----- Original Message -----
From: "Donald MacDonald" <d1956m198d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Wednesday, July 02, 2003 7:53 PM
Subject: Re: [OM] Best head I ever had
> Have to agree about the 3221 (055) tripod, I find mine no real burden when
> it's in its holster on the MiniTrekker. I'm still using the 222 pistol
grip
> with mine, but the magnesium head (460) that is on my monopod is pretty
> good. That might be a winning combo.
I definitely agree that the 055 tripod is a great pod. It's a little on the
heavy side though but I find that it balances well with a tripod strap. I'm
using the Manfrotto strap and I found it would want to pull away from my
body. Then I figured out the secret was to carry the pod upside-down (head
down), which puts the bulk of the weight (the head) down around my waist,
keeping the pod nice and straight against my back. I'm pretty sure this is
the way it's actually designed to be used with the Manfrotto strap because
when I carry it that way the logo is right-side up.
In terms of tripod head, I'm currently using a Manfrotto head (#065 or #165
if memory serves but I'm not at home to double check that). Personally, I
find it's a good head but it's heavy and I find the mechanisms for locking
and unlocking the movement to be very stiff. I find it's almost imposible to
go from locked to open and stiff. It requires so much force to unlock that
it goes all the way to open on it's loosest setting. With an OM, it's not a
big deal. But when I have my Arca Swiss 4x5 mounted, it's a real pain
(especially when you just want to fine tune the position a bit). I find it
also has a tendency to shift a bit as I lock the movements which is
extremely annoying at times (particularly when trying to frame a macro
shot). The other thing I don't like about this head is the large hex plate
quick release plate. I find they're too big for my OM's and in the case of
my Tamron 90/2.5 macro, the dof preview lever gets caught on the plate and I
can't mount or unmount this lens with the QR plate attached. Since the DOF
preview lever is on the Adaptall mount, I suspect this would be a problem
for any adaptall lens. I'm seriously considering replacing the head with one
that operates more smoothly and takes an Arca Swiss style QR plate. Lighter
weight would be nice as well. I may even opt for a much ligher and smoother
head that's designed only for 35mm and possibly mf and then get another head
for lf work (such as a geared head). I do like the fact that the head is
capable of holding anything I throw at it. Once it's locked it stays locked
and it won't budge unless I unlock it (even with the 4x5 mounted it's very
sturdy).
Andrew "frugal" Dacey
frugal@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
http://www.tildefrugal.net/
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