New Oconnor 1030HDs

[Sabyasachi Patra]

I heard the Oconnor fluid heads 1030HD and 1030HDs are being revamped. Since I just bought a 1030 HDs, I would like to know what are the differences between the 1030 HDs and the new one being launched. Is it a major revamp or just in ergonomics?

Cheers,
Sabyasachi

 

[DanH]

I believe the major difference is that the new version has a crank arm to adjust drag like the bigger O'Connor heads do. This replaces the wheel at the base of the head that is a bit awkward to adjust.

 

[Sabyasachi Patra]

Thanks Dan!

I just found some more details in the Oconnor site. http://www.ocon.com/press/1030d-nr.html The payload capacity remains the same.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi

 

[Steve Phillipps]

The crank arm makes a big difference. Not only is it easier but you also now have a readout letting you know what number counterbalance you're on. Before it was just guesswork!
The 1030D looks really nice.
Steve

 

[Rob Castiglione]

Yes, it is just guesswork which is a bit of a design flaw in an otherwise great fluid head.

 

[Adam C Lubkin]

The crank is the only difference, according to OCon - plus the OCon sticks are discontinued and now the kit comes with rebranded Sachtler sticks. Also, the factory was moved to Costa Rica - apparently a decision by the paper-pushers at Vitec. So no more made in USA for OConnor, and I was told that Sachtler is being made there too, not Germany anymore.

 

[Lee Saxon]

Still have three brands making sticks (Gitzo, Vinten, Sachtler), but I guess that's better than four. They have 97 brands with overlapping light stand offerings.

And now it's all made by underpaid 9 year olds in Costa Rica?

You're rocking it, Vitec.