tripod? I just am curious what people expect when renting an HVX200. I will spend $10,000 on a tripod for my RED One when it comes, because I understand that's a highly professional camera and people renting it don't want some prosumer tripod for a very expensive camera, especially when you have top-notch lenses, etc. But I was hoping not to spend that kind of money on a high-end prosumer camera like the HVX200. It's a great camera but I was thinking that we get along just find using a $600 Manfrotto tripod, but I don't know what other productions are using or want to use. Any help would be great! Thanks

[taormina]

Usually cameras don't rent with the sticks. That's separate.

[puredrifting]

If it were me, I would be highly disappointed to rent an HVX-200, P2 cards and batteries for probably $300.00 to $400.00 per day to receive a Bogen level tripod. I would expect at least a Cartoni or Miller and would hope for a Sachtler or O'Connor.

If you are a "pro" kind of rental house, you gotta have all of the "pro" toys and accessories, if you are like a Band Pro or Abel Cine. If you are more like a prosumer kind of place that only rents prosumer camcorders, then I wouldn't expect much as far as tripod. Do you rent HDCAMs, Varicams, HDXs and the like or just prosumer cameras?

Perhaps it has changed, but when I used to rent a lot of Varicams and DBeta camcorders, standard rental package price included field monitor, sticks, batteries, charger, lens and a carrying case. I guess with prosumer cameras, perhaps it's not that way? I mostly rented from Plus 8 Digital and Wexler.

Dan

[taormina]

Last camera I rented was from Alternative Rentals in LA. It was an F900. Everything was ala carte including production monitor, Zeiss Digiprimes, wireless transmitter, and it had no sticks.

It had batteries and a case but that was it.

[puredrifting]

The upgrade thing is weighing on me since I am buying a RED. I know I'll need new a head but don't want to do it until when the camera will ship since I want to avoid using a big head on the HVX for the counterbalancing issue.

Hey Adam:

You are going for the RED, huh? I am very envious. Amazing camera. Bet you will forget all about your little HVX once you have your mitts on a RED? ;-) I would.

Am I correct in thinking that a fully loaded RED has got to be pushing 30 to 35lbs at least, right? You need some real iron here, I would seriously consider an O'Connor or a Sachtler Cine 30 or even a 70. Forget trying to buy something that you can use with your HVX as well, I would just buy a nice Cartoni or lower end Sachtler for the HVX. Although your HVX with all of the toys must approach 20lbs, right? Mine is at 16.2lbs but I just added the 24" Red Rock rods which are a few more ounces and I will be buying a Carrion, Nebtek or Panasonic monitor so that with batteries will put me slightly over 20lbs.

You can probably find a great head that will range from 20 to 40lbs capacity and use for both but not for your HVX sans the Letus Extreme, etc.

Dan

[taormina]

Well Dan, I should qualify what I mean by "buying a RED".

I'm always looking forward to my next purchase, whether it's a car, home, boat, or motorcycle. I'm a consumer, and don't keep things very long. I've been studying the RED for months and have determined it will be my next camera. I have not put down a deposit because I hate to be one of those people who trot out their reservation number like it's some sort of willy wonka golden ticket. I have the money to purchase the camera and all the gear for it right now in the bank, so it isn't a question of money.

Twice I have almost clicked the button to "purchase" the camera on red.com. I've almost put down the deposit money......but I have paused, and both times it was because of all the issues the camera has been having. I really need them to figure it out first. The production hold was probably the icing on the cake for me. After that I was like....let them work it all out and I will buy it.

Am i worried I'll miss my spot? No. Am I worried there won't be any cameras to buy when they sort it out? no. As soon as two or three hundred are out there and running fine, I will get in line. It's a great camera, a fantastic company, and alot of bang for the buck - and I will own one. My prediction is that in summer of '08 you'll be able to walk into Red's HQ in Lake Forest and buy a camera, which I will do the second they are out of beta testing.

And of course I'll invest in all the best accessories because I'll keep that camera longer than the HVX.

Still love the HVX. A wonderful camera. I'm shooting my feature in February on it - wouldn't use the RED even if it was ready - still far too unstable for me. Don't know what my rig weighs but I ought to find out. The 135 is a super heavy lens too, I should weigh it all.

As far as forgetting the HVX, not likely. Nor this board, or people like you. This place is the best, and the people rock. Far better than reduser.net!!!!!!

[snp]

Back to the original fluid head question... No doubt, I'd go with a Sachtler. I recently traded in my old Video20 III for a new Sachtler Video 18 SB that balances cameras from 4-46 lbs. That's a great plus because it is perfect for everything from my HVX to my older BVW-D600. Sure it's more $$$ but it's worth having a fluid head that handles such a wide range of cameras. I also have both the lighter weight and heavy-duty carbon sticks.

[puredrifting]

Hi snp:

How much does a Video 18 SB go for these days? That's a seriously nice head.

Dan

[Cees Mutsaers]

In The Netherlands a video 15 SB costs 2958 euro ex. BTW so the 18 SB will be more expensive. However the 15 SB is more than sufficient even for the HPX500.

[Steve Shovlar]

Can't go wrong with Satchler, but unfortunately a new one is above your budget.

Take a look on Ebay though because they do come up second hand regularly for much closer to £1000, and they last forever if looked after and serviced.

I own a Satchler 20 III and its a beauty.

[Postmaster]

Hi Faith, nice to see that you come over from the HAMB sometimes. :happy:

Remember, I`m the guy from Germany who is doing that "German Tank on the Salt" Film. I asked you about dos and dont s on the lake regarding camera work.

I got a nice heavy Universal head (wich is actualy from Miller - the guy who invented fluid heads) of Ebay for 100 Euros.

I buy lots of used pro equipment there - most of the time half the price of new China Junk or semi pro stuff.

It s woth a look.

Frank

[jonnyh1968]

I'm a Cartoni Focus owner also. Love it also. I tracked 100 mph motorcycles around a 1/2 mile oval track at 14x easily. And I mean EASY! Not too much I get excited about but this system rocked my world.

[Deuceofspades]

Hi Faith, nice to see that you come over from the HAMB sometimes. :happy:

Remember, I`m the guy from Germany who is doing that "German Tank on the Salt" Film. I asked you about dos and dont s on the lake regarding camera work.

I got a nice heavy Universal head (wich is actualy from Miller - the guy who invented fluid heads) of Ebay for 100 Euros.

I buy lots of used pro equipment there - most of the time half the price of new China Junk or semi pro stuff.

It s woth a look.

Frank

Talking about dry lake camera work, you'd dig the new teaser I just finished editing. It's 2 min entrirely filmed at start line. My first footage shot with HVX200 and my first try at editing high def with vegas and Raylight. I am THAT close from posting it on the net :) !! I had a blast filming it and editing it too. I think it captures very well the essence of a time trial meet.

Now about buying used heads... I am going to have to pass on that (except your head maybe), because I find that I need to try a head and see if I like it. Also, there is no way of knowing how it was used, misused, and if it was take care of or abused. My moto when it comes to filming gear is BUY NEW - thsi way you know what you are getting - the only thing I bought used were my 35mm lenses for my adapter.

[Deuceofspades]

I'm a Cartoni Focus owner also. Love it also. I tracked 100 mph motorcycles around a 1/2 mile oval track at 14x easily. And I mean EASY! Not too much I get excited about but this system rocked my world.

yeah I really like the cartoni head... but I'd have to change my sticks too....

100 mph??????????? that's it? LOL

Just teasing.... The cars I have had to follow were going in the 200 - 270 mph range. OUCH. Granted they are going in a straight line so that heps a bit ;).

Fun stuff.

[raypov]

Check out the Gitzo G1380 Fluid Head. $999

That with the new 6x carbon Gitzo GT3530LSV legs ($650) is a great combo.

[JonathanLB]

About my question before, forgot to come back here and say thank you for the responses...

I went with a Bogen tripod for now, which is a professional grade tripod not a prosumer tripod -- I had a prosumer tripod at one point, it cost me $75. That's a crappy tripod. A $600 tripod is professional grade, just as the HVX200 is professional grade (XL-2 is prosumer, HVX200 is professional because it's used that way every day of the year) but it's not like you're going to use a Bogen or Manfrotto tripod for Spider-Man 3. We're not targeting big productions looking for really high end equipment right now. Anyway, if you are going for that, I hope you have $5 million and a lot of patience. Nobody will rent from you. You have to be Birns & Sawyer or Mole Richardson or another well established company to get the big guys because those guys already have their connections. We're going for small to mid-sized productions, and by mid-sized I mean a music video with a $25,000 budget let's say, that need pro level equipment but don't everything under the sun.

It makes no sense to buy a $5,000 camera and have a tripod that costs as much as your camera, I'm sorry it just really doesn't. When I get my RED for the company we'll get a tripod that's highly professional, whether that's a $7,000 tripod or a $12,000 tripod, whatever it takes, whatever is the best we can get for that purpose. But I don't think you need some hardcore 35mm film tripod for a camera that weighs 20 pounds fully loaded, maybe 22 or 23, max, and usually not even that much.

I've been on a lot of shoots and I'm still trying to figure out what's the big deal about having a $10,000+ tripod. I mean we honestly don't use our tripod that much, except that the tripod rests on the dolly. Tripod shots are pretty much boring. I'd rather have the camera handheld, steadicam, jib, dolly, etc. There are clear, great applications for a tripod and a killer fluid head, but the prices are just so out of line...

[Slinkii]

I'm running the Manfrotto 503HDV head and I luv it. My rig includes DVX100, Letus Extreme Cavision Rod Support and Cavision 4x4 Mattebox.

[Deuceofspades]

After careful testing of Vinten and Cartoni I have decided to go up to Byrn and Sawyer and test the Sachtler...

I did like the cartoni, but did not like the lack of number on tension dials.

I did like the Vinten when it did not have a spring in it. but as soon as the salesrep put the mildest spring in it I no longer could move the tension dial past 4 (as opposed to up to 9)... I did not like that. I also hate the color... Grey...

So that leaves the Sachtler, black, with number on dial and another $500 up in price. But if it is as good as you guys say, then I bet I won't regret the $500.

I'll let you know what my feedback is.

PS: Best way to test a head is doing a few smooth diagonal pans... Those are tough.

[puredrifting]

Hi Faith:

Which Sachtler are you going to try out? Let us know what your thoughts are. I agree, diagonal pans are the test that separates the pretenders from the real deal.

Dan

[Deuceofspades]

Hi Faith:

Which Sachtler are you going to try out? Let us know what your thoughts are. I agree, diagonal pans are the test that separates the pretenders from the real deal.

Dan


Sachtler DV-6SB

[puredrifting]

Hi Faith:

That is the model of head that I use, it's an awesome piece of gear.

Dan

[mcgeedigital]

The 6sb is GREAT, I got the Sachtler DV-8 so I could use it for both the HVX and the HPX.

Sachtlers are like butter, man.

[puredrifting]

I wanted the DV-8 but could not swing it financially. And to think, I used to own a Video 20 back in the day when I had a BVWD-600. Man, gear and BUDGETS are a lot lower these days ;-)

D

[David Saraceno]

Love the Sachtler 6 and the CF legs.

[puredrifting]

So Faith, did you try the DV-6SB yet?

Dan

[USLatin]

If Michelle and I make it ot the meeting I'll bring the Cartoni focus head

[hotchkiss]

I just picked up the DV8-SB, it's so nice to be back on a Sachtler! Lot's of drag adjustment, very smooth action.

Too bad the gorilla baggage handlers at Southwest Airlines got there hands on it... the tilt lock nob was bent in transit to a shoot in LA last week. :-( . Oh well, new parts are on the way.

It's a sweet head none the less.

[TimurCivan]

http://i18.ebayimg.com/07/i/000/bf/ab/5474_1.JPG

O CONNOR 50..... POW... and what?! its like 20 pounds of solid steel, is 40 years old, and can kill an elephant. But you know what, you can get one refurbished for 700$ and it moves like a Miller Arrow 25.......

Also its awesome factor is increased by its "U-Boat" styling......

[Matty_g]

what sticks are you using with that puppy timur?

[TimurCivan]

i dunno.. manfrotto something or other... they shiver under the weight of the 50.

[puredrifting]

Yeah, I really like big O'Connors like that, I learned on those in television class. I bet they don't work very well with just a stock HVX though, right? A little too light?

Dan

[TimurCivan]

yea too light for stock HVX. panning is beautiful, but tilting becomes an issue.

However, HVX, Marshall monitor, SGpro, Zacuto plate, 35mm lenses, Mattebox, filters, batteries cables etc...... comes in at around 20 pounds. PERFECT weight for the *50.....

[puredrifting]

Nice!

A good deal too. I really like O'Connor heads, they are the only other brand I like as much as Sachtler. But they are beasts. For the run and gun I do, might be a little bulky and heavy ;-)

Enjoy!

Dan

[TimurCivan]

god that thing is heavy.... it literally broke a chair once, it tipped over, and like a sledge hammmer crushed the center of cheap ikea chair.....

[Mark Harris]

god that thing is heavy.... it literally broke a chair once, it tipped over, and like a sledge hammmer crushed the center of cheap ikea chair.....

I was just laughing about that frickin' U-Boat SOB today, wondering if I'd have to use it again on the stuff with Kevin.

One time, I was panning with it, and it got away from me. Took 2 minutes for it to come to a full and complete stop. :)

[TimurCivan]

its dat smooth.... its got Giraffe smoothness.......

[Deuceofspades]

So Faith, did you try the DV-6SB yet?

Dan

No, I didn't go to B&S cause I am going to the dvxuser meet saturday and someone is bringing their DV-6SB so I figured I'll try it there and save me the trip / gas to Hollywood.

[puredrifting]

Okay. we want a minute by minute update of when exactly you get your hands on the DV-6SB!

just kidding...


Dan

[SPZ]

I have the manfrotto 519. Heavy, but stable and fluid. Not the best one I've seen, but for the price is more than adequate.

[TimurCivan]

i really liek the 519, its was my initial choice before Tim Naylor, ( certified Tripod Head freak) pointed me to the O'connor for sale at Visual Products.

[USLatin]

I also use a Sachtler DV-6SB and I love it. Absolutely worth it's price and remember it's a piece of gear you probably going to use for a long time... I mean you will probably replace your camera a couple times before you have to replace your tripod...

I gotta check that head out man!

Was it the one at the meeting? I would love to feel it. (sounds nasty :) )

anyone got a PH-S Super Panahead? I am thinking about getting one for my Canon A630 (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2590894)... I know it is a still camera, but I just think it would make it look so much more professional...

[sthops]

I was just glad to get Tim's old Cartoni Focus head, a very good deal, and I have to say that's more than enough weight for me at the moment. It's kind of delicate, and could be less clutzy with hard clicks, but 2 kilos at a reasonable price seems just right.
I wouldn't want to be carrying anything any heavier anywhere, Not to mention baggage charges just went up over the summer.

[Deuceofspades]

Well, no Sachtler head showed up at the meeting so I guess I am back to PLAN A: A visit to Byrn & Sawyer :)

[TimurCivan]

the sachtlers are good. you wont be disappointed by it if youve never had an amazing head to compare to. its just not in the same league as the Miller Arrow 25......

[Noel Evans]

Well I have used many tripods so Ill just pop my quick thoughts out.

FOR HVX ONLY

Depends how much you want to upgrade.

Libec, no adjustment for drag - but they are the sweetest deal for the $ at the low end IMO. Something like the ls55 easily outperforms the low end Manfrottos

The Manfrotto 516-519 heads, made to take much more weight than the 503 so with HVX alone they can do a pretty good job.

Satchler (not sure if anyone on the board remembers me having mine stolen and in Japan of all places), DV6 is in another world by any comparison to the above.

I am now using the Vinten Vision series (Vision 11) on the HPX - IMO Vinten is just as good as the Satchlers / occoners / millers etc The set up im using has been worked pretty hard and its like butter.

[Deuceofspades]

YES!!! Guess who just bought a Sachtler V6? :love4:

Already sold my bogen head, bye bye.

[puredrifting]

I guess the Sachtler worked it's charm on you, huh Faith? ;-)

Congrats, it's the beginning of a long, beautiful friendship and it should last you a LONG time. I had my Video 20 for 8 years and I have had my DV-6SB for over a year.

Enjoy it! Welcome to the club.

Dan

[mcgeedigital]

Nice, you've made a great decision.

You only buy quality ONCE!

[USLatin]

I've heard only great thinkgs about it... congrats!
Well done... you will NOT regret it... I wonder if I should have instead of the Focus.

[Phil Saunders]

This thread couldn't come at a better time, I'm shopping for a head and sticks right now.

Has anyone tried mating the DV8 SB 100mm to the Miller 1505 sticks? Thinking that's the way I want to go but don't want to run into any compatibility issues. Do you need to swap anything out like with the Cartoni?

Also I do love the Arrow 25, but afraid it might be too much for the HVX when I want to shoot it bare (I think the low-end weight is rated for 7lbs.) Anyone using it?

Thanks!

Phil.

[Apple.Professional]

YES!!! Guess who just bought a Sachtler V6? :love4:

Already sold my bogen head, bye bye.


I would love to hear from you on what you think of the Sachtler V6. I was looking at a Bogen 526 head and the 3193 tripod and have been a bit sceptical in buying one. After reading this thread I think I might be looking at the wrong head tripod setup for a HVX200 and might need to look at the V6.

[mark viducich]

phil i own the miller arrow 25 and the hvx and it works flawlessly when used with the hvx alone or in combination with nebtek hd monitor zacuto base plate zacuto double mount with plate and idx battery letus fe nikor lenses from 25mm to 300mm 26 inches of rods century matte box with two filters follow focus and ultralight monitor arm and it all sits on the miller vj solo sticks

[puredrifting]

Apple:

The Sachtler is in a whole different league than the Bogen 526. I would say the DV-6SB is the ideal head for an HVX-200.

Dan

[Deuceofspades]

I would love to hear from you on what you think of the Sachtler V6. I was looking at a Bogen 526 head and the 3193 tripod and have been a bit sceptical in buying one. After reading this thread I think I might be looking at the wrong head tripod setup for a HVX200 and might need to look at the V6.


I think there is no ONE right set-up for a camera, it depends on what you prefer and what features are important to you and what you can afford, right?

So let me just say why for me it was an easy choice:

1. I wanted a good head at a price I could (kinda LOL) afford. That ruled out all the really gooooood high end heads, regretably...

2. I needed a head that could take the weight of the HVX+ adapter but was not too heavy itself (that ruled out the O'connors used heads etc..)

3. I needed a head that had a ball size compatible with my current bogen sticks (which I LOVE and want to keep). That ruled out the Cartoni $1000 model head.

4. I needed a head that had a level control at the bottom that would still allow me to close my Bogen sticks ALL THE WAY when I am done. I found that Cartoni were a problem, because the shape of the big knob you tighten or losen to readjust the level of your head on the sticks, was too large and I could not close my sticks anymore :(... Sachtler has a narrow, unobstrusive but well shaped handle that allows me to close all the way... Yeyyyy!

5. I needed a head with a plate that was easy to engage and disengage. Always hated the Bogen 503, it was a battle everytime I wanted to put my camera on the head. The Sachtler is so simple, you just place the camera plate down (no sliding necessary) and it immediately, automatically LOCKS perfectly in 0.5 seconds. Same for removal. No more need to struggle for 2 minutes trying to align the plate to the head...

6. I needed a head with friction control that had NUMBERS - Oh boy, that ruled out most of the heads in my price range, including the smaller Cartoni head as well as most of the Bogens.

7. I needed a head that was black (goodbye Vinten, goodbye Cartoni). I don't know about you, but if I can , I prefer my gear to look good. A grey head on black sticks just doesn't quite do it for me.

8. I wanted a head that had the drag control easily accessible (Bogen did a terrible job when putting their drag control UNDER the top plate. I always hated it.). Vinten was a bit better but still awkward. Cartoni, not bad, but Sachtler head has them all beat: This is the best set-up of all the ones I saw and tried. AND the drag numbers are in TWO places for pan and for tilt (so 4 sets of numbers altogether) , so you can see them no matter which side of the tripod you are sitting or standing near. Could be handy when doing a dolly shot for exemple.

9. I needed a head that was smooth, could do diagonal pans smoothly and would stop, without noticeable recoil at the end of my move and STAY there. Even if the camera was a bit tilted forward or back. That pretty much ruled out a lot if not most of the low end heads.

The Sachtler V6 head was the ONLY head that offered all above. So it was an easy choice. No agonizing on what to pick here.

NOTE there is another Sachtler head can't remember the exact model number, that also has a 6 in its model number. So careful, the one I bought is the one with FIVE drag settings, not THREE.

OK, need I say more??

And this is what I did to my Bogen 503 head: :nads:

[Apple.Professional]

Apple:

The Sachtler is in a whole different league than the Bogen 526. I would say the DV-6SB is the ideal head for an HVX-200.

Dan

Thanks for the recommendation, this seems to be the general consensus of most here on the forum...

I will be looking at getting a V6 after the holidays... :happy:

[Apple.Professional]

I think there is no ONE right set-up for a camera, it depends on what you prefer and what features are important to you and what you can afford, right?


And this is what I did to my Bogen 503 head: :nads:

Thanks for the information. I see that you have researched this very intensively and I agree with most of your points, heck, I agree with all of them. I will be looking at the V6 and will more than likely go with it over the Bogen. Now to find the model with the 5 drag settings and I will be all set...

[Phil Saunders]

Thanks Mark, that's great. So there's no over-balanced "bounce-back" when it's tilted down to max? That's great, I tried it at the DV Expo and loved it, but they didn't have an HVX on it at the time...

Phil


phil i own the miller arrow 25 and the hvx and it works flawlessly when used with the hvx alone or in combination with nebtek hd monitor zacuto base plate zacuto double mount with plate and idx battery letus fe nikor lenses from 25mm to 300mm 26 inches of rods century matte box with two filters follow focus and ultralight monitor arm and it all sits on the miller vj solo sticks

[electricpig]

I'm at one with my DV6SB.

I fooled myself I was buying a proper head when I got my Manfrotto 516 on 351CF legs, but was constantly disappointed with it's action.

After one shoot of a yoga session, after numerous snags, jerks etc, the first thing I did after was to order the Sachtler Head with Miller Solo legs.

My Manfrotto is reduced to my static tripod for an unmanned second camera.

The action of the head still gives me great pleasure, and a great combo all in all.

As PureDrifting said, the perfect head for the HVX.

[Deuceofspades]

THE SACHTLER DV6SB, REVISITED - enjoy the shots!

No problem balancing all this:

http://www.bettatalk.com/DEUCE%20OF%20SPADES/DSC06819.JPG

http://www.bettatalk.com/DEUCE%20OF%20SPADES/DSC06820.JPG

http://www.bettatalk.com/DEUCE%20OF%20SPADES/DSC06814.JPG

http://www.bettatalk.com/DEUCE%20OF%20SPADES/DSC06812.JPG

http://www.bettatalk.com/DEUCE%20OF%20SPADES/DSC06818.JPG

http://www.bettatalk.com/DEUCE%20OF%20SPADES/DSC06815.JPG

http://www.bettatalk.com/DEUCE%20OF%20SPADES/DSC06817.JPG

http://www.bettatalk.com/DEUCE%20OF%20SPADES/DSC06811.JPG

[mcgeedigital]

Thats some hot Sachtler action right there!

[Apple.Professional]

Thanks for the images Deuce of Spades, this really helps out...

[Ryan Patrick O'Hara]

THE SACHTLER DV6SB, REVISITED - enjoy the shots!

No problem balancing all this:

http://www.bettatalk.com/DEUCE%20OF%20SPADES/DSC06819.JPG



I don't care how that performs, I couldn't look at that tripod and think the camera wasn't going to fall over from a stiff breeze.

I'd get a bigger looking head just for the piece of mind!:shocked:

I don't know, it might just look small and unstable compared to the raised and enlarged 35mm flip adapter. Either way, don't walk away from that puppy unattended.

[puredrifting]

Hi Ryan:

I have the same head and my 35mm package is a lot bigger and heavier than Faith's (so far) and no problems at all with the DV-6SB supporting it. Don't forget, this is a 'real' tripod head with real fluid counterbalance and a sliding camera support plate, hence the name DV-6SB (SB is for Speed Balance).

Not sure what Faith's rig weighs but mine is at 22lbs and no problems yet and I shoot out in nature, drag it all over the place, snow the other day in Yosemite, etc. with no issues with balance and weight. That said, from the looks of it, my rig is better balanced than Faith's, so far.

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=114048&page=9 Post #90

Dan

[USLatin]

Anyone used a Focus with a 22lbs rig?

I might be getting close to it if all goes well...

3.2lbs long zoom
HVX
Brevis (w/rails and adapter support)
Redrock Follow + Matte
Siniarch's LCD + battery

around 21-22 lbs probably... well i didn't do the math, but up there somewhere

[Ryan Patrick O'Hara]

Hi Ryan:

I have the same head and my 35mm package is a lot bigger and heavier than Faith's (so far) and no problems at all with the DV-6SB supporting it. Don't forget, this is a 'real' tripod head with real fluid counterbalance and a sliding camera support plate, hence the name DV-6SB (SB is for Speed Balance).

Not sure what Faith's rig weighs but mine is at 22lbs and no problems yet and I shoot out in nature, drag it all over the place, snow the other day in Yosemite, etc. with no issues with balance and weight. That said, from the looks of it, my rig is better balanced than Faith's, so far.

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=114048&page=9 Post #90

Dan

Great to hear it's working well for you. I just have to get used to looking at that. The head looks so tiny when you dress up that HVX with the bells and whistles.

I just don't want to see any footage on this site of your camera falling over! :)

[Tim Le]

I use the OConnor Ultimate DV:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d23/tnle2/misc/ocondv.jpg

Very rare head since OConnor stopped making them a few years ago. Basically identical to a 1030B/HD except smaller and a little lighter. It can balance continuously from zero to 24 lbs @4". Extremely beefy and stout and produces beautifully smooth, "organic" feeling moves.

[TimurCivan]

yea my o'connor50 gives that same organic feel to the footage.

[Deuceofspades]

I shot some footage at my friend's christmas dinner tuesday, some of the shots had pans in them... Maybe I'll try to post the footage up here soon... Now that I have my PC back (finally)...

[USLatin]

anyone know about the fully loaded Focus?

[Joseph Stunzi]

I use a Manfrotto 526 with the pan/zoom handle

It works well for my applications but in terms of balance, I think the Sachtler tripods have me far beat.

I'll post some pictures of my rig on my Seven jib today if I can remember.

[puredrifting]

Tim:

Sweet head. I wish O'Connor would come back to the smaller, non-film camera market. I think all of their heads now are for big, heavy loads and begin at somwhere around $4,000.00 to $5,000.00.

Great stuff, I had O'Connor big old studio heads at film school, they are great, American made stuff. Rare these days though except on big old film packages.

Dan

[TimurCivan]

YEA! they should make a "new" O'connor 50 or 30 sized head...... That would be Rad.

[Joseph Stunzi]

Aren't O'Conner, Sachtler, Manfrotto, and Vinten all part of the Vitec group?

[TimurCivan]

sweet... i cant nearly afford any of them....

[David Rothstein]

Is the Sachtler FSB-6T similar to the DV-6SB ?

[puredrifting]

The FSB only has a 13lb capacity versus 20lb on the DV-6SB. I don't think anyone who wants to have an HVX and a 35mm adapter should even think about an FSB. Still a good head but a little light on the weight capacity.

Dan

[David Rothstein]

Thanks, Dan.

Can anyone compare the handling of these heads with the Miller DS-10?

[David Rothstein]

I see more people with Sachtlers so perhaps that's a clue.

[Joseph Stunzi]

I think I'm gunna go with the Sachtler Video 18 SB and the Dutch tilt head for it!

[puredrifting]

Millers? Mixed results. The high end ones are pretty good, the low end ones, not so much.

Dan

[David Rothstein]

I am deciding between between a Miller DS-10 and an Sachtler FSB. I plan to have just the camera and a wireless mic and/or light on it so I don't need the extra weight capacity.

Decisions, decisions.

The Sachtler has the edge just for being ubiquitous.

[puredrifting]

Low end Sachtler is a better choice than a low end Miller IMHO.

Dan

[USLatin]

I am finding new quality in my Focus... might be better dialed settings