any complaints with sachtler dv-6sb

[Greg Hartzell]

I'm looking at buying a tripod in the $2000 range and I really like sachtlers video series heads that I have used in the past. Also, I have played with the dv-2 and found the quality really lacking. I was wondering what peoples thoughts on the fsb-6/dv-6 with regards to supporting a mid-sized hdv camera with various excesories (matte box, audio receivers, lights, etc.)

[Dan Brockett]

Originally Posted by Greg Hartzell

I'm looking at buying a tripod in the $2000 range and I really like sachtlers video series heads that I have used in the past. Also, I have played with the dv-2 and found the quality really lacking. I was wondering what peoples thoughts on the fsb-6/dv-6 with regards to supporting a mid-sized hdv camera with various excesories (matte box, audio receivers, lights, etc.)

Hi Greg:

I have owned the DV-6SB for about a year and half and I absolutely love it, it's one of the best pieces of gear I have ever owned. I have an HVX-200 along with rod support, rods, matte box, FF, and a Letus Extreme. Although I am right at the maximum weight limit of 20lbs, the DV-6SB handles the load great.

I used to own a Video 18 with my Betacam and the DV-6SB is just as good, only in a smaller, lighter and much cheaper package. The counterbalance steps are good, the tilts and pans are smooth as silk and I can do a simultaneous tilt/pan very smoothly, which is what separates the boys from the men in regards to tripod heads.

I would NOT recommend the fsb-6 if you are ever planning on expanding your package to include a 35mm adapter. 13lbs capacity is too light for my taste, we are always loading our camera up with toys, monitor, wireless receivers, etc. even when not using the Letus.

I would NOT recommend the Sachtler legs, they all have spreaders. I hate spreaders, they are useless unless you are putting a jib or something very heavy on the head. I have the Miller Solo DV carbon legs and they are spreaderless, can go from ground level to something like 72" in height. I have put a rain jacket over the legs and actually used the tripod as a rain shelter when caught in a storm far from shelter, I have had them in rivers, mud, dust storms, etc. GREAT legs. I think with the DV-6SB and the Miller legs, I paid around $2,200.00 from Abel.

Enjoy!

Dan

[Matt Gottshalk]

I second Dan's recommendation. Love my 6b!