What is the TRUE fluid head? at DVinfo.net

Andrew Loseff · February 4th, 2004, 04:10 PM

As I got from this forum that there are some none, semi and true fluid heads and I am totally confused :-/

What is the TRUE fluid head and which is the cheapest one?

Mike Rehmus · February 4th, 2004, 05:14 PM

The cheapest true fluid head is a good used one.

I'd guess that the least expensive true fluid head is in the neighborhood of $500 plus new. And that one will not be nearly as good as the one that costs $2500 and is designed for the same camera load as the $500 unit.

A really good used head may cost $700-$1000 or more for a DV camera.

That's all off the top of my head without any specific research to answer the question.

The only way to understand the differences is to go to an exhibition like NAB or DVWorld and try them.

Rick Bravo · February 4th, 2004, 09:36 PM

There isn't one, true fluid head. There are various manufacturers of fluid heads. OConner and Sachtler make some wonderful heads for both film and video work.

If you want the smoothest of all heads, you would be looking at a geared head such as a Worral or Arri Head, just to mention a couple. Very expensive, quite a learning curve, but smooth from start to finish.

RB

Marc Young · February 4th, 2004, 10:01 PM

Like most of you guys, I wish I could afford a professional fluid head. I don't know who invented it, but Cartoni claims a design dating back to the 1970's:

http://www.cartoni.com/company.html

Sachtler also claims an invention around this time:

http://www.sachtler.com/

You have to get to the Company/ History page.

Rick Bravo · February 5th, 2004, 12:24 AM

Cartoni makes a great head. We have a C 20 S. It is rugged and very well engineered. The head itself is handsome although it is heavy and pretty expensive.

Of all the heads we own, my favorite is the Sachtler Video 20 Plus! This is the one that resides in my "personal" kit.

OConnor developed the fluid head in 1949 and is still going strong. The company has received an Academy Award for Engineering a Scientific and Technical Achievement for the design and concept of the fluid head.

By the way, OConnor is now owned by Sachtler...who'da thunk it?

RB

February 4th, 2004, 04:10 PM	#1
Andrew Loseff Tourist Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 1	What is the TRUE fluid head? As I got from this forum that there are some none, semi and true fluid heads and I am totally confused :-/ What is the TRUE fluid head and which is the cheapest one?

February 4th, 2004, 05:14 PM	#2
Mike Rehmus Wrangler Join Date: May 2002 Location: Vallejo, California Posts: 4,049	The cheapest true fluid head is a good used one. I'd guess that the least expensive true fluid head is in the neighborhood of $500 plus new. And that one will not be nearly as good as the one that costs $2500 and is designed for the same camera load as the $500 unit. A really good used head may cost $700-$1000 or more for a DV camera. That's all off the top of my head without any specific research to answer the question. The only way to understand the differences is to go to an exhibition like NAB or DVWorld and try them. __________________ Mike Rehmus Hey, I can see the carrot at the end of the tunnel!

February 4th, 2004, 09:36 PM	#3
Rick Bravo Major Player Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 574	There are different fluid heads. There isn't one, true fluid head. There are various manufacturers of fluid heads. OConner and Sachtler make some wonderful heads for both film and video work. If you want the smoothest of all heads, you would be looking at a geared head such as a Worral or Arri Head, just to mention a couple. Very expensive, quite a learning curve, but smooth from start to finish. RB __________________ "The future ain't what it used to be." Yogi Berra. www.rbravo.com

February 5th, 2004, 12:24 AM	#5
Rick Bravo Major Player Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 574	Good head! Cartoni makes a great head. We have a C 20 S. It is rugged and very well engineered. The head itself is handsome although it is heavy and pretty expensive. Of all the heads we own, my favorite is the Sachtler Video 20 Plus! This is the one that resides in my "personal" kit. OConnor developed the fluid head in 1949 and is still going strong. The company has received an Academy Award for Engineering a Scientific and Technical Achievement for the design and concept of the fluid head. By the way, OConnor is now owned by Sachtler...who'da thunk it? RB __________________ "The future ain't what it used to be." Yogi Berra. www.rbravo.com

February 4th, 2004, 10:01 PM	#4
Marc Young Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 112	Like most of you guys, I wish I could afford a professional fluid head. I don't know who invented it, but Cartoni claims a design dating back to the 1970's: http://www.cartoni.com/company.html Sachtler also claims an invention around this time: http://www.sachtler.com/ You have to get to the Company/ History page.