I would like to purchase the Libec H38 Professional Fluid Head for use with my Canono XH A1-- which I don't own yet. [g]

How well do you think this plan would work until I get the A1:

1. Buy the H38 head only for use with my Optura XI.
2. Put the head on my current photo tripod (Slik 212)
3. When I get the A1, purchase the base for the H38 as well.

I see it the specs for the H38 it states that it supports up to 17.6 lb. Would a much lighter camera be difficult to use on such a head? I expect there's probably a "sweet spot" with respect to how smoothly the mechanisms work with regard to the weight of the camera used?

I would wait until you get the XH A1. The Optura Xi is 1.6 lbs. You'll probably encounter additional issues from such a mis-match.

The Libec uses a 75mm ball, which is incompatable with your current tripod.

I would wait until you get the XH A1. The Optura Xi is 1.6 lbs. You'll probably encounter additional issues from such a mis-match.

Thanks for the input.