Sachtler fsb-6 question

StrobelPhotography

StrobelPhotography

Well-known member
I bought a used fsb6 from adorama for a good price and I had a question about locking the head specifically. the pan locks tight when I lock it but the tilt does not. I lock it and you can still move it if you force it. My question is, is this normal? I imagine on a new head it wouldn't budge even if you force it. there's still a good amount of resistance but you CAN move it. I've emailed and called vitec but no one has responded. Anyone here have experience with these heads? Thanks.
 
Never had anything like that happen with mine, and I have been using it a lot with the FS7. It held its position with the 150-600mm Sigma SPORT.

Mark
 
thx Mark. I took it in to Transylvania Camera and they gave the thumbs up. My head is working correctly. Now if i could only fix MY head.
 
I'd try another repair shop. Without knowing just what's going on with it, you could end up dumping over your camera if it decides to give out all the way. Mine locks down solidly and I've had it for over 5 years. Something to know, is that you should not tighten down the drag knobs all the way if you're not using the head for awhile. Keep the pan and tilt drags a little loose. Not sure why, but that's in the instructions.

Side note: I just recently met somebody from the country of Transylvania.

Mark
 
Thanks for the keeping the knobs loose tip.

In talking to the tech at transylvania camera (also the home town of someone you just met) he mentioned how out of the box the fs series brake discs are too smooth. He has had to scuff them up for a bunch of customers who wanted them to lock more sturdily. For what I'm doing right now, mine works fine. Having never owned one I wanted to get an educated opinion. And bringing it in, I feel satisfied that mine is in good working order.
 
My FSB6 locks fine on both axis but it can be moved if force is applied. I never do it but clients or producers sometimes can't keep their hands off my tripod and just force the head out of position. I just hate it as this wears done on the lock and if done often it has to be serviced.
 
It's a good head. I have used mine in hot humid climates as well as in the ice and snow. I pair it with some Gitzo Systematic sticks and like the simple, light-weight combo. I got a pair of CF legs with the FSB6, but they've given me some trouble. One CF tube came loose from the top base. One of the leg clamps needs adjustment now, as it won't lock tight. No trouble with my series 2 and series 3 6X Gitzos though. I bought a FSB4 for my lighter weight cameras and now am looking into getting something for a heavily rigged FS7, 30-40 pound range. Mulling over a couple nice 100mm Sachtler models (7+7) and the OConnor 1030D a lot of folks swear by.

Mark
 
I have my FSB6 on Speedlock 75 legs. Nice combo. But I also have a DV10SB, sharing the same quick release plate as the FSB6, on Sachtlers ENG2 CF HD legs.

To me shooting with both my FS7 and A7SII I can mix and match any camera or head without the need of switching QR plates.
 
Mark Watson said:
It's a good head. I have used mine in hot humid climates as well as in the ice and snow. I pair it with some Gitzo Systematic sticks and like the simple, light-weight combo. I got a pair of CF legs with the FSB6, but they've given me some trouble. One CF tube came loose from the top base. One of the leg clamps needs adjustment now, as it won't lock tight. No trouble with my series 2 and series 3 6X Gitzos though. I bought a FSB4 for my lighter weight cameras and now am looking into getting something for a heavily rigged FS7, 30-40 pound range. Mulling over a couple nice 100mm Sachtler models (7+7) and the OConnor 1030D a lot of folks swear by.

Mark
Click to expand...

Just out of curiosity, what can you possibly add to an FS7 that would get it up to the 40lb range? A huge cine lens? Giant brick batteries? That's up in lightly rigged Alexa territory.
 
Mark Watson said:
It's a good head. I have used mine in hot humid climates as well as in the ice and snow. I pair it with some Gitzo Systematic sticks and like the simple, light-weight combo. I got a pair of CF legs with the FSB6, but they've given me some trouble. One CF tube came loose from the top base. One of the leg clamps needs adjustment now, as it won't lock tight. No trouble with my series 2 and series 3 6X Gitzos though. I bought a FSB4 for my lighter weight cameras and now am looking into getting something for a heavily rigged FS7, 30-40 pound range. Mulling over a couple nice 100mm Sachtler models (7+7) and the OConnor 1030D a lot of folks swear by.

Mark
Click to expand...

Just one addition here. and PS thx for all the replies. The tech TC said that he has seen tons of problems with the 75mm bowl speed lock legs. BUT, the 100 are amazing. Apparently a much different animal. Ok, please carry on.
 
puredrifting said:
Just out of curiosity, what can you possibly add to an FS7 that would get it up to the 40lb range? A huge cine lens? Giant brick batteries? That's up in lightly rigged Alexa territory.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't get a 40 lb. rated head for a load of 40 lbs. I'd get a 40 lb. rated head for a 25-35 lb. load. FS7 weight can double quickly. XDCA extension unit, v-lock batt(s), external recorder (Odyssey 7Q+), a telephoto lens, rods, lens support, FF, wireless receiver. That's 30 lbs. My most stripped down tripod config is about 12-15lbs depending on lens.

Mark
 
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