Bogen 501 stinks!

Prairieboy

Prairieboy

Veteran
I am sorry if I am offending those who have one.  It was bad enough that I spent the day shooting with a Pd170, but I had to shoot on a long lens witht he 501 and it officially blows.  It is not a fluid head!.  I have the miller DS-5 which I like, and have used the 503 and it is rather fine as well.  But man the 501 was useless on a long lens.  \
So I have to do this again tomorrow, and even though I will get no rental for it, I am bringing my tripod with me.  I feel like a hack witht the 501 (OK maybe I am a Hack), but at least tomorrow I will be a slightly happier hack.
Rant over, bitter man signing out.
 
Re: Bogen 501 stinks!

I know where you're coming from. I had to shoot something last summer with a JVC DV500 on a 501. It's fine if you can just lock it off and pan, but if you need to tilt... you're screwed. I was embarassed to hand over the tapes. If I could have only used my 503, I would've been much happier.
 
Re: Bogen 501 stinks!

It is either fluid or not! Following performers around at full zoom was not a good time, tomorrow will be better. Now if I could only get rid of the 170. ::)
 
Re: Bogen 501 stinks!

I use an old Linhof Munchen model 4 tripod, weights a ton, perfect shots, with a Bogen 3063 head.

Perfect. ;)
 
Re: Bogen 501 stinks!

I've used a 501 with excellent results...smooth as glass. I think it differs from the 503 in that it doesn't have springs, but for a 4 lb camera that shouldn't be a big deal. Of course a 501 isn't as smooth as a Miller/ sachtler/ Cartoni... or the other expensive heads but it has worked fine for many occasions because i've gotten geared head type results out of my moves.
 
Re: Bogen 501 stinks!

I agree the 501 isn't very smooth. I've had it for 3 years and it just bugs me everytime when I 1/2 way zoomed in that I can't start a tilt or pan smoothly not matter how much I practice or how loose or tight I make the head. Yeah it isn't very fluid. I will be trying or getting the 503 soon.
 
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