O'Connor 1030D Arrived!
 

This is the last of my proposed equipment purchases for awhile. It's my attempt to future proof my support kit. I actually got a good deal on a 'like new' O'Connor 1030D. I believe it was part of the "Calumet Photo, NYC" bankruptcy. But, don't really know.

To paraphrase my 'Ozzie cousin', Paul Hogan, 'Now that's a fluid head!'

I'm not going to do a 'review'. First of all, we have an in-house resource (Chris Soucy) who does all things Tripod and fluid head much better than I ever could. However, I will say this 'head' appears 'built like a brick Dunny'!

Thanks to all who helped me learn enough to make a good purchase.


Best regards,

J.

Re: O'Connor 1030D Arrived!
 

Congratulations James! Dog with two tails time indeed.

Thanks for the kind words (above), tho' can't see OConnor letting me get my sticky mitts on a 1030D any time soon.

Might dragoon you into doing some sleuthing on my behalf tho' with regard to that new head.

I've read two very in depth write ups of the 1030D, one from a company that actually rebuilds them and both have mentioned an oddity in the way the counterbalance performs over the tilt range.

They've both said that the CB (Sometimes? Always?) gives the impression during tilts that the camera balance has moved fractionaly, thus throwing the CB off minutely at certain angles, giving the strange situation where it CB's perfectly at one angle but not quite as perfectly at another.

This is one of those esoteric "whodunnits" I just love to get my teeth into.

Questions are:

Can you observe this?

Does this have a specific weight/ cog element to it; ie does it only do this outside/ inside/ both the 10 - 30 lbs weight range that gives the head its name?

Is it angle specific; ie will it always pull this stunt at the same angle(s), load independent or does the angle(s) change with load?

Is there a usage element - it gets better/ worse/ no change with use hours?

I'm sure I'll think of more but I'll be interested in your experiences with this issue, if, indeed, you ever witness it (I had sort of put this down to "erroneous urban legend" despite the supposed pedigree of the writers concerned, but it never hurts to have another opinion from someone with the ability to get hands on play time).

Enjoy.


CS

Re: O'Connor 1030D Arrived!
 

Hi Chris,

I had the pleasure to have a Scarlet on a 1030D a few months ago and didn't notice any strange CB issues. We put it through it's paces too. Since the first time I got to use a 50 I've always loved the feel of O'Connor heads.

James, feeling a tad bit of envy. Enjoy a great piece of equipment.

Re: O'Connor 1030D Arrived!
 

I had a much lengthier response, but because of the infuriating 'time out' feature of DVInfo it was lost. I'll have to re-write my response and cut and paste it.

Sorry.

J.

Re: O'Connor 1030D Arrived!
 

that's a great head. I own the 2060 and have worked with the 2575 also . I've never had issues with dialing in the counter Bal. I can see where an issue may happen when the camera and support are not properly centered. since that would cause different CB ratios to happen if say you were tilted down and looking for recovery coming back , or tilted back and looking for recovery forward. For sure you now have a " future proof " item that will last much longer than any of the camera bodies you will be mounting onto it over the next several years.

Re: O'Connor 1030D Arrived!
 

One of the few (maybe only) brands I've remained loyal to my entire career has been O'Connor--on some jobs I've been asked to substitute other heads, even perfectly respectable ones like Sachtlers, but I stand firm because I've always found them bulletproof and without compromise. Very surprised to hear that there have been common issues found in the performance of the 1030D. I have a 1030B that is least 15 years old and it doesn't demonstrate any counter balance issues. I'll check with my friends at O'Connor to see if they have any response to this.

Re: O'Connor 1030D Arrived!
 

Thanks Chris, Garrett, Charles, et al! I appreciate the kind words.

Based on my limited 48-hours hands-on with the O’Connor 1030D, I’m very pleased with my purchase.

It’s quite the machine!

Chris, I haven’t experienced any peculiarities with the Counterbalance (CB). Although, being a neophyte and not having any experience with O’Connor Heads, I’m a poor choice to ask. More sophisticated and knowledgeable operators like Charles and others are more likely to ‘feel’ the nuances then I am.

With that said, I’m proud to be asked by “Soucy Testing Laboratories, Ltd” to be their North American field testing agent. I’ll have my Lawyers draw-up the proper paperwork and overnight them to you. : )

Unfortunately for your purposes Chris, I’m not challenging the rig by any stretch of the imagination. My current configuration is a PMW-200 with the large BP-U90 battery, SXS cards, Sony ECM-MS2 Mic and a Manfrotto 492 LCD Mini-Ball Head on the front Cold Shoe; I’m barely pushing 8.71lbs. (3.95kg). Definitely not stressing the system, even with the Sony Wide-Angle conversion lens, VCL-EX0877, which only adds another pound and a half (+0.68kg), or so, to the front-end.

I think the question of whether the O’Connor 1030Ds can balance a lightweight payload can be put to bed. Even with the small Sony BP-U30 battery it will balance and operate perfectly.

I really like the operating layout of the Fluid Head. All the controls are properly located for easy handling. Visually, it has a ‘Bauhaus’ look to the overall design, very industrial.

In accordance with the ‘Owner’s Manual’, once the payload is properly leveled fore and aft and with the Pan and Tilt Drag wheels set at the lowest setting (1), the Counterbalance Crank requires 13 revolutions (from the stop) of increasing Counterbalance for my camera configuration.

At first I thought this seemed like too much, but then I started cranking clockwise, increasing the CB to see how far it actually goes. I stopped when I got to 40 revolutions. I had not hit the ‘mechanical stop’ and there was more adjustment available. I’m definitely at the low-end of the Counterbalance adjustment.

The adjustments are very precise and repeatable. If, I back off the CB by one revolution (12), the payload will start to ‘drift’ from its Tilt position. When I increase the CB by one revolution (13) and move the Fluid Head through its range of motion, the Fluid Head and payload will remain in any Tilt position I set and this is before I add any Tilt Drag.

There’s no bounce-back, no slipping and no additional movement after a Pan or Tilt movement is completed.

I didn’t really understand when people would talk about how Sachtler and other Fluid Head/Tripod combinations are more suited for ENG/EFP while others (O’Connor) are considered more suited for Cinematic purposes.

I’m not sure I agree with that analysis. Once you understand the adjustments required for the camera and accessories you plan to use, it’s just a matter of ‘dialing it in’. The O’Connor is so precise and repeatable; it’s simple and quite fast. Initially, it's not quite as fast as my Sachtler, but once dialed-in it's fine.

The O’Connor Owner’s Manual recommends, “When shooting is finished and the Head is to be stored, Head settings (i.e., Counterbalance and fluid drag) should be left unchanged. This reduces wear on the Head’s mechanisms and save time on the next shoot.”

My Sachtler FSB-8 and Speed Lock 75 CF legs are definitely my ‘GOTO’ sticks for run and gun.

The O’Connor 1030D and the Sachtler CF-100ENG HD 2CF sticks are my medium payload rig. Short of a steel pier imbedded to bedrock, I don’t know of a more stable, reasonably portable Tripod/Fluid Head system.

I say ‘reasonably portable’ because with my bad knees, I’m not planning on carrying this rig up a mountainside anytime soon, my days of humping an 80lb. Rucksack are over!

My thanks to all of the working pros who've taken pity on me over the years and assisted in my education.

Now, I understand there's a thing out there called a "Geared Head". Anybody know anything about them? : )

Best regards,

J.

Re: O'Connor 1030D Arrived!
 

Hi James,

Geared heads are basically heads that use cranks to manipulate the pan/tilt. Here's one by ARRI.

http://www.arri.com/camera/pro_camer...af673c10037643

They used to use these all the time on film cameras before they came out with fluid heads. The ARRIHEAD 2 is massively expensive. I've seen them used for around $25K. I have no idea what it would cost new.

Some cool stuff though.

Re: O'Connor 1030D Arrived!
 

Hi, Garrett! Good to hear from you.

The 'Arri' is a beast. I have looked at the 'GearNex Gear Head' .

Believe me, I think I've 'shot my bolt', so to speak. The O'Connor will have to do until someone wants to pay me to learn and then operate a 'Geared Head'. Although, I wouldn't mind some 'hands-on' to get a feel for how they work.

Getting use to Pans, Tilts and diagonal moves happening simultaneously, dependent upon how you turn the axis control wheels would require some practice. Kind of like patting your head and rubbing your tummy at the same time. But, once you get a feel for the mechanism, I'll bet it would be fun!

I understand Geared Heads have been around for a long time. Research I've done says they were used to film "Lawrence Of Arabia". A stunningly beautiful film. I'm sure a cinema historian can tell us exactly when Geared Heads were first used in film.

Regarding the O'Connor 1030D Fluid Head. I have never experienced this amount of control and smoothness with any Tripod/Fluid Head combination I've owned. Not Vinten Vision Blue or Vision 3, nor my beloved Sachtler FSB-8.

Caveat: I haven't used other 'high-end' Sachtler, O'Connor, Millers, etc.. But, for me the difference in performance is significant.

I now understand why pros like yourself are so enamored with this Fluid Head.

Take care,

J.

Re: O'Connor 1030D Arrived!
 

Hi James,

I believe that geared heads were around before the fluid head. They're what I've seen on very old production set photos. Also, they were able to move those 100 lbs. monstrosity cameras they use to have to shoot with.

The smaller geared heads are somewhat of a puzzlement for me. With the advancement of a good fluid head they don't seem to give much of an advantage. Especially for you with the 1030D. I would imagine you would get just as good pans and tilts. The one advantage you could be with the geared heads is that they are more precise in their stop and start angles since they can be marked. but, I imagine you could be almost as precise if carefully lining up each shot.

I have used the higher end Sachtler and Vinten heads. And, even though they are miles above most of the others out there, they are just as far behind the O'Connor heads IMHO.

Enjoy the O'Connor head.

~Garrett

Re: O'Connor 1030D Arrived!
 

HI everyone. James, I'm glad to hear you are enjoying your 1030. It's a beautiful head and it will last you through many generations of cameras.

About geared heads:

Yes, they were designed at a time when they were the only way to truly operate a camera smoothly (especially the mammoth payloads of early sound cameras, Technicolor, Cinerama etc.). I cut my teeth on an old CP Mini-Worrall some twenty years ago, spent a winter with a laser pointer tracing out my name on the wall of my office. After moving to LA I found myself almost exclusively using geared heads for the next 15 years, to the point where I found myself rusty at using a fluid head when required to! They have become a little more exotic than they used to be and many shows including mine just carry fluid heads now. However it's still important for union operators to know the skill because most remote heads come with wheels, although panbars (like a fluid head interface for a remote head) are sometimes available.

The advantage of a geared head basically revolves around magnifying the displacement or movement that an operator makes, which tends to smooth out the results--when you make a tiny diagonal move with a long lens on a fluid head, your single hand movement is quite small and very specific, whereas the rotation of two separate hands creates more finesse. It's kind of like setting your mouse movements on a computer to "gear down" when moving slowly.

A classic example is when doing moving shots on a dolly, like a fast push in with abrupt deceleration. WIth a fluid head you have to really rein in the forces to keep from getting a bump in the shot--with a geared head, it's much easier. Same thing about clambering around on a dolly mid-shot, if you have to pan 180 degrees or more. Back in the day, one had to keep one's eye stapled to the eyepiece or you'd let light onto the film plane--in the digital era, it's much more common to work off an onboard monitor so again this is less of a concern than it once was, so there is less contorting the body to stay locked to the camera.

Learning the skill of the geared head is, as James suggests, like rubbing the belly and patting the head. It takes a little bit to figure out which hand does what. The closest thing that a civilian would encounter is actually an Ekta-Sketch. I was a little stunned to learn after my first few years of daily geared head operating that I had become unknowingly adept at that toy, and could now draw circles with relative ease. Bonus! After it becomes instinctive where you can aim a camera without thinking about it, you start to learn the nuances of the system, which are many. When to use which one of the gears or even neutral; how to "throw" the wheels (a fast or whip pan that continues into a subtle piece of operating requires spinning the wheel fast, letting go, then catching it again smoothly and returning to operating position). Some of the more interesting tricks are things like nailing a stand-up, where an actor is to get out of his chair quickly. That can be tricky on a fluid head, landing with perfect headroom and not over or undershooting. With the geared head, you can set the top position with the actor and then count the number of revolutions it takes to get him down to the sitting position. When he stands in the shot, you simply crank the wheel fast and keep track of the turns, and you will stop the tilt at exactly the right spot every time.

Where we separate the men from the boys is in backpanning, most often experienced with a crane or jib arm and remote head. When the arm swings, you have to pan just to keep the camera pointed forward. Finding exactly the right speed so that the frame doesn't fishtail back and forth is not easy, then there's feathering out of it as the arm comes to a stop--and what if the shot requires panning as well? You find yourself cranking slower to pan one way and cranking faster in the SAME DIRECTION to pan the other way. If you have to think about it, you are sunk!

As far as the little fad of small geared heads led by the Gearnex a few years ago, I shook my headin bemusement over that one. You are correct, Garrett, in that they offer little advantage over a good fluid head in this day and age. Most users will rarely need the benefits of a geared head, and I have yet to see any late model versions that equal the performance of the Arri or Panahead, which makes them pointless. They were by and large a fashion statement, a way for newbies to look more cool on set (in their estimation) and I'm sure a lot of them embarrassed themselves by turning in crappy looking moves as they struggled to overcome the shortcomings of those heads let alone learn the skill. I remember seeing one of the early purchasers post a photoset of his first shoot with the Gearnex which consisted of literally 50 pictures of himself standing at the camera, leaning on the wheels, looking thoughtful etc. I doubt I have 50 pictures of myself behind the wheels for those 15 years I was a union operator on TV shows and movies...

Re: O'Connor 1030D Arrived!
 

Hi Charles,

Thanks for the very informative post as always. Operating a geared head seem a little like trying to operate a backhoe. Need to coordinate several things at one time. A good operator makes it look easy. If you're even a little incompetent you're gonna gave a lot of crap where you don't want it.

I'd love to try master a geared head just for the fun of though.

Re: O'Connor 1030D Arrived!
 

Charles and Garrett...thanks, gentlemen! I love to hear the prospective from people hwo have been 'in the trenches'. It's invaluable!

I'm with you Garrett, I'd like to learn how to use a geared head because it looks like fun and it's an additional arrow in my skills quiver.

The OConnor 1030D has turned out to be, so far anyway, one of those pieces of equipment that just does what it suppose to do out of the box. Sadly, the same can't be said of many other things. Things seldom livie up to the marketing hype.

OConnor 1030D Cons:

1. It's made in Costa Rica. Now, I have nothing against Cost Rica or Costa Ricans, I just wish America still mannufactured things.

2. The OConnor 1030D camera dovetail mounting plate is not compatible with my Sachtler FSB-8 (75mm bowl) dovetail plate. Once the camera mounting plate is installed, you're committed to that support system.

However, after I thought about it, the 100mm bowl 1030D is made for larger form factor cameras and it makes perfect sense it would require a larger dovetail plate. I wonder if it's the same dimension as Astronomy heads? Hmmm?

3. It's heavy! Not unmanageable, but a bit hefty. As I always tell people about tripod systems. If you want steady and solid, it requires Mass. More Mass = heavier tripod. You can't have it both ways.

Other than the aforementioned sniggles, I love the OConnor 1030D!

Thanks for listening to the 'Fan Boy'. : )


J.

Re: O'Connor 1030D Arrived!
 

Something I forgot to mention about geared heads is that they have a limited tilt range compared to fluid heads, generally 60 degrees total as opposed to the nearly 180 degrees of an O'Connor. I don't know about the little heads but the pro ones have an integrated tilt plate that allows you to offset that range for specific shots, but it affects the geometry of the system by raising the center of gravity, and it becomes more difficult to operate the head smoothly the further you raise the plate. Usually in that scenario I'd switch out to a fluid head, although before I learned to do that I turned in some pretty wonky tilts--there's one in Office Space when Tom shows off his "Jump to Conclusions" mat, the shot of the mat itself features a pretty unspectacular tilt courtesy of yours truly.

I know the 1030 comes with a choice of full size or mini size "Euro" QR assemblies (which was O'Connor's way of describing the Sachtler plate back when the companies were rivals, before Vitec bought them both), but I was surprised to see that the Sachtlers don't always use Sachtler plates any more! The FSB 8 seems to come with what looks like a Manfrotto style QR plate--is it the same one? Interesting. If that is the case, James, you could buy a complete QR assembly, like: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Quick-Release-Assemblies/ci/3937/N/4071351450/)and mount that to your Sachtler plate--a little funky having dual QR's but it would allow for fast switch out. Or, if you wanted to spend a big chunk of change, convert your 1030 to the Manfrotto style QR completely: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/925345-REG/oconnor_c1248_1001_sideload_quick_release_top.html

Re: O'Connor 1030D Arrived!
 

Charles...thanks for amplifying your comments about 'geared heads'. I love that more information 'spills' out of your head by accident, then what some people charge a bunch of money for a weekend seminar. I hope that sounded right? Very inarticulate sentence. But, thank you.

I have the O'Connor 'Side Load' Dovetail camera plate and Platform assembly. It's an interesting system.

Best regards,

J.

Re: O'Connor 1030D Arrived!
 

So James, enlighten me--that side load plate is pretty similar to the Sachtler, yes? But not the same? Are either compatible with the Manfrotto system? They all look pretty close. That would be a shame if none of them fit the other.

Just for reference--the "industry standard" (whatever that means anymore--sigh) is the Touch-and-Go, which is the original Sachtler plate that I referred to above (O'Connor calling it a Euro plate). This one:

http://www.filmtools.com/media/catal.../1/4/14289.JPG

It's really too big for a lot of current smaller cameras, hence the proliferation of new styles. My 1030 is outfitted with the receiver for this size plate as is my 2575, to ensure compatibility.

Re: O'Connor 1030D Arrived!
 

Charles...sorry for the delayed response.

1. O'Connor Camera Mounting Plate is 2-5/16" (5.873cm) wide.

2. O'Connor Platform Dovetail is 2-5/8' (6.667cm) wide.

3. Sachtler Camera Mounting Plate is 1-15/16" (4.921cm) wide.

4. Manfrotto Camera Mounting Plate is 1-15/16'(4.921cm) wide.

I didn't drag out my Micrometers or Calipers, just a Sears 20-ft tape measure, so everything is 'estimated' based upon my eyesight. : ) It's pretty close for these discussions.

Yes, I was a little disappointed, but I think the larger 'form factor' of the intended use for the 1030D, it's understandable.

I stayed away from the 'Euro Plates', but I understand they are the industry standard on the other-side of the Pond.

Best regards,

J.

Re: O'Connor 1030D Arrived!
 

Chris Soucy...was Steve Phillip's article the impetus for your 'balance issues' question regarding the O'Connor 1030[D]?

He has owned and used a bunch of combinations in his search for the 'perfect' Tripod/Fluid Head. His discipline is wildlife filming which is a very demanding field with little room for error. I cut and pasted the portion of his review on the O'Connor 1030 Fluid Head (see below).

TRIPOD HEADS for WILDLIFE FILMING – by Steve Phillips

O’Connor 1030 Fluid Head
"...Counterbalance doesn’t seem quite as good though, it changes a lot as you tilt up and down, so you can balance it perfectly and have it hold steady when looking up say 45 degrees, if you then tilt down for a while and then put it back up to the same 45 degree position it won’t hold any more. This is something to do with spring tensions [rate] changing as you move I’m sure, and it [s] the same with all other heads listed here, but the Atlas 30 and O’Connor 2060 seem less prone to it, probably due to its beefier construction and larger springs. Same bouncy problem as all the 100mm bowl heads though, even though I use 150mm bowl on it, it’s still a small head.”

I don't know if there is a tremendous design difference between the older 'grey' painted heads and the newer 1030D black painted heads. I suspect not. I think Steve's 'observations' are applicable to the entire 1030 range.

Again, I haven't noticed any 'drift' or movement, but I'm using a very modest payload (8.71lbs/3.95kg). If, anything, I'm mostly worried about 'spring back' because of the light payload. But, I haven't noticed any of that either.

Best regards,

J.

Re: O'Connor 1030D Arrived!
 

Between the older (grey) and newer (black) heads, O'Connor was bought by Vitec and manufacturing moved overseas from the Costa Mesa plant. The method of adjusting the counterbalanced changed completely with the new head, it's certainly more user friendly but that may have affected the internal mechanism too. I can confirm that the 1030B heads have no consistency issue with counterbalance.

Re: O'Connor 1030D Arrived!
 

James..............

That was one of them, though having read it once again, the "tone" appears to be much more "minute operational differences between units at the top 1% of the market" than the other article, which was much more strongly worded to the effect "this shouldn't be happening".

I'm blowed if I can find it again. It's possible it's been taken down, I must have read it 3 or 4 years ago.

I think it safe to conclude that the issue is indeed a non issue, like the OConnor oil leaking myth, which seems impossible to stake through the heart.


CS

Re: O'Connor 1030D Arrived!
 

Chris, Charles...Steve Phillip's article describes the 'condition' based on an older 1030 'grey colored' model he purchased. We don't know if he purchased his 1030 new or used. Although, he strikes me as the kind of guy who buys new when he can.

Also, he's making his comparison to a new O'Connor model 2060 HD he purchased with more Drag Fluid volume for use with long lenses. I find it interesting you can ask for more fluid in the Fluid Head.

Given Mr. Phillips background and professional standing, I can only take what he says as truth. He has owned and/or used many of the Tripod/Fluid Head systems identified as 'premium professional grade' rigs. His 'discipline' is exacting and unforgiving, I think he knows what he needs to get the shot.

I don't believe the 'condition' has been 'identified or described' with the latest batch of 1030Ds, those with the 'Counterbalance Crank Arm', which makes it more difficult to attempt to attribute this to a systemic design flaw.

My assumption the design had not undergone a major redesign was incorrect, as Charles rightly points out.

At this juncture, I'm not sure we can prove or dis-prove anything. It's a little like trying to compare Apples to Oranges.

Good, Lord! I'm reading this and thinking to myself, sounds like a bunch of Engineers trying to sift 'Fly crap, from pepper. : )

I've enjoyed the discussion.

Best regards,

J.

Re: O'Connor 1030D Arrived!
 

Hey James, watch what you say about engineers. Some of us in here are those nasty little creatures and there is a reason we try to sift the fly crap out...LOL.

Have fun with your beautiful support system (I don't believe it's fair to lump the O'Connor heads into the tripod category. They deserve a more lofty title.) :)

Re: O'Connor 1030D Arrived!
 

I too was an engineer long long ago... :-)

I use an OConnor 1030HDs and pretty happy with it. The only issue is carrying it in treks. Wish it was a kg or two lighter. I have the cheaper manfrottos and those are simply crap. If you try the OConnors, then you are hooked for ever.

Re: O'Connor 1030D Arrived!
 

Garrett, Sabyasachi...you guys are killing me! ROTFLMAO!

In a past life, I vaguely remember a double-E from UF and thirty years working at Kennedy Space Center.

Maybe this is where former Engineers come to die? (Or, spend all their retirement money.) Kind of like the Elephant 's Graveyard. : )

I'm grateful to all of the gentlemen who've participated in this discussion. It's the best of DVInfo.

Warmest wishes to all,

J.

Re: O'Connor 1030D Arrived!
 

James, I was once told by Jacques Haitkin that a lot of engineers make great DP's and Directors!

Re: O'Connor 1030D Arrived!
 

"you could buy a complete QR assembly, like: Quick Release Assemblies | B&H Photo Video mount that to your Sachtler plate--a little funky having dual QR's but it would allow for fast switch out. "

That's whatI did with my FSB8 and it's a good solution. It's really helpful to have the same hardware on everything.

Re: O'Connor 1030D Arrived!
 

I do buy most of my stuff new, but the 1030 was used.

It is only a small issue and as you say James, and as I pointed out in my reviews, it's only any sort of an issue at all when doing minute adjustments on a 1000mm lens! I don't think it's unique to the 1030 either, the Ronford 2003 also did it a bit more than the 2004 - perhaps the smaller the components the less well they perform, kind of makes sense.

In my opinion the O'Connors just rule, from the 1030 through the (now discontinued -booo!) 2060 and up to the 2575. Having stepless pan, tilt and counterbalance is invaluable, they're well built and customer service is excellent. Don't know if you've all seen this but it's great - we all know O'Connors are a) heavy, and b) expensive - after seeing that video you can see why!

Steve

Re: O'Connor 1030D Arrived!
 

Mr. Steve Phillipps...first of all, thank you for responding. And, thank you for your informative article. I have the URL book marked.

I've been on a similar quest for the 'perfect' Tripod/Fluid Head combination. I don't believe 'perfect' exists, after all, we are talking about a mechanical device. But, I think O'Connor and the other high-end designs have come as close as any.

I'm pleased with my current brace of sticks and Heads; O'Connor 1030D/Sachtler CF-100ENG HD 2 CF Carbon-Fiber Tripod and Sachtler FSB-8/Sachtler Speed Lock 75 Carbon-Fiber Tripod. Considering my modest start, this is a milestone.

The Sachtler is my lightweight travel rig and of course the O'Connor is the middleweight champ of my kit. Anything larger will have to be rented. I've tried to future proof my equipment as much as I can.

I look at Tripods and Fluid Heads as long-term investments, unlike our wonderful cameras that will be replaced by the latest '4K, 8K Painted Floozy' to steal our heart at 'NAB'.

In your line of work, long lenses are the norm and a fast 1000mm telephoto chunk of glass will pick-up a pulsing heart or an errant breeze on a locked-down Head. Ruining what is otherwise, a brilliant image.

In a former life as a Photo Dog, any time I was using glass over 400mm I'd bring sandbags, lock-up the mirror and use a cable release. Most importantly, I wouldn't touch the Tripod! Even the slightest movement can make the image 'soft' and Photo Editors don't like 'soft images'.

There is an important point that should be made. No matter how wonderful and 'rock solid' a system you have, it will not make-up for poor technique.

Working pros, like yourself, have honed their skills to the point that if you gave them a 'Big Box Store $20 Special Tripod/Head Combo', they'd still get great results. It's the Carpenter not the Hammer makes the difference.

I'm still trying to hone my craft. However, I'll take any mechanical advantage I can and I'm a firm believer that if you get good equipment it saves you one less annoyance in the learning curve. Besides, I hate buying twice.

Again, thank you for chiming-in.

Best regards,

J.

Re: O'Connor 1030D Arrived!
 

Mr. Mark OConnell...I'm actually looking at the Manfrotto 357 QR and Plate. Since my camera/payload is a little on the light side (8.71lbs/3.95kg) at an estimated CoG of ~4-inches, I'm considering using this combination with the O'Connor Side-load camera plate to get the 'payload a little higher.

Thank you for your thoughtful suggestion.

Best regards,

J.

Re: O'Connor 1030D Arrived!
 

Hi,

Steve from OConnor here. Sorry am so lame at the whole social media piece! Will try to get better! Must have set up my auto e-mail wrong because I don't get anything. Here are my reply's in no particular order.

The perfectly balance fluid head was essentially a disruptive technology that took away the mechanics of the 'etch as sketch' to deal with such a heavy payload and replaced it with a 'pencil'. They do often still get used on movies and high end dramas a secondary head for the exact reasons described, push in dolly shots or when you really need to hit an mark following a fast move precisely but it takes real practice to do more organic moves.

The reason OConnor heads traditionally not used in news and docs is that they are not as light and portable as a schtler head say for the same payload carrying capacity, but they of course have improved balance performance as compensation.

These heads are manufactured in Costa Rica in our Vitec owned facility, we have manufacturing capability's here, the UK, Italy and the united states and are agnostic about what gets built where (usually due to where has capacity). We are even talking of manufacturing same products in several locations to be close to our markets and save on shipping on some products. What I can assure you is that heads built today are of a higher quality than they have ever been before. 75% of Parts are still sourced from the states however.

I will continue on a follow up incase overshoot my word limit!

Steve

Re: O'Connor 1030D Arrived!
 

Hi,

The comment on the counterbalance performance is valid. The OConnor balance mechanism is close to being mathematically perfect and departs the most from the curve at the last 5-10 degrees however this is masked out at minimum drag so cannot be usually noticed.

The counterbalance mechanism is a worm and wheel does not 'backdrive' so its balance mechanism does not 'move'.

What the experienced user is experiencing is 'spring hysteresis' and is present on every spring counterbalance mechanism. On minimum drag, if you tilt the head over top dead centre and let go it will balance in any position. If you then continue to tilt towards 90 degrees and let go it will then continue to hold any position. However if you then return to say 45 degrees without passing over top dead centre it will start to drift away. This is a property of all springs and can be masked by adding a little drag. Essentially the force given for given displacement of the spring is not exactly the same when you compress as when you decompress (follows a slightly different path) (Am sure there will be a wiki article on it ;-)

Regarding the plates we have a couple of options if you look on the website. The sachtler 7+7 uses the same size plate as do 100mm vinten heads and you are correct it is linked the bowl/payload size being used.

Anyway, Really glad you are happy with your purchase James please e-mail me if you have any issues with your head...am sure you won't!

Regards,

Steve

Re: O'Connor 1030D Arrived!
 

Mr. Steve Turner...Welcome back! Thank you for your thoughtful and detailed response.

Best regards,

J.

Re: O'Connor 1030D Arrived!
 

Mr. Steve Turner...I've had an opportunity to digest your 'Threads' and I appreciate the information.

If, I knew we'd be discussing 'rate-dependent hysteresis', I would have broken-out my old 'pocket protector' and 'Slip-Stick' (Slide Rule for all you young people). It's a kind of a 'wooden computer'. : )

I can only hope no one asks a question on Fluid Dynamics. Heh, heh! My head already hurts.

I digress. To return to Steve Phillipp's initial observation along with Chris Soucy's search for knowledge, 'rate-dependent hysteresis' (hysteresis loop) is inherent in many things, including the 'spring counterbalance mechanisms' of our beloved Fluid Heads.

Therefore, the 'observation' is valid.

I love this place!

J.

Re: O'Connor 1030D Arrived!
 

Happy Sunday to all!

I've now owned my O'Connor 1030D for a little over a week. And, as we all know, in 'Inter-Web time' it makes me the world's leading authority on all things O'Connor. I'm joking of course. : )

Caveat: IMHO.

The O'Connor 1030D gives me the most control I've experienced over my camera/payload of any support system I've owned or currently own. I don't know what that says about me, maybe I'm a 'control freak'?

It doesn't mean I'm unhappy with my other Tripod/Fluid Head system. On the contrary, it simply means I now have a piece of equipment, arguably acknowledged as 'best in class' to act as a performance benchmark.

The greatest benefit, at least for me, is I now have a choice. Different tools for different jobs. Or, as my UK cousins frequently say, "Horses for courses."

I have no plans to get rid of my Sachtler FSB-8 and Speed Lock sticks. They are my 'GOTO' lightweight travel sticks and in that role they perform brilliantly!

Both systems currently reside in the trunk ('Boot' for those in the UK) of my car. Right now, I tend to reach-in and pull out the 'O'Connor'. Although, I think the decision of which Tripod/Head system to use is primarily a function of the 'newness' of the O'Connor. That and the fact the camera plates are not compatible, requiring additional time to change-out.

When I receive the Manfrotto 357 QR and Plate, it will make going back and forth between the two systems much easier, with the added benefit of a little more weight (marginal) and increasing the CoG Height. No challenge for either the 1030D or the FSB-8.

Regarding 'rate-dependent hysteresis'. At this point it doesn't affect me; not that I could do anything about it.

I'm very pleased with my purchase and may actually be buried with the O'Connor. Just kidding. ; )

Be good to yourselves.

Regards,

J.

Re: O'Connor 1030D Arrived!
 

Congrats on your new tripod!
I love my 1030d, only issue I'm having is when I go to put it on the dolly with a willy's widget 100mm to Mitchell adapter and washer, the threads on bolt is about 3-4 turns short, meaning I can I can only get about 2 turns on the tie-down.
I've had this adapter for about 10yrs and never had problem with my old video20, anyone else having this issue?

Re: O'Connor 1030D Arrived!
 

Can't you just put the Mitchell straight onto the head? Or does that take too much time. For those that don't know, the bowls on the O'Connors are easily interchangeable - on the 1030D you can put 100mm, 150mm or Mitchell.
Steve

Re: O'Connor 1030D Arrived!
 

Just thought I would weigh in here.
I have owned basically everything in one way or another Vitec at this point. Starting out of course it was Manfrotto. Later two Sachtler heads and now a Vinten Vision 100 with Fibertech legs and an old beat up O'Connor 1030 which still works perfectly. What interested me about the Vinten setup was actually the legs for stability (shame Vitec lost their supplier, because I think those legs were indeed revolutionary), however that Vision 100 is a darn good head and feels very close to the O'Connor and balances much more quickly and easily. However, it has a more limited payload range.

Now to my point. The O'Connor sideload assembly. Fantastic. Exactly what's needed. Sideload is very helpful when getting into bigger configs.

HOWEVER, the price is more than ridiculous. Absolutely no reason why that QR assembly should cost $1000. Personally, I think it's shameful and without justification except for the O'Connor name on it. Mr. Steve Turner are you hearing me?

The integrated dovetail/plate idea of Sachtler is extremely useful, especially for a long piece like the Sachtler 165 which I cannot for the life of me figure out why is for DSLR's when it is far more useful for larger setups/rigs. I sanded down the DSLR ridge and now use it with a Cooke 20-100 and a Sony F3.
Very useful with shifting rig lengths and accessories.

In my opinion that "O'Connor" (we should really call it "Sachtler") QR assembly is a signature piece which should be made readily available across the whole spectrum of products. I could use this on my Vinten, the O'Connor or even my shoulder pad assembly. Personally, I think Vitec should make a ton of them and lower the price. The reason why they made them to begin with is that some pro DP's requested them, because they wanted the functionality of their Sachtlers on the O'Connors.

In the end though, at $1000 for what should probably cost $150, guess what I will end up doing like a lot of folks? I will either buy a bunch of Manfrotto QR assemblies for about $50 a pop with the caveat of a sliding entrance or better yet, I will buy the only other QR side-load assembly on the market. From the competitor, Cartoni - the A 920 or A 921 and change out all the plates. No more Sachtler/Manfrotto QR. Cost for the A921?

$120 for the whole assembly plus plate.

Fruit for thought.

Re: O'Connor 1030D Arrived!
 

Mr. Burkhart...well, thank you for your input.

I'm using the Manfrotto QR attached to the O'Connor Side-Load Camera Plate that is attached to the O'Connor Side-Load QR Platform Assembly. I have my Sachtler Side-Load Plate attached to my PMW-200. It's a little 'fiddly', but it works. This configuration allows me a relatively quick swapping of my camera to from the O'Connor 1030D to my Sachtler FSB-8.

An additional benefit of this set-up is it adds a little more weight and raises the CoG Height of the camera. For the record, I have had no issues with adjusting the Counter-Balance of the camera without this additional hardware. It simply offers me the option of using both Fluid Head/Tripod combinations without having to change out the Camera Mounting Plate.

J.

Re: O'Connor 1030D Arrived!
 

I seem to have missed this post last month. Swerving somewhat off subject as the word "FiberTec" was mentioned, my two cents worth.

The FiberTec's were, indeed, revolutionary. I think I bought the very last set ever sold - or very close to, anyway.

The story I got from Peter Harman, the then Product Manager at Vinten, was that they were killed off because it was costing Vinten as much to manufacture them as they could sell them for in the market that at that time existed.

My personal belief is that in light of the stratospheric rise in HD (the starting gun being fired about a year prior to the FiberTec's getting axed) and now UHD production, the decision to kill the FiberTec's off was perhaps a tad ill considered, with producers of such material having had something of an epiphany in regard to the matter of camera support subsequent to their axing.

As evidence for said epiphany, let me use the "I've just spent $5000 on a new HD camera, what sticks and head can I get for under $200?" posts that were thicker than rabbits on a NZ sheep farm 5 years ago, in this very Forum. They may not be extinct but they're sure as hell highly endangered!

For exhibit two may I point out that this fascinating discussion with regard to the OConnor 1030D was simply unthinkable back then, certainly here on DVinfo.

In light of this radical shift in mindset and understanding with regard to rigid camera support, I'm hoping Vinten will rethink the FiberTec's status.

Sticking with top end support, HD/ UHD and rethinks for a moment, a small vignette.

My Fibertecs, spreader, case & head, all up, set me back a tad over NZ$7k. My Canon XH A1 and bits almost exactly the same. Imagine my though processes as I observed my $7,000 camera on my $7,000 support wobbling 5 degrees left & right off the vertical in a howling 30+ knot gale because those two exceedingly expensive systems are/ were only joined together by one poxxy 1/4" X 20, 60%, centre line, 10 cent screw.

It is somewhat ironic that the discussions on camera support have got to where we are today and yet, the primary link between support and camera is still a hangover from the war, and I refer not to IRAQ, Afghanistan, Vietnam, Korea, the Second WW or even the First WW, but the AMERICAN CIVIL WAR!

You simply couldn't make this stuff up!


CS

Re: O'Connor 1030D Arrived!
 

Hi Steve,

I've just tested this on my 30yrs old Vinten Vision 20. Minimum drag, head placed down at 90 degrees and left in that position for a few minutes then move up to 45 degrees it still hold position. I then tried the opposite direction and did exactly the same, it also hold position at 45 degrees. In fact it will hold at any position from up to down and from down to up without passing dead centre. I have the O'Connor 1030D and this does drift away when moving from 90 to 45 degrees.
Comparing these two heads side by side its not just the spring hysteresis the Vision 20 is better, important things like smooth movement and resistance against bounce back the Vision 20 is noticeably superior. Were the 1030D is better is the general useability of the top plate system and the knobs, brakes and crank which are more suitable for field use.


Regards

Simon