Anyone use a Bogen 488 ballhead? Looking for a ballhead for medium format...

[brent8927]

Hi,

I'm looking for a cheap but decent ballhead for my Hasselblad. It doesn't have to be super-high quality, like a Kirk or Arca-Swiss, because I wont be using the tripod much and it will likely get dirty and banged around quite a bit.

I've been looking at the Bogen 488 ballhead as the best choice, and I mean the one with no quick release system; I had tried the 488RC2 with the quick release but I would prefer the 488 without the system.

My question about the 488 is this: When attatching the camera to the head, do you need to turn the entire camera or tripod head, like with the non quick-release Arca-Swiss B1 (which I used, sold a while ago), or is there a knob sort of thing under the base plate that you turn that will clamp the camera down. I'm not sure if this is comming out too clear, and unfortunately, the photo store nearby (Keeble and Shuchat) never seems to have the plain 488 in stock so I've never been able to try it out...

If anyone has a better suggestion for a ballhead that's the same price (about $80.00) or cheaper, and doesn't have a quick release system, I'd be interested in other's opinions.

Thanks,
Brent

 

[John Koehrer]

Brent,
The bogen ballheads usually have a tripod screw, even on the ones without a QR. If you go that route you may also consider the Hasselblad QR Very compact & secure.
You may also look at Giottos ballheads. I think they're smoother than Bogen & in the same price range.
The leica large ballhead is very precise & compact but a used one may run you $125-150US. You wouldn't have to worry about wearing it out or breaking it though. Leica also had a medium size head that would work for you but I think they're less common.

 

[dancqu]

My question about the 488 is this: When attatching the
camera to the head, do you need to turn the entire
camera or tripod head, ...

Give the 486 a look. I've the 308 DIY head; DIY for
disassembly and cleaning. If there are any more I
couldn't say. The 486 and 308 are very similar.

My real winner is the 410 gear head, very precise and
no lock down required. Dan

 

[TerryThomasAtlanta]

Is there still a pro camera shop in San Francisco on Kearny? (Keerny?)

If so, check with them.

[Don't know if they are still in business, sorry.]

Terry Thomas...
the photographer
Atlanta, Georgia

See some of my work from the set of a forthcoming film here: www.psychopathia.com

 

[André E.C.]

Brent,

I use the 488 RC0 with the quick release system, so far, so good!

http://www.collegecameras.co.uk/Products.asp?ProductID=422

Cheers

André