O'Connor 50 fluid head

G

Gwerd

Well-known member
Wondering if anyone has hands on experience w the O'connor 50 fluid head. Seems like it's an older model but could still be a good one....maybe....
 
Really good head for bigger heavier rigs. Not good for light consumer cameras like the HVX/DVX. You can find good deals on used ones, send them back to O'Connor in Costa Mesa with a check for $1,000.00 and when they ship it back to you, you will have basically a $6,000.00 head that will function as new.

Lots of RED owners are snapping these up.

Dan
 
Hmm...not too sure about that. They are physically massive. You would have to check with an owner or with O'Connor for minimum weight.

My Letus rig with the HVX weighs around 18lbs so not sure if that would be enough. I do know that the 50s were designed for 35mm and studio television cameras, it's a massive head.

Dan
 
Good to know, I was looking at one after our discussion in another thread about the Bogen's. I might have to spring for a Libec, I know a good head and sticks are missing in my arsenal.
 
i have one its good but SOOOOO old. Im gonna send it to thoes guys in California...
 
Yes, they do a really nice spa and rejuvenation for your tired old 50. We had the 50s at film school with television studio cams on them and they were sweet. A bit too big and heavy for my run and gun lifestyle, but if I had PAs or people to lug stuff.

Dan
 
Yeah, the Oconnor 50's are NICE. Definitely worth it. When I called Oconnor to see about getting it serviced four months ago, they told me they don't actually do that anymore, but referred me to Transylvania Film & TV in Burbank. So I called them up and to get a complete overhaul (cleaning, fluid replaced, new seals, refinished, etc) would be $850. Not a bad deal if you can find a cheap one on ebay. The head is essentially new after servicing.

They hold up to about 50lbs and it is indeed perfect for Reds. :) The only gotcha is the default ball size is not standard. I think it's like 112mm or 114mm or something? If you contact Oconnor, they do have a 100mm replacement kit. That way, you can use any standard 100mm ball tripod.
 
Ken K said:
Yeah, the Oconnor 50's are NICE. Definitely worth it. When I called Oconnor to see about getting it serviced four months ago, they told me they don't actually do that anymore, but referred me to Transylvania Film & TV in Burbank. So I called them up and to get a complete overhaul (cleaning, fluid replaced, new seals, refinished, etc) would be $850. Not a bad deal if you can find a cheap one on ebay. The head is essentially new after servicing.

They hold up to about 50lbs and it is indeed perfect for Reds. :) The only gotcha is the default ball size is not standard. I think it's like 112mm or 114mm or something? If you contact Oconnor, they do have a 100mm replacement kit. That way, you can use any standard 100mm ball tripod.
Click to expand...


Hi Ken:

All the O'Connor 50s I have ever used are Mitchell plate based. Maybe they have an interchangeable base plate?

There was one on Ebay for $799.00 buy me now the other day.

Dan
 
puredrifting said:
Hi Ken:

All the O'Connor 50s I have ever used are Mitchell plate based. Maybe they have an interchangeable base plate?

There was one on Ebay for $799.00 buy me now the other day.

Dan
Click to expand...
Ohh... yeah, you're right. They had various options for bases and even quick release plates. I forgot about that when I was looking at this diagram awhile ago trying to tell them which release plate I had.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top