Arca-Swiss Monoball P1 S with Quick Set Device Flip-Lock

The Arca Swiss Monoball P1 S with Quick Set Device Flip-Lock is a unique, entirely re-engineered type of ballhead that improves on the conventional ballhead design. The first noticeable difference is the "upside-down" design of this ballhead. Instead of having a ball that rests inside a ball-housing, the entire P1's ball-housing sits on top of the ball. Three small gears surround the ball and apply a uniform, synchronized force around the ball, thus ensuring smooth movement of the installed camera in all axes.

Another major difference with the P1 head is the conspicuous absence of a locking knob. Instead of using a lever or knob, you lock down the head by turning the knurled ring, which is positioned between the camera platform and the ball. This means that whichever orientation the head may be positioned in front of you, you can blindly reach for the ballhead and turn the knurled ring to set the camera, without having to fumble for the locking knob.

The panning system is unconventionally located above the ball, just below the camera mount. This allows the 360° panoramic rotation to be kept in line with the vertical axis.

Ever since their introduction over forty years ago, the Arca Swiss Monoballs have been at the forefront of quality and performance. Today, their unique shape (an ellipse rather than a sphere) is still what separates them from all others. With other ballheads, no matter how good the tension modulation is, invariably you will need to increase the tension control as you move the load away from the center. This is because gravity has a greater effect on gear when not perfectly level.