Sorry to hear that Stephen.

A quick look has given me this, not as good as previous deal.

http://www.morrisphoto.co.uk/manufac...Manfrotto.html

Don

Manfrotto 405 Geared Head
 

Now I'm on bread and water and I only went in for a look.

We were in Dereham today, and as this thread is still running, I thought I would personaly check out what heads they had in Norfolk Cameras.

As I have previously posted, it really is down to construction and materials used. The MN229 appears to have bronze bearing surfaces and is considerably more robust than the 141RC. Although for shorter focal lengths the 141RC is up to the job.

Always a sucker for a bit of quality engineering I had to have a play with the 405 geared head and Hyrostatic ballheads.

Went into the shop to check out heads for Stephen, and left with the 405.

Anyone looking for a precision studio type head will love this. If you have either a proffesional camera or one with a battery grip like that on my D100, and are looking to mount a lens with its own foot, you do need to try it for fit. I have attached an image to show how little clearence there can be with it set in portrait mode. A riser plate may be needed. With the camera mounted on the Q/R plate there are no clearence problems.

Each control has a quick set, that can lock in 7 1/2 deg increments. The fine gear will work over the full range of movement or it can be used in conjunction with the ' quick set '.

Pics attached.

Don

Don, I'm not familiar with your lens, but doesn't the lens tripod mount slacken so the camera and lens rotate as one therefore negating the need to turn the head into portrait mode. If its fixed I can see the problem

Stephen,

Just going to watch ' New Tricks ' on TV. 1 hour and I'll be back with a sensible answer to your question. :)

Don

Stephen,

My tripod mount does allow the body to twist to portrait mode so I do not have a problem. The picture does illustrate a possible problem, that can be overcome by a riser plate, for anyone contemplating this head if they have a lens where the mount cannot be swivelled.

Don

Ah, that is good. You have a good head there Don, it would be my head of choice next time I need one

I am sure you would love it. I posted here as I remembered your earlier comment to Nikon Foxy Bob re a geared head in your Studio. The lens pic was taken mindful of that, and your new camera.

Don

After a phone call on Monday to those nice chaps at Warehouse Express explaining my confusion regarding a mail order return being on backorder. The MN229 head was send out and received Tuesday. What A superb piece of kit, more spirit levels than a builder!

Thanks all for your help.