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Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is the difference between the Acratech Ultimate ballhead and the new Version 2 model?The new V2 model allows a range of motion similar to most conventional ballheads and will be instantly familiar to many photographers. The horizontal position and compact design of the ball retaining ring allows a greater range of motion than other conventional ballheads. The new V2 ballhead also has a fully adjustable separate friction control whereas the original Ultimate ballhead the friction is controlled by the main control knob. Our original Ultimate ballhead has a greater range and freedom of motion on the front side of the ballhead, this is often desirable for close-up photography and other types of photography where the camera angle required would normally necessitate that the ball be dropped into the slot in a conventional ballhead to achieve the desired angle. It also works in a similar fashion when doing vertical shots you simply rotate the ballhead to the side, and then the camera has unparalleled freedom of movement around the vertical position. Unfortunately the increased freedom of movement in some directions means that to have the range of motion in other directions the ballhead will need to be rotated (by loosing the pan knob) to provide some camera positions. Our original Ultimate ballhead also provides a much more useable range of motion when compared to conventional ballheads on tripods such as the Gitzo Explorer that have the ballhead supported on a horizontal arm. How much weight can the Ultimate Ballhead hold?Many manufactures of ball heads rate their products in very unreal ways. Just because you can set a very large weight straight down on a ball head, that doesn't mean that the ball head is able to secure that weight firmly in any position. The Acratech Ultimate Ball Head will hold more weight more securely than ball heads rated to hold many times more. The Ultimate Ball Head has been designed to hold 35mm, medium format and smaller large format cameras securely in any position, and has been tested to hold 25 lbs in any position. Although with very heavy cameras over 15 lbs (even the big Mamiya RZ 67 with a 500mm lens only weighs about 10 lbs.) we don't recommend using any type of ball head, it is much safer to use a geared or Wimberly head. The Ultimate Ballhead is so light, is it flimsy?No The Ultimate ball Head is precision C.N.C. (computer numerically controlled) machined. All components are machined from solid stock and all structural components are machined from aircraft 6061-T6 aluminum. All threaded fasteners are machined from alloy steels and all bearing surfaces are machined from a special copolymer similar to Teflon. The Ultimate ball head has a very solid and substantial feel. 1/4-20 or 3/8-16 Threads?The Ultimate Ball Head tripod connection thread is available with 3/8" threads, and at no additional charge comes with a reducer bushing so it will also fit 1/4" threads and will fit all standard camera tripods. Right side or left side controls?First of all the ball head body rotates on the panoramic base and the knobs rotate with the ballhead body. Secondly in a similar way to how the slot is used in a conventional ballhead the front of the Ultimate Ballhead acts as a very wide slot. The ballhead is rotated (on the panoramic base), to position this "slot" where desired to provide additional camera movements. Most photographers prefer our left side control ballheads. This allows the right hand to stay on the camera and the left hand to tighten the ballhead. When shooting you can rotate the ballhead so the main adjustment knob points either to the front of back instead or left or right and this can be done with both the right or left sided models. Some customers have traded in their right side ballheads for lefts. So far nobody has traded their left for a right. What makes your plates better than the less expensive ones offered by the tripod manufacturers?Our type of plate (camera specific, "Arca" dovetail) offers several advantages. First of all the plates have a lip that corresponds to the edge of the camera, it is designed to prevent the camera from rotating on the plate. The next advantage is in most instances the plates are contoured to allow access to battery doors, etc without removing the plates. The camera specific plates also provide more area of contact with the camera this adds stability especially with today's plastic camera bodies. Another advantage with the plate designed specifically for the camera, is the plates can be designed to position the cameras weight directly over the tripod this is especially important on cameras where the tripod thread is offset to one side and equally important with telephoto lenses where with our plates you are able to slide the lens front to back on the quick release clamp to balance the weight. What thread size is my tripod?If the threaded stud sticking out of your tripod is slightly smaller than a common wood pencil it is 1/4" thread, If it is slightly larger than a common wood pencil then it is 3/8". Why do you offer rubber knobs separately?We offer them separately for the customers who originally purchased one of our ballheads with a metal knob and want to upgrade to the rubber knob. Our knobs will not fall off or wear out so you will not need a spare. Do you have any dealers?Yes we are in the process of setting up distribution to camera stores and photo workshops. Click here for the current list of our dealers. What if I don't like it?If you purchased your Acratech product thru Acratech then just return any Acratech product as new within 30 days for your choice of a refund or exchange. If you purchased your Acratech Product through a dealer Individual dealers have their own return policies. What kind of warranty do you offer?All Acratech products are fully guaranteed for 5 years to the original purchaser. This covers all manufacturing and material defects. How do I order Acratech products?Through one of our dealers or directly from us by using the order now button on our web pages or by phone, fax, e-mail or regular mail. You can download a printable order form by clicking on the printable order form link on the products page. What type of payment methods do you accept?Visa, Master Card, Discover, Amex, money orders, certified checks, personal checks and wire transfers. Orders paid for by personal check will be held for approx. 5 days to verify check clearance. We now offer a full secure shopping cart for your ordering convenience. Do you ship to..?We ship to all countries and places serviced by UPS, Fed-Ex or the U.S. Postal Service. If you have a preference please indicate when ordering. On the Long Lens Head what is the difference between the indexable and non-indexable clamp?The indexable clamp allows you to rotate the clamp in 90 degree increments and rotate the clamp in the radiused slot simply by loosening a rubberized knob. This allows cameras without lenses that have tripod collars to be used easily in this head. The non-indexable clamp is fastened with an Allen screw and can only be rotated by loosening the screw with an Allen wrench. The non-indexable clamp provides a more rigid connection and is slightly lighter but, it is less convenient to use if you are using it with anything other than a long lens with a tripod collar. What is the difference between the V2 and the GV2?Our GV2 and our V2 are almost identical except the GV2 has an additional step on the stem of the ball and a pin on the opposite side of the ball that work together to provide a smooth rotational axis for the ball to pivot on giving the GV2 Gimbal like capabilities. Both the GV2 and the V2 function identically when used as a regular ballhead except when using the side notch the GV2 will stop at exactly 90 degrees and the V2 will go a few degrees further. What is the height, base diameter and ball diameter of your ballheads?The height is 4 3/16” (106 mm). Why can I not remove the quick release clamp from my Acratech ballhead?We have found through testing that using the proper torque on the screw that connects the ball to the clamp provides a much more rigid connection and minimizes flex. We use a special vice with the jaws shaped like a ball and a wrench shaped like the quick release clamp to properly torque the screw. We also add a drop of Locktite to make sure they stay together. If you want to order your ballhead with the clamp loose, please send us an e-mail after placing your order and let us know. What thread is the ball?We use a 3/8-16 thread because it is much stronger and makes a more rigid connection than ¼-20 or M6 threads. All of the major manufactures of quick release clamps offer them with 3/8-16 threads or with a hole and countersink for a 3/8 flat head screw. Acratech ProductsPhotographic Equipment:Ultimate Ballhead, Quick Release Clamps, Photography Accessories, Rollei Lens Caps, 120/220 Film Cans Quick Release Camera Plates:Bronica, Canon, Contax, Fuji, Hasselblad, Leica, Mamiya, Minolta, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, Universal Plates, Lens Plates, Large Format Ham Radio Equipment: |
Acratech products are ideal for nature
photographers, landscape photography, outdoor photography, and anywhere light
weight tripods and heads are used.
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