I got an email from Calumet Photo about this tripod/fluid head/spreader/case kit for about $550.00 US.

Anyone have any experience good or bad with either this or any of their products?

Am I better off looking at a Bogan 503/501? Or other? I'd love a Sachtler, but....

Jonathan

I bit the bullet and bought one, Created a short review here:

its in HD!:

YouTube - E-Image-Tripod-Review (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUKhs_G2860)

Hey Justin,

Thanks for that (and the email). What is the fit and finish like on this? I was at Calumet in Chicago and did not see this out on display, but I was in kind of a hurry so I didn't have time to go further.

Did you compare this to the Manfrotto or the Schactler by any chance. And not that I've ever had a problem with a tripod with a mechanical problem, but where do you get service if needed?

The web site for E-Image is pretty confusing.

Thanks for the review.

Jonathan

Sorry for the very delayed response. The fit and finish of this tripod is pretty good, but wouldn't say excellent. Again I have used a nice Sachtler and I absolutely love it to death but it was a $1400 tripod. For that one a new plate was 75 dollars and the rubber feet replacements are $100. This is $525 out the door (student discount ;-) and parts are cheap too, plate is $20, and feet were something like $15. Thought it still is not as good as that Sachtler.

One thing to keep in mind is that this is a true fluid head tripod. It is definitely fluid modules with different pre-set drag or dampening levels. This also means you have your dampening adjustment and then your lock knob This is not the case with the cheaper Manfrotto tripods, where there is some sort of weird friction based systems and one knob usually controls all; friction and lock.

The warranty on this unit is 2 years and my guess is you would be sending it to there USA distributor Lumiere Technology Inc Website: www.lumieretech.com

In contrast Sachtler has a 3 year warranty and 5 years on the fluid cartridges in the head.

Call your Calumet store to make sure they have it and have them open it up so you can play with it, that is what I did.

Hey Justin,

Thanks. I'll go for a hands on at Calumet soon.

Jonathan