O'Connor 50?

[Scott Miller]

I know it is older, and probably have to be rebuilt, but opinions on this head? "50" is supposed to indicate the weight limit, so for a mildly kitted Red, that would be OK, correct?

Thx,

Scott

 

[Paul Kalbach]

Correct. The Model 50 will limit you in counter-balance options though.

 

[Brian Ferguson]

O'Connor no longer supports the 50 or the 100 series. There are no longer parts made for them either. So having one rebuilt is problematic.

 

[sander kamp]

O'Connor does not, but there are other companies who rebuild them, I don't remember which ones.

I have one and it works for what it is. The biggest problems are that you can't adjust the counter balance and that the quick plate doesn't snap into place, you have to manually lock it, which you could forget. The counter balance on mine works with a medium-light set-up: prime lens, matte box, EVF, LCD and battery. Pans are okay on mine, tilts so so. I payed 300 USD on ebay for it.

 

[Scott Miller]

Sounds like a no-go. Thank you (and Steve) for the asssit.

Scott

 

[Nick Gardner]

well, for the money, a good oconner 50 is the best head you can get. Any decent machinist can make any part for it, and all the seals are available. Don't pay more than $400 for a head and you can't go wrong. I am actually kind of fond of the fity cause it's really smooth if the weight is balanced right.

Nick

 

[Rich Schaefer]

I like the O'Connor 50! On a thin budget, it could be a good way to go!

For a rebuild or service call Transylvania Express. I have used them for a Cartoni rebuild. They are good and affordable.

http://www.transfilm.com/index.html

Prost,
Rich

 

[Ryan E. Walters]

I love them!

I love them!

For the price they cannot be beat. I had one and I loved it- Unfortunately I had to sell it as I needed the cash this last winter. I'll be buying another one as soon as I have some extra cash again.

As with all used gear it will depend on the quality of the one that you get- the one I had worked great- even with a full Angenieux 25 - 250 on it:

More pix here:
http://www.ryanewalters.com/page3/page26/page26.html