Gitzo G-1380 Video Fluid Head (75mm Ball Base) - Supports 2.2 to 22 lbs

Comments about Gitzo G1380 Video Fluid Head (75mm Ball Base):

As a professional freelance adventure cameraman I like the light weight of this head. It is smooth and flexible to use for different weight cameras. it's easy to pack and carry around on a two stage set of stix. I agree the tilt locking mechanism could be better for heavier cameras. I also think the plate locking knurl could be designed to be more flexible for some smaller DSLR cams because it's hard to tighten to where you need it as it's in the way of the camera base. I did have problems with the release plate button getting sticky but was able to take it apart to clean it thoroughly. Now I have grease dripping out it which shouldn't happen and will have to send it in but I still haven't found anything that does as good a job for the money.

Comments about Gitzo G1380 Video Fluid Head (75mm Ball Base):

This is my favorite fluid head... I've used it since 2000, and it's still going strong. The supplied springs allow you to precisely add the counter balance needed. You can also adjust the spring tension to make it perfect. It is a bit of a hassle to change the springs out, but much more precise than a one-in-all adjustment spring on other models. My only con would be, that I wish the vertical head lock would lock a bit tighter, especially when using heavier cameras. As the previous reviewer said, you can re-adjust the lock tension over time to increase it, but still wish it would lock tight 100% with heavy cameras. Mine is over 10 years old, and still going strong! Even smother with age!

Comments about Gitzo G1380 Video Fluid Head (75mm Ball Base):

I was having trouble with the vertical pan lock so I took the head apart. Small shavings of plastic fell out. So some of the pan lock is made of plastic. I'm going to order replacement parts and will probably have to order more in another year. The best part of this head is the weight.

Comments about Gitzo G1380 Video Fluid Head (75mm Ball Base):

This head is overpriced compared to the competition and does not perform well. The rosettes on the left and right that are used for handle angle adjustment just wear out. Cheap metal. Cannot stand a rental environment. Other manufacturers either use a wavy washer between the rosettes like satchler or have replaceable rosettes like O'Connor and the new, little Manfrotto on this same page at around 1/3 the price. If you wear out your left rosette, it costs around $40 for that cast aluminum part. If you wear out your right rosette, then good luck, as the part is over $300. As to one user's comments about his old head "backing up" at the end of a pan, well, that's called Tripod Lash, and has nothing to do with the head. All tripods exhibit this problem to an extent, some more than others. You will get very little lash w/a Gitzo G1505 tripod, because that one's big and beefy. Other tripods like some Satchler models are designed to minimize lash. Those shooting panoramas in HD should pay attention to this spec.As to the tilt and pan lock mechanisms[*] This design is deeply flawed. Yep, you can adjust them w/a 2.5mm allen wrench, but they just DO NOT work properly. Now pan lock ain't too important, but a bad tilt lock mechanism can cause your camera to end up broken and on the floor in many situations. Save money and go w/any other brand of head. I love many gitzo products, and when your head fails under warranty they often just send you a new one, but why bother? The poor tilt lock mechanism is a Fatal error, and everybody should just stay away from this model until they improve the mechanism, if that is possible.

Comments about Gitzo G1380 Video Fluid Head (75mm Ball Base):

I use this head for several cameras of different weights. Must change spring for different cameras.

Reviewer who said locks don't work needs to read manual. The pan and tilt locks can be re-adjusted with an allen wrench (included) to be tight again.

Excellent drag and movement. Outstanding fluid head for cameras in its weight range. Reasonably lightweight and is good for travel.

Excellent match with a Gitzo Series 3 Systematic Tripod (with the 75mm bowl).

Note: the Gitzo Systematic tripod are easily changed between flat top, 75mm and 100m with the adapters available.

Comments about Gitzo G1380 Video Fluid Head (75mm Ball Base):

Loved the ability to dial in the exact camera balance with the various springs.
Had to have it refurbished one year into ownership because the fluid head developed a leak when exposed to extreme cold temperatures. For weeks it oozed black goo until it was rendered useless and I took it in.
After 6 years of ownership the pan and tilt brakes have ceased to work.

Comments about Gitzo G1380 Video Fluid Head (75mm Ball Base):

I finally took the plunge and bought this head. It's pricy but now I wish I had done it years ago. I made the step to HD which shows every movement flaw in your pans and tilts. My bogen 503 had some jerky starts and stops plus it would move backwards a touch after stopping a pan. All that is history now.
The camera is a breeze to balance after installing the proper spring ( go with the lighter one that your camera weight suggests. I'm using a Canon A1 and I couldn't be happier

Comments about Gitzo G1380 Video Fluid Head (75mm Ball Base):

Good choice for globe travel work. Easy to use with 1380 packs nice in DOMKE FX1 bag for take on flights with HVRV1U and extras, NO drifting or floating. Easy to clean. Good work horse.

Expertise: IATSE#600, NPPA, 17 years shooting

Problems Encountered: Easy to loose 1/4 20 screw, also you need to move the lock down nut for DVCAM and HD systems.

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Cartoni Bogen

Items I Recommend: extra plate, and tooth brush (to clean)