Used Vinten 3 head... what to watch out for?

[legrevedotcom]

Hey guys...

I just spotted a used Vinten Vision 3 with some Vinten legs without a spreader. I tried writing the seller, but apparently its a girl who is now selling her dads old equipment so she doesn't know anything about the thing.

From what I can see on the photos, it's quite dusty, most likely it has sat in a cupboard. There are two pan arms which both have a JVC zoom focus control attached (Canon ENG model).
And from what I can tell, it is also lacking a slide plate.

Can the head get stuck from lack of use? If so, would it be easy to get it up and running again? I know springs aren't that expensive, I would probably need to buy #10. And the sliding plate I guess I could get from Vinten directly.

Anything else to watch out for?

The current price is 640 dollars for the combined package of head, legs and zoom controllers (which will probably go in the bin...). I'm considering pressing the price down a little more.

The purpose would be to carry an outfitted Sony FS100 which lands around 4-6kg in battle gear.

 

[david_p]

ive got a Vision 3 head. bought it new about 3 years ago. as recommened by a rep for Vinten...they suggest you dial "back" to the lowest non drag settings when the head is not being used. if its been stored in its most torqued down drag settings the ability to dial in the super stiff drag could be somewhat diminshed.

i love the head but i also have 2-Vision Blue heads as well. i find them to be nearly equal to the Vision 3 except the Vision 3 is more versatile with the interchangable springs.

what legs are included in the deal? i didnt buy the Vinten sticks when i bought the Vision3 but rather the Miller solo vj CF. i did get one of the Blue heads in kit form that came with Vinten legs which are very very nice. dont know if they are the same legs though. seems to me most Vinten legs are good.

good luck
david