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Cartoni Focus 18 Fluid Head (100mm)

BH #CAHF1800 • MFR #HF1800
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Cartoni Focus 18 Fluid Head (100mm)
Key Features
  • 100mm Ball Base; 13.2 to 40 lb Capacity
  • Perfect Balance Along +/-90° Tilt
  • Touch-and-Go 16 Euro-Style Plate System
  • 127 Parts Made, Hand-Assembled in Italy
The Cartoni Focus 18 Fluid Head features a 100mm ball base and supports loads between 13.2 to 40 lb, with perfect balance along its entire +/-90° tilt range.
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Cartoni Focus Series Video Head Overview

The Cartoni Focus 18 Fluid Head features a 100mm ball base and supports loads between 13.2 to 40 lb, with perfect balance along its entire +/-90° tilt range.

The Focus 18 is one of four video heads in a lineup released as a follow-up to the Cartoni Focus HD head. The complete lineup is an evolution of the original Focus head released in 2005, and a definitive rebranding of 10 years of contribution to the entry- and mid-level user category. Like the others in the lineup, the Focus 18 consists of 127 parts, incorporates a universal plate system, and uses a new composite material in many parts that allows for a solid build while keeping the weight down. Like the rest, it also comes with the peace-of-mind of a 5-year warranty and, of course, features Cartoni's renowned counterbalance and very smooth, "true" fluid drag. The Focus 18 uses the same patented Delta silicon wedge counterbalance system used in Cartoni's successful Delta head, and features continuous counterbalance adjustment. Also, true to the Cartoni name, the entire head is designed, manufactured, and hand-assembled at the Cartoni factory in Rome, Italy. The 127 parts are machined or cast to micrometric precision and assembled and adjusted to precision by one engineer at a time.

The Focus 18 integrates the Sachtler Touch-and-Go 16 plate system, which is found on Sachtler's FSB and Video series heads. This advantage will allow you the flexibility to efficiently move your camera between compatible heads in a studio setting, and will also future-proof your head for possible such uses in the future.

The new composite material that's used is a sophisticated non-metal that's much stronger than aluminum and yet lighter. It is used in the tilt fluid knobs, pan fluid gears, and other parts throughout the body. This composite is also highly resistant to the stress of weight, bending, rubbing, and extreme temperatures, so where it's used in the mechanisms of the head it actually provides for more stress-endurance in addition to saving weight. This composite is the result of a collaboration between Cartoni and the Department of Physics and Engineering at Sapienza University of Rome.

The Focus 18 features a Cartoni-patented labyrinth modular fluid drag system, which consists of individual pan and tilt modules. Each module contains two main sections that have thin concentric rings inside them. The rings in one section interact with the rings in the other with aerospace industry silicon paste fluid between them that provides resistance. The two sections are never fully disengaged from one another, so movement is always smooth and with no play. With there being separate pan and tilt modules, pan drag and tilt drag are accordingly independent, but they work together to allow smooth, uninterrupted motion in any direction. Cartoni performs a laser-assisted, diagonal movement test on every head to ensure that there isn't even the slightest digression from a straight-line movement.

The pan drag control is a large ring in the center of the head that's easy to use even without looking. This and all other controls are designed with ergonomic grips that will feel more secure between your fingers. There's also an illuminated bubble-level that will be very helpful in dark settings. And a pan bar is included that can be attached to a rosette adapter on either side of the head. Additional pan bars are available sold separately.

Key Features
  • 100mm ball base
  • Supports loads between 13.2 to 40 lb
  • Perfect balance along entire +/-90° tilt range
  • Sachtler Touch-and-Go 16 Euro-style plate system
  • Incorporates a sophisticated lightweight, extremely hard, and highly stress-resistant new composite material
  • Labyrinth modular "true" fluid drag system
  • Independent pan and tilt drag, with no play
  • Continuous counterbalance and drag
  • 127 parts, designed, manufactured, and hand-assembled at the Cartoni factory in Italy
  • 5-year warranty
  • Large pan drag ring in the center
  • Ergonomic grips on all controls
  • Illuminated bubble-level
  • Includes a pan bar attachable on either side
UPC: 260725670531

Cartoni Focus Series Video Head Specs

Key Specs
Camera Mounting
1/4"-20 & 3/8"-16 Screws (Quick Release w/ Sliding Balance Plate: Euro Plate)
Head Type
Fluid Head
Drag Control
Yes
Load Capacity
40 lb / 18 kg
Weight
7.7 lb / 3.5 kg
Head
Camera Mounting
1/4"-20 & 3/8"-16 Screws (Quick Release w/ Sliding Balance Plate: Euro Plate)
Head Type
Fluid Head
Base Mount
100 mm Half Ball
Counter Balance
Continuous
Pan & Tilt
Drag Control
Yes
Vertical Tilt
+90° to -90°
General
Load Capacity
40 lb / 18 kg
Bubble Level
Yes (Illuminated)
Weight
7.7 lb / 3.5 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
10.2 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
20 x 9 x 8.5"

Cartoni Focus Series Video Head Reviews

See any errors on this page? Let us know

Is cartoni focus 18 used in Hollywood ...

Is cartoni focus 18 used in Hollywood cinimatography like other major competitive brands?
Asked by: Asok
Cartoni is very well respected in Hollywood. However, this system is part of their entry-and mid-level user category.
Answered by: Victor
Date published: 2020-06-26

Can it convert to flat base?

Can it convert to flat base?
Asked by: Yuling
The Focus 8 is only compatible with 75mm bowl heads.
Answered by: Nick Y
Date published: 2023-04-12

I had trouble with a cartoni knob on a dana dolly ...

I had trouble with a cartoni knob on a dana dolly in the past, how well will this head attach to a dana dolly with the 100mm bowl adapter?
Asked by: Etienne
The unit will offer nothing but a great plug and play experience when using the any 100mm bowl adapter.
Answered by: hectorm
Date published: 2021-11-16

Is it possible to remove the bolt at the bottom ...

Is it possible to remove the bolt at the bottom of the bowl and use the thread instead? To fix the fluid head to the flat surface of the tripod platform?
Asked by: Borut
Further exploration into this specific product has actually brought us to confirm that it is NOT possible to fix the fluid head to the surface of the tripod platform
Answered by: Bruno
Date published: 2020-05-08

Can this head attach to a Gitzo tripod?

Can this head attach to a Gitzo tripod?
Asked by: Gary
If the Gitzo has a 100mm bowl, yes.
Answered by: Joe P
Date published: 2021-02-28

Is the handle reversible (to be used with the ...

Is the handle reversible (to be used with the bend pointing up for a comfortable underhand grip)?
Asked by: Jay
Yes. The pan handle offers full articulation.
Answered by: hectorm
Date published: 2022-03-15

Is the 75mm bowl proprietary, or will it work ...

Is the 75mm bowl proprietary, or will it work with a variety of 75mm bowl tripods?
Asked by: James
I bought a Focus 8 head and when I tried to attach it to my Innorel RT90C which has a 75mm bowl it did not fit right. I purchased a 75mm bowl adapter for another of my tripods,a Gitzo Series 3 Systemic, and everything worked fine. My warning would be if you have a "knock off" tripod like my excellent Innorrell RT90C you might end up with a fitment issue but if you have a big name tripod (gitzo, rrs, pro media gear, etc..) you'll be fine.
Answered by: Kip
Date published: 2023-10-29

Will Manfrotto Plates work ??

Will Manfrotto Plates work ??
Asked by: John
Yes, Manfrotto quick release plates are compatible: "The FOCUS 8 Fluid Head comes equipped with a sliding camera plate compatible with Sachtler ACE and Manfrotto standard plates" https://www.cartoni.com/products/fluid-heads/fluid-heads-75-mm/HF0800-focus-8/
Answered by: Eric
Date published: 2020-07-08
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