I've been looking at the Cartoni F103 tripod system for about a month now, and in my research have not found any reviews pro or con for this set up. I was nearly swayed at NAB on Monday when I saw Sachtler's new SOOM set up, but at 3k was out of my price range.

I'm looking to spend no more than 2k on a complete system - I've heard mixed reviews on the Sachtler DV6, and I've used some much larger Cartoni tripod systems on other shoots.

Anyway, the Cartoni F103 seemed to be a good fit, looking for some input.

Looking to mount an EX1, Letus Extreme + Lens, undecided on a rail system (blasted Zacuto with their amazing expensive solution).

I guess I'll have to post a review after I've used it for a couple months :)

Sorry, somehow missed your post, tho' as I've never heard of the Cartoni F103 I'm not in a position to offer any enlightenment.

Just checked it out @ B&H and it does look interesting.

I'd be really interested to hear back from you as to it's performance, especially with the rig you mentioned.

A couple of things about the tripod that strikes me are the two stage design -that bottom single tube looks awefully long, and the minimum height of 33" seems very high.

In addition, it doesn't have spiked feet, so you can't cheat the minimum height by disconnecting the spreader and using the spikes to hold the feet in position.

I DO like the infinately variable counterbalance tho' - now that is a big plus.

All in all, a very intrigueing package at that price point.

Do let us know how it fares in action.


CS

kia ora Chris!

I'll post a review for sure. Ex1 and tripod arrive on Tuesday...who knows on the Letus. They're a minimum 4 week wait. I'll be very curious to see how well it balances the load, especially if I put a longer lens on the rig.

Cheers

Enjoy the new toys!


CS

I just looked at B&H and it seems the Cartoni F103 is just the Cartoni Focus 100mm bowl head that has been very popular as a mid priced head for the pro HDV cameras for the past year or more.

The legs that come with it are the standard Cartoni design legs, albeit carbon fiber here, with one stage. I have virtually the same legs in aluminum with an Alpha head (the predecessor to the Focus). They work well and are solid in my experience. The rubber feet unscrew and leave a metal blunt spike. The legs also have the molding that fits on a Cartoni dolly.

Searching the forum for Cartoni Focus will turn up a lot of comments.

Awesome - Thanks for the input Jack. I was finding a lot on the other Cartoni Focus models, just wanted to be sure this one wasn't totally different (however unlikely that would be). I look forward to posting some pics and comments in the coming weeks.

Cartoni makes very good and decent tripods. I own a Gamma set for ten years now, and it is still as smooth as it was the first day I bought it. Sachtler will be better, but at a much higher cost.

Maybe this look a likes of Sachtler are worth looking at for those who are looking for a new tripod.

www.secced.com