Bogen 503 Question

Taylor Moore

Taylor Moore

Veteran
Hey I finally managed to get a good used Bogen 503 Head, now I need to search for sticks.

Stupid question: How does the head attach to the sticks, what type of mount is it? Should the mounting hardware come with the head or the tripod?

I don't have the head yet it is coming by Fedex. If some one could post a pix of the attaching parts that would be great.

Now to find the sticks!!!!
 
Re: Bogen 503 Question

Hey Jarred,
You have the 525 sticks right...did yours come with the Half Ball and hardware or is that additional?

Thanx
 
Re: Bogen 503 Question

For me: 3192 sticks, which I've had for a long time and used with other, bigger heads, jib, etc. 100mm ball (p# 3141 $40). That tripod comes with the ball. No spreader required (I think they're a pain). The thing is, the DVX is so light, even with the 503 head, you need sticks that are nice and rigid. Carbon fibre (at least the ones I had) flex too much. When I pan I want just the head to turn, not the sticks to twist.
 
Re: Bogen 503 Question

I go the entire kit that came with the half ball and case and everything.. fantastic unit, I couldn't imagine using it without the half ball. And you are right on the legs Preston.. the 525 3 stage is very solid, specially when you use the spreader or the spikes. I used to use a cheap $150 tripod and I occasionally pull it out and can't use it anymore.... I lift it right off the ground.
 
Re: Bogen 503 Question

I have the opportunity to buy a used set of Manfrotto 3033 legs on the cheap -- seem pretty solid. Opinions?
 
Re: Bogen 503 Question

Preston,

How long is the post on the ball adapter that secures the head? Is it too long to secure the head to a hi-hat?

Thanks
 
Re: Bogen 503 Question

Barry,
The threaded rod that extends down from the ball is about 2 3/8" (6 cm.) long. A little overkill - spend all your time threading/unthreading knob/handle when changing heads. Could be cut shorter without affecting anything. A few years ago Bogen went to a long, rubberized grip that threads onto the rod to adjust, level, and secure the head. It's about 5.5" (14 cm) long. It used to be a knurled knob and separate cup which was much shorter but I think this newer style would still work with most high-hats .
 
Re: Bogen 503 Question

One more question Preston,

What do you think about the short version (3185/3186) of the 3192 legs? How low does the 3192 comfortably go? Manfrotto's spec said 3 ft. Is there any justification in needing the shorts legs as well? I'd be shooting narrative production.

Thanks again.
 
Re: Bogen 503 Question

Well, for me, when I go low - I want to go really low - which is where the high-hat would come in. The shorter version would just be kind of in-between, so I don't know how often I would actually use them. But, three feet sounds about right on the 3192. With the head that usually puts the camera at or a little below eye level with the subject seated. Usually works out pretty well. For really low angles I'll throw it on the high-hat, go hand held, or right on the ground. A Cinekinetic's Cinesaddle or homemade version would come in handy in those situations too.

Also bear in mind that the 3192 legs have release levers near the bowl that allow the legs to go "spread eagle" clear to the ground if you want. If you're using one of their spreaders, or a home-made chain version you could go much lower.
 
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