Cartoni Focus HD Head at DVinfo.net

Jeremy Cole · August 4th, 2011, 06:52 PM

Just picked up a Cartoni Focus HD head to replace a Manfrotto 503hdv. Wow. Much smoother moves. Heavier, but worth it.The only thing I am having trouble getting used to is putting the camera plate on the head. It really is a front loading slider plate that only goes half way in. You can slide it in from rear, but can't seat it well, because of the small screw that is designed to keep the plate from going in one side and sliding out the other. I find this load in difficult. I much prefer the Manfotto slide-in design or the Sachtler which just pops into place. The balancing system on the head is super for light or heavy cameras.I have matted the head to Manfrotto 536 sticks. Nice.

Les Wilson · August 4th, 2011, 09:25 PM

I have a Cartoni Focus (No HD) and it is not a sliding mount. I'd be surprised they switched to a sliding mount. On my head, I fully cock the lever, put the edge of the plate opposite the lever side into the head and then drop the other side down onto the head. It then locks.

When I read the instructions for your head, it sounds similar:
http://www.cartoni.com/web/files/man...%20English.pdf

Chris Soucy · August 4th, 2011, 11:52 PM

Les, I do believe you are correct...........

It would appear to be a side/ drop load head and not a slot load, which is why Jeremy is having so much trouble.

The slide lock lever would appear to act as both slide lock & plate release, as there's no mention of an eject/ release mechanism anywhere.

If that is the case, Jeremy, simply undoing the slide lock lever completely should allow the camera and slide plate to be lifted vertically clear of the head, no sliding required.

Do in reverse to install back onto head.

If that's not the case, there's something wierd going on.

Stay tuned for the next exciting episode..................

CS

Jeremy Cole · August 5th, 2011, 06:40 PM

Wow! You are so right. The head, though new, did not come with any documentation, so I made an assumption that it was a slide-in load. Now that I know how to load it, it works beautifully Thanks.

Daniel Caruso · August 9th, 2011, 07:28 PM

hi jeremy, i wanted to ask you how you like to head so far. this is what i am looking at for a full af100 rig. i am on a 501 right no so you could imagine, though i want to get a head that will last me a coupe years throughout different setups. thanks for your input.

Don Bloom · August 9th, 2011, 09:26 PM

I have a Cartoni Delta 601 kit (head and legs for sale with a travel case. Not a bag but a hard case. This unit is like brand new--$3750 plus FREE shipping to anywhere in CONUS. It's a hell of a unit, might be too much kit for the camera though.

Daniel Caruso · August 9th, 2011, 09:39 PM

thanks don, that is an amazing kit, but well over what i am looking to spend right now unfortunately. it would be perfect as i am trying to future proof myself a bit id like to buy something i can use on heavier cameras, not just mine. im around the 1000 mark, 1500 if it is a good deal and worth it.

Chris Soucy · August 9th, 2011, 10:39 PM

Hi, Daniel..................

Would you care to share the approximate weight/ cog of the kit you're using now and what you might (maybe) expect to use in the future?

Bit hard to make any suggestions without that information.

CS

Daniel Caruso · August 10th, 2011, 06:22 AM

Yes of course, sorry about that. I have 350 manfrotto sticks now that will be used with the head. The main camera will be an af100 full rig with mattebox, ff, rails, cinearm/monitor setup. I havent weighed ot yet but my guess if around 15lbs. Future use could f3 kits, arrinsr2 kits; around that. Would like to keep the 100mm ball as well. I was looking at the 509hd besides this one, but cant help but feel they are a lower build quality. I have noticed that with manfrottos new stuff, legs for sure have suffered.

Thanks for the help!

Jeremy Cole · August 10th, 2011, 06:22 PM

Daniel,

I like the head. it is much smoother than 503hdv. It is somewhat more difficult to balance, but once balanced is great. I have used a Sony EX1R on it and have also used a Panasonic af100 in light mode. Both are good fits, different weights, which means rebalancing somewhat each time. It is heavier than the 503hdv, if that is a consideration.

Don Bloom · August 10th, 2011, 08:20 PM

I've had the pleasure of using both the 504 and 509 heads and frankly they are miles ahead of the 501/503. The 509 is actually a head that can carry more camera than the 504, that's why they make 2 different heads. For the cameras you mentioned I think the 509 might even be too much head. ...the 504HD head is rated up to 16.5 pounds and the 509 is up to 29 pounds. Put something about 8 pounds on a head rated for 29 and while it can be balanced you'd probably be better off with the 504 which I have and found it to be a very nice head and all I need for the type of work I do. I've run 6 pound rigs and 16 pound rigs on it and it pans and tilts quite well.
Just my opinion. Take it for what it's worth.

Daniel Caruso · August 11th, 2011, 02:27 PM

thanks guys, i ended up going for the 509. Its ordered so i'll have to see when it comes in. I dont have the means of going into the $2000+ area of heads, nor would i use them to their full extent. I think this will fit just right. oh, and thanks for letting me borrow your thread jeremy=].

Ian Johnson · July 5th, 2016, 10:06 AM

Hi folk,
Just in case anyone is interested we have a Cartoni Focus HD fluid head with pan bar and camera plate here. Brand new with a full 5 year factory warranty, for sale $800US plus freight. We have moved out of sales and only do authorized support equipment repairs and manufacturing now.

Ian Johnson · August 3rd, 2016, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy Cole

Wow! You are so right. The head, though new, did not come with any documentation, so I made an assumption that it was a slide-in load. Now that I know how to load it, it works beautifully Thanks.

Hi Jeremy,

Here's a copy of the user manual for the Cartoni Focus HD head :)

Best regards,

Ian.

John Wiley · August 31st, 2016, 07:04 PM

Anybody here ever used the Cartoni Focus 8? I've not been able to find any reliable reviews online for it at all. Other options in my price range are the Sachtler Ace L or the Miller DS10. I like the Cartoni for it's slightly higher load capacity (8kgs vs 6kg & 5kg respectively), single stage legs, and Manfrotto 501 plate compatibility, but I am hesitant to purchase it without reading any reviews.

August 4th, 2011, 06:52 PM	#1
Jeremy Cole Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Western Massachusetts, USA Posts: 84	Cartoni Focus HD Head Just picked up a Cartoni Focus HD head to replace a Manfrotto 503hdv. Wow. Much smoother moves. Heavier, but worth it.The only thing I am having trouble getting used to is putting the camera plate on the head. It really is a front loading slider plate that only goes half way in. You can slide it in from rear, but can't seat it well, because of the small screw that is designed to keep the plate from going in one side and sliding out the other. I find this load in difficult. I much prefer the Manfotto slide-in design or the Sachtler which just pops into place. The balancing system on the head is super for light or heavy cameras.I have matted the head to Manfrotto 536 sticks. Nice. __________________ Regards, Jeremy

August 4th, 2011, 09:25 PM	#2
Les Wilson Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Boca Raton, FL Posts: 3,014	Re: Cartoni Focus HD Head I have a Cartoni Focus (No HD) and it is not a sliding mount. I'd be surprised they switched to a sliding mount. On my head, I fully cock the lever, put the edge of the plate opposite the lever side into the head and then drop the other side down onto the head. It then locks. When I read the instructions for your head, it sounds similar: http://www.cartoni.com/web/files/man...%20English.pdf Last edited by Les Wilson; August 5th, 2011 at 05:13 AM. Reason: typo

August 4th, 2011, 11:52 PM	#3
Chris Soucy Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Fairfield, Dunedin, New Zealand Posts: 3,682 Images: 18	Re: Cartoni Focus HD Head Les, I do believe you are correct........... It would appear to be a side/ drop load head and not a slot load, which is why Jeremy is having so much trouble. The slide lock lever would appear to act as both slide lock & plate release, as there's no mention of an eject/ release mechanism anywhere. If that is the case, Jeremy, simply undoing the slide lock lever completely should allow the camera and slide plate to be lifted vertically clear of the head, no sliding required. Do in reverse to install back onto head. If that's not the case, there's something wierd going on. Stay tuned for the next exciting episode.................. CS

August 5th, 2011, 06:40 PM	#4
Jeremy Cole Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Western Massachusetts, USA Posts: 84	Re: Cartoni Focus HD Head Wow! You are so right. The head, though new, did not come with any documentation, so I made an assumption that it was a slide-in load. Now that I know how to load it, it works beautifully Thanks. __________________ Regards, Jeremy

August 9th, 2011, 07:28 PM	#5
Daniel Caruso Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Newmarket, Ontario Posts: 90	Re: Cartoni Focus HD Head hi jeremy, i wanted to ask you how you like to head so far. this is what i am looking at for a full af100 rig. i am on a 501 right no so you could imagine, though i want to get a head that will last me a coupe years throughout different setups. thanks for your input.

August 9th, 2011, 09:26 PM	#6
Don Bloom Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,609	Re: Cartoni Focus HD Head I have a Cartoni Delta 601 kit (head and legs for sale with a travel case. Not a bag but a hard case. This unit is like brand new--$3750 plus FREE shipping to anywhere in CONUS. It's a hell of a unit, might be too much kit for the camera though. __________________ What do I know? I'm just a video-O-grafer. Don

August 9th, 2011, 09:39 PM	#7
Daniel Caruso Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Newmarket, Ontario Posts: 90	Re: Cartoni Focus HD Head thanks don, that is an amazing kit, but well over what i am looking to spend right now unfortunately. it would be perfect as i am trying to future proof myself a bit id like to buy something i can use on heavier cameras, not just mine. im around the 1000 mark, 1500 if it is a good deal and worth it.

August 9th, 2011, 10:39 PM	#8
Chris Soucy Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Fairfield, Dunedin, New Zealand Posts: 3,682 Images: 18	Re: Cartoni Focus HD Head Hi, Daniel.................. Would you care to share the approximate weight/ cog of the kit you're using now and what you might (maybe) expect to use in the future? Bit hard to make any suggestions without that information. CS

August 10th, 2011, 06:22 AM	#9
Daniel Caruso Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Newmarket, Ontario Posts: 90	Re: Cartoni Focus HD Head Yes of course, sorry about that. I have 350 manfrotto sticks now that will be used with the head. The main camera will be an af100 full rig with mattebox, ff, rails, cinearm/monitor setup. I havent weighed ot yet but my guess if around 15lbs. Future use could f3 kits, arrinsr2 kits; around that. Would like to keep the 100mm ball as well. I was looking at the 509hd besides this one, but cant help but feel they are a lower build quality. I have noticed that with manfrottos new stuff, legs for sure have suffered. Thanks for the help!

August 10th, 2011, 06:22 PM	#10
Jeremy Cole Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Western Massachusetts, USA Posts: 84	Re: Cartoni Focus HD Head Daniel, I like the head. it is much smoother than 503hdv. It is somewhat more difficult to balance, but once balanced is great. I have used a Sony EX1R on it and have also used a Panasonic af100 in light mode. Both are good fits, different weights, which means rebalancing somewhat each time. It is heavier than the 503hdv, if that is a consideration. __________________ Regards, Jeremy

August 10th, 2011, 08:20 PM	#11
Don Bloom Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,609	Re: Cartoni Focus HD Head I've had the pleasure of using both the 504 and 509 heads and frankly they are miles ahead of the 501/503. The 509 is actually a head that can carry more camera than the 504, that's why they make 2 different heads. For the cameras you mentioned I think the 509 might even be too much head. ...the 504HD head is rated up to 16.5 pounds and the 509 is up to 29 pounds. Put something about 8 pounds on a head rated for 29 and while it can be balanced you'd probably be better off with the 504 which I have and found it to be a very nice head and all I need for the type of work I do. I've run 6 pound rigs and 16 pound rigs on it and it pans and tilts quite well. Just my opinion. Take it for what it's worth. __________________ What do I know? I'm just a video-O-grafer. Don

August 11th, 2011, 02:27 PM	#12
Daniel Caruso Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Newmarket, Ontario Posts: 90	Re: Cartoni Focus HD Head thanks guys, i ended up going for the 509. Its ordered so i'll have to see when it comes in. I dont have the means of going into the $2000+ area of heads, nor would i use them to their full extent. I think this will fit just right. oh, and thanks for letting me borrow your thread jeremy=].

July 5th, 2016, 10:06 AM	#13
Ian Johnson New Boot Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Ontario Canada Posts: 11	Re: Cartoni Focus HD Head Hi folk, Just in case anyone is interested we have a Cartoni Focus HD fluid head with pan bar and camera plate here. Brand new with a full 5 year factory warranty, for sale $800US plus freight. We have moved out of sales and only do authorized support equipment repairs and manufacturing now.

August 31st, 2016, 07:04 PM	#15
John Wiley Trustee Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Byron Bay, Australia Posts: 1,155	Re: Cartoni Focus HD Head Anybody here ever used the Cartoni Focus 8? I've not been able to find any reliable reviews online for it at all. Other options in my price range are the Sachtler Ace L or the Miller DS10. I like the Cartoni for it's slightly higher load capacity (8kgs vs 6kg & 5kg respectively), single stage legs, and Manfrotto 501 plate compatibility, but I am hesitant to purchase it without reading any reviews.