Mitchell head vs. ball head

[Mike Halper]

I'm preparing to purchase an Epic-M (or Stage 4 if it happens soon enough) and figuring out everything else I need to get. I'm basically starting from scratch, moving up from lesser cameras to Red. I've used both Mitchell and ball head tripod systems and personally much prefer a ball head. However, the majority of sets I find myself on are using Mitchell head systems. I will be renting the camera package out, so I want to make sure I have the right stuff.

I know the Mitchell head is better for heavier loads, but I have seen full Red One setups used on 150mm ball heads with no issues, and the Epic will likely be a little lighter even fully loaded. I also figure if I had a ball head system and the production that's renting the camera from needed a job arm or something heavier they could get the Mitchell sticks from the place they're renting that from. But will that make potential renters look elsewhere?

Is it really important that I have a Mitchell head tripod system or will a 150mm ball head (I'm looking at the Sachtler Cine 30) still count as having the right stuff?

 

[Dave Weber]

O'Conner makes a Mitchell to 150mm ball adapter. I have it on my 2060. If I need a Mitchell mount just pop the half ball off and away I go.

 

[Pawel Achtel]

It's personal choice. I have a Ronford-Baker 150mm ball and Mitchell interchangable mounts. I am yet to use the Mitchell mount. The ball is rock solid and much quicker to level than a Mitchell.

 

[Mike Halper]

That adapter is a very good option that I just forgot about. Thanks for the reminder. I guess that solves that issue.

I know it's personal choice, but if the majority of people that might want to rent the camera package want Mitchell, then I should have Mitchell if I want to be able to rent it out. It does seem the adapter will give the best of both worlds, heavier duty and ease of balancing.

I forgot to mention something else. I don't like the single stage tripods much either, and definitely not ground level spreaders. What is the opinion of the typical O'Connor and Ronford single stage legs with ground-level spreaders vs. something like the Cartoni K702 or K711 with a mid-level spreader? Those Cartoni legs are 2-stage, Mitchell base, with cinema/studio style twist lock clamps and can have a mid level or ground level spreader added on to them.

 

[Matt Uhry]

If you are trying to please people who are renting and you live in LA, probably Mitchell. However if you don't have much experience or contacts in the rental business take it slow and find out what will work for you and your clients, while a perfectly fine fluid head, the Sacthtler 30's are not really in demand for rentals. Ask around and figure out who you'll be renting to and what they would prefer...

Matt Uhry

 

[david_winters]

As an owner / op. I have 2060 Mitchell, Sachtler 150mm standards (2 rise) and babies, ground spreader. I can't lift a full rig on HD Ronfords without back pain the next day. Head as native Mitchell results in no issues when a dolly appears or a special mount comes off the grip truck.

I've been on many video jobs over the years where the head is a ball mount and we don't have the right adapter on set. Or, 5 phone calls the day before to confirm the dolly adapter
and car mount adapters.

 

[Mike Halper]

That makes sense, David. If the right adapter was included with the camera package rental (i.e. a Mitchell to 150mm adapter to allow the 150mm head to be used on a Mitchell base), would you see any issue with that? Or, being in the greater LA area, do you think it's really important to have a Mitchell head no matter what?

 

[david_winters]

To follow Matt's advice - LA market rentals. If you go Mitchell mount Ronfords, go 2575 not 2060.

 

[david_winters]

Based on my experience, keep the head Mitchell, lowest possible stack height for rigs and it is what every grip rig and dolly defaults.

I have a DP buddy with a 1030 Mitchell, that however is overkill.

 

[Mike Halper]

Thanks for the tips and advice Matt and David.

 

[Ned Wilson]

I think at a certain weight, I prefer Mitchell. Once you get used to it (or your AC, preferably), it only takes two adjustments (x/y) to level a mitchell and is not that difficult. The advantages for mitchell would be: lighter, lower (especially on a low hat), adaptable to most dollies and offers more security for vehicle rigging. Regarding heads, we have a 2060, which I love, however, if you run large zooms alot, definitely get a 2575. For legs, I'm a huge fan of Ronford medium duty two stage legs. They've no twist, go almost as low as babies and can get above six feet. If you're doing more run/gun, doc style than go for ball head.

 

[Ned Wilson]

I find midlevel spreaders a real POA, especially in smaller locations. When you raise them, the footprint gets too wide. Check out Ronford's two stage. Great deal too. Much less than Sachtler's and far my stable.