From: "Harridge, Wayne" <Wayne.Harridge@xxxxxxxxxx>
Jan wrote:
> The Bogen "joystick" (3265, I think) is great for routine use with a
> variety of lenses. I switch to their mini-gear head (Manfrotto 410)
> for both macro and long telephoto.
Any other comments about the 410 ? I have been thinking about one for
architectural work.
It's a nice machine, although I'm never satisfied with something the
way it arrives. :-)
It's rather unfortunate they used 100-pitch gears instead of 120. It
moves 3.6 degrees per knob revolution. (This is a "feature" if you
think in gradients, rather than degrees. :-)
I calibrated mine by making it's base perfectly level, then adjusting
the pitch and roll to make the platform level. Then I used a Dremel
bur tool to make an indentation that lines up in both the gear-locks
and the knob, and then filled the indentations with white enamel. Now
I can instantly set the base and platform to parallel planes, and can
easily count off 3.6 degrees at a time, or guesstimate portions of a
turn.
Maybe my next project might be to make gradient labels to cover the
degree labels. Then at least a full knob turn would have some simple
relationship to the labels.
It uses an odd-ball (but rather nice) quick-release plate. I've
adapted everything else I have to use this QR system -- about
$35/pair, or $12 for just the plate, from B&H, et. al. These plates
are big and hefty enough for even smaller LF gear, but look kinda
goofy on the diminutive OM bodies.
I'm not sure what would make this stand out in architectual work,
however. The mounting hole orbits the vertical nodal point by a
considerable distance, making it unsuitable for stitching. I find the
precise geared movements to be invaluable in macro and long telephoto
work -- otherwise, a three-axis pan head is cheaper and easier to use.
: Jan Steinman <mailto:Jan@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
: Bytesmiths <http://www.bytesmiths.com>
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