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Arca Swiss C1 head review

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Since I’ve been reviewing geared heads, I might as well include what I consider to be the gold standard, the Arca Swiss C1.

It’s big. It’s heavy. It’s expensive.

 

It’s got plus and minus 30 degrees of pitch and roll, and that’s before its trick move (see below)

 

Nice bubble levels. Lock for the top yaw is at the top of the picture. lock for the bottom yaw is at the bottom of the head, in the middle. There is a version with geared top yaw. I have one, and it works well.

 

A good view of the top yaw lever. The roll and pitch knobs are rubberized, and fee quite different from the knob on the clamp, which is a good thing.

 

Max roll in one direction

 

Max roll in the other direction

 

Max pitch in one direction

 

Max pitch in the other direction

 

And here’s the trick. There is non-geared pitch of up to 60+ degrees. Combined with the 30 degrees of geared pitch, you can point the camera straight up or down. Or you can change the orientation of the yaw control, and shoot a vertical (if your tripod doesn’t fall over).

 

If you can deal with the weight and the cost, and the fact that it’s a bit fragile, this is an outstanding geared head. Bring money: about $1500 without geared yaw, and $2000 with it. Don’t get the cheesy Arca cam clamp; get the screw clamp.

 

Comments

  1. Hi Jim
    Talking about tripods and heads: The last picture is blurred 😉
    But many thanks for the pointing me to non-geared pitch. Didn’t save money, but probably disappointment and hassle.
    ..and thanks for the essay on higher ISO – reminded me to test my cameras.
    Stay healthy and best regards!

    Reply

    • The last picture is blurred because of subject motion. 8 second exposure with me holding it so it wouldn’t tip over.

      Reply

      • Seeing your fingers I thought so, couldn‘t withstand Thank you for your essays – although I do not understand every post (rather not into natural sciences), I often find very useful tips!

        Reply

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Unless otherwise noted, all images copyright Jim Kasson.