Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head

Monday, 19 March 2012

Product Details

Product Dimensions: 13.6 x 4.6 x 5.2 inches ; 2.2 pounds
Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
ASIN: B001AT314M
Item model number: 701HDV

By : Manfrotto
Price : $139.79

Technical Details

Silky smooth pan and tilt action.
Built in quick release system.
Sliding quick release plate allows perfect camera balance.
Extra pan bar (purchased separate) can be attached for extra smoothness.

Product Description

Developed specifically to support the latest prosumer and professional light compact HD camcorders, the 701HDV offers an updated design, which has been created for improved ergonomics with locks and knobs that allow for a more solid grip and better control, a better fluidity thanks to improved internal fluid cartridges, a double pan- bar rosette and a bigger sliding plate to optimize the position of the camera considering its centre of gravity. Attachment (bottom): 3/8'' female thread; attachment (top): 1/4'' and 3/8'' screw; balance control: one fixed spring for 1.5Kg camera weight; bubble spirit level; color: black; counterbalanced; front tilt: - 60Degree / +90Degree range; height: 3.74 in.; independent pan lock; independent tilt lock; load capacity: 8.82 lbs.; material: aluminum; 2 pan bar positions; 1 pan bar included; pan drag: fluid cartridge with fixed drag; panoramic rotation: 360Degree degrees; plate type: 501PL; quick release; sliding travel of plate: 2.28 in.; tilt drag: fluid cartridge with fixed drag; weight: 1.83 lbs.; working height: 3.74 in.

Customer Reviews

I'm a professional photographer and videographer. This head is pretty good for small handycams, like my back-up Canon HV30. In fact, there are precious few well made fluid/friction heads for that class camcorder. With the small cam pan/tilts work fine as long as you're not trying too many zoomed in slow movements or diagonals. But I find it too light for prosumer models like my Sony V1u loaded down for any detailed movement. It is stable when locked down for interviews but limits the amount of tilts or panning I'd can comfortably do. I'd say this is one of the better heads available for small handycams, but one should be aware of it's limitations. Considering upgrading to the 501hdv or 503, if using a 4+lb. camera.

After using this for some time during the summer months and into the fall I have to say I wish I bought this long ago.
Nice smooth action once you get use to it's behavior. I say this since it can be a bit of a snug feel when panning even after you use it for awhile which is fine that it has stayed nice and snug so I know it won't "wear out" too soon. The vertical adjustments are really nice and the long adjustable handle makes this function with little effort.
Gear Used: I have a Canon HF-S21, wide angle lens which adds a good amount of weight, sitting on top of this with a Rode VideoMic so by me stating "smaller" in the title you will be able to understand that the head works well with this size/weight of a camera.
Fit ; Finish: Very good fit on my tripod. This head seems to be made nice and strong so I'm willing to say that it won't wear out in the near future. I've put well over 115 hours using it and it still feels and acts like new.
Cost Factor: I think this is well within the price being sold for and unless you need a head that will hold double the weight as this one can, save your money by buying the 701 and buy some extra flash cards, lights or other items needed.
Issues: Nice and snug can also be a bit much if your tripod is too light, which mine can be as this head would benefit by being mounted on a set of legs with a bit of weight on them so panning would not allow the tripod to crawl at times. Simple fix is just hold the side of the tripod until you move the head even the smallest bit, once you get going it's all good. I'm thinking that after a couple hundred hours it should move really well or some heavier legs will do the same. One can also use the old "weighted down" tripod method and save some cash while the head breaks in.
Over all I'd recommend this every time if you have a smaller camera, don't need a big budget head unit and want quality right from the start.