Ronford Baker 2000 Series at DVinfo.net

Albert Rudnicki · September 13th, 2007, 09:11 AM

Just purchased the Ronford Baker 2000 Series Tripod 2004-176 Head.
I was aiming at sachtler head but end up getting Ronford.
It'll be shipped in a week so I have not tried it yet...

Does anybody have any experience with this model?
The tripod will hold a Red cam.
Thanks

Albert
www.yayofilms.com

Brian Drysdale · September 13th, 2007, 10:19 AM

I've got an old F4, which is basically an unbalanced version which I actually use with HDV cameras. They're great heads, the balancing should sort the problem that you have on the F4 with cameras that have heavy masses at either end like Digibeta cameras. Although I know someone who uses an F4 to shoot commercials with Digibeta and Varicam.

Ronfords are over engineered, so that they'll last a lifetime with average care.

Although, a RED with 35mm cine lens like a Cooke 18-100 zoom could be a bit much for it. It's more a 16mm and 2/3" camera head than a full 35mm job.

Albert Rudnicki · September 13th, 2007, 12:59 PM

Thanks Brian
Each head has "it's way" of working with; is the Ronford head comparable to any other brand or it really stands on it's own.
I have only used Sachtler 18,20

Thanks again
Albert

Brian Drysdale · September 13th, 2007, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Albert Rudnicki

Thanks Brian
Each head has "it's way" of working with; is the Ronford head comparable to any other brand or it really stands on it's own.
I have only used Sachtler 18,20

Thanks again
Albert

They're different to the Sachtler. It's more a finger tip head, whereas the Ronfords tend to be more a full "fluid effect", so you really do need good tripod legs without any twisting movement. I tend to use them with the pan handle fully extended for this reason.

I've been using the F4 on my Sachtler Horizon's carbon fibre legs, this works pretty well and is lighter than my Ronford metal legs.

I've recently used the Ronford F7 on a few productions, it's a very precise head when correctly balanced, although on the heavy side for documentaries. Having said that, people do use them on those type of productions.

Albert Rudnicki · September 14th, 2007, 09:08 AM

Thank you Brian
It comes with solid legs, so I should be fine.
Cheers
Albert

September 13th, 2007, 09:11 AM	#1
Albert Rudnicki Regular Crew Join Date: May 2005 Location: Montreal Posts: 52	Ronford Baker 2000 Series Just purchased the Ronford Baker 2000 Series Tripod 2004-176 Head. I was aiming at sachtler head but end up getting Ronford. It'll be shipped in a week so I have not tried it yet... Does anybody have any experience with this model? The tripod will hold a Red cam. Thanks Albert www.yayofilms.com

September 13th, 2007, 10:19 AM	#2
Brian Drysdale Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Belfast, UK Posts: 6,152	I've got an old F4, which is basically an unbalanced version which I actually use with HDV cameras. They're great heads, the balancing should sort the problem that you have on the F4 with cameras that have heavy masses at either end like Digibeta cameras. Although I know someone who uses an F4 to shoot commercials with Digibeta and Varicam. Ronfords are over engineered, so that they'll last a lifetime with average care. Although, a RED with 35mm cine lens like a Cooke 18-100 zoom could be a bit much for it. It's more a 16mm and 2/3" camera head than a full 35mm job.

September 13th, 2007, 12:59 PM	#3
Albert Rudnicki Regular Crew Join Date: May 2005 Location: Montreal Posts: 52	Thanks Brian Each head has "it's way" of working with; is the Ronford head comparable to any other brand or it really stands on it's own. I have only used Sachtler 18,20 Thanks again Albert

September 14th, 2007, 09:08 AM	#5
Albert Rudnicki Regular Crew Join Date: May 2005 Location: Montreal Posts: 52	Thank you Brian It comes with solid legs, so I should be fine. Cheers Albert