[FS: SUPPORT] Question About O'Connor 50D. Should I buy it?

[Guillermo Polo]

Hello all,I've read some posts about the O'Connor 50D head and most people say great things about it, if you wanna get a good price-quality tripod.Someone offered me the O'Connor 50D + Sachtler Tripod Legs CF 100L for $750.I have a Red Epic Dragon which also I rent out frequently and I wanted to know if it was a good deal considering that I don't have too much budget for an expensive tripod. Or would be better a second hand newer model of a different brand?Here I attach some pics,thanks!

 

[Troy Bakewell]

Here's my take.

These super old oconnor heads are about the best heads you can buy for the $200 you can usually find them for. My first head was a 50d. It is really nice and smooth.

However, DP'S hate them. They are cumbersome to use. The pan tilt knob is easily confused for the tilt drag adjustment. The handle is not very user friendly.

I modified mine with a newer style handle and replaced the tilt lock knob with a lever type handle.

They are great for owner operators because once you get used to their quirks, they are absolutely fantastic for what they cost. But if you are renting out your camera a newer more modern head is money well spent.

Just my $0.02

 

[Guillermo Polo]

Here's my take.

These super old oconnor heads are about the best heads you can buy for the $200 you can usually find them for. My first head was a 50d. It is really nice and smooth.
However, DP'S hate them. They are cumbersome to use. The pan tilt knob is easily confused for the tilt drag adjustment. The handle is not very user friendly.
I modified mine with a newer style handle and replaced the tilt lock knob with a lever type handle.
They are great for owner operators because once you get used to their quirks, they are absolutely fantastic for what they cost. But if you are renting out your camera a newer more modern head is money well spent.
Just my $0.02

Thanks for the advice. Is it easy to modify DIY the newer style handle and replace the tilt lock knob with a lever type handle? After that, do you think the DP's won't hate it?
I know Visual Products modify them too for about $600. I'm trying to keep costs down if not I would get a second hand more modern one. Any other used tripod recommendations for about 1K? This is a starting basic set up, in the future I'll upgrade.
Thanks!

 

[David W. Jones]

Like Troy said, they are nice for the price if you can get one that has already been gone through.

I have a Vinten Vision 10LF with Vinten aluminum tripod and spreader I would be willing to sell, as it is a backup.
100mm unit and head will support 33 pounds.

 

[NateWeaver]

I don't think anybody in the know would pay much more than $20/day for that head and those sticks in a rental situation. And chances are, you will be haggling over a rental rate to a degree more than $20.

In other words, you will, most times, be tossing in that head and sticks for free just to get somebody through a job, and they will never go "this head is awesome" because they are not comparing price vs. value, they only see that it's old, beat up, and has limitations. And maybe wish they spent another $60 renting a newer OConnor or Sachtler.

Those sticks also do not go low, which is something some people look for if you're only carrying one set of sticks.

I'd pass. If it was personal gear and never rented, maybe. Maybe.

 

[Guillermo Polo]

Thanks guys for the advices. Then I'll pass. Do you have other recommendations then?

I have a Vinten Vision 10LF with Vinten aluminum tripod and spreader I would be willing to sell, as it is a backup.
100mm unit and head will support 33 pounds.

I'm not familiar with this one, do you think will make its job fine and I'll be able to add it to the camera package when I rent it? Is it smooth and solid? Could you send me more info, pics and price?

When people rent the camera I always offer the option to upgrade to a good tripod if they pay extra an I subrent it. But I want to be able to offer a basic one with the camera when they don't have the budget.
I also use it for personal work. So the purpose is a tripod for myself and a tripod I can include on the basic package rental.

 

[David W. Jones]

Here is a link to another one I sold to give you an idea.... http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?106289-Vinten-Vision-10LF-head-Tripod

All in all it is a good older unit. But I'll be honest, If I were concerned about rentals I would pop for an OConnor 1030D/30L, or a 2560/60L if I needed to hold a heavier camera/lens.