The OConnor Ultimate 1040 Fluid Head is a lightweight fluid head that shares features with the other fluid heads in the OConnor Ultimate fluid head line. This allows operators to easily transition between lighter and heavier cameras without having to relearn or think about the differences between fluid heads. The head supports 45 pounds' worth of camera and accessories at a center of gravity (COG) 5 inches above the camera platform. The counterbalance system helps prevent the camera from tilting forward or back on the head on its own and helps the camera to remain in the position the operator places it without requiring additional effort to hold it in place. The counterbalance system on the 1040 is a stepless system, so it is continuously variable from the maximum weight the head can support all the way down to zero. This makes the 1040 extremely versatile and suitable for use with heavy ENG-style cameras all the way down to lightweight cameras, while maintaining the same operational feel.
The 1040 features a large Euro-style quick release plate. The QR plate allows you to mount and remove the camera by lifting straight off the head and not having to slide it in from the back. The fluid head is able to tilt 90 degrees forward and back, allowing you to tilt the camera straight down and then straight up, all in the same shot. The camera also features independent drag controls and locks for both pan and tilt. The included 100mm ball base is removable and can be replaced with other available bases. The included pan handle can be attached to either side of the the fluid head, utilizing the mounting rosette on either side of the head.
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Key Features
- Payload: 45 Pounds at 5" COG
- Counterbalance Range: 0 to Max Payload
- +/- 90° Tilt Range
- Large Euro-Style QR Camera Plate
The OConnor Ultimate 1040 Fluid Head is a lightweight fluid head that shares features with the other fluid heads in the OConnor Ultimate fluid head line. This allows operators to easily transition between lighter and heavier cameras without having to relearn or think about the differences between fluid heads. The head supports 45 pounds' worth of camera and accessories at a center of gravity (COG) 5 inches above the camera platform. The counterbalance system helps prevent the camera from tilting forward or back on the head on its own and helps the camera to remain in the position the operator places it without requiring additional effort to hold it in place. The counterbalance system on the 1040 is a stepless system, so it is continuously variable from the maximum weight the head can support all the way down to zero. This makes the 1040 extremely versatile and suitable for use with heavy ENG-style cameras all the way down to lightweight cameras, while maintaining the same operational feel.
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OConnor Ultimate 1040 Overview
Payload and Counterbalance
The 1040 supports cameras and accessories up to 45 pounds at a COG of 5 inches. This is what the counterbalance can cancel out while keeping the head neutral in any position in the tilt range. The sinusoidal counterbalance supports lighter cameras and features near-zero balance error. The stepless counterbalance can be set all the way down to zero to accommodate lightweight cameras.
Tilt Range
The 1040 provides a very wide tilt range of 90 degrees forward and and rear tilt, while supporting camera packages weighing up to 45 pounds (5" COG).
Pan and Tilt Controls
The head features independent controls on the pan and tilt for lock and drag. The pan and tilt locks are easy to operate. Both controls match well with the controls of OConnor's larger 2575 and 2065 heads, making it easy for operators to move between the heads without having to relearn each head.
Ball Leveling
The included 100mm ball base provides a side support base that easily accommodates the heavy loads this fluid head can support. The ball allows you to quickly level your shot without having to adjust the tripod legs. The ball base is also removable and available options include a Mitchell, 150mm ball base, 4-bolt, 3-bolt, or quickfix.
OConnor Ultimate 1040 Specs
Key Specs
| Camera Mounting | |
| Head Type | |
| Drag Control | |
| Load Capacity | |
| Weight |
Head
| Camera Mounting | |
| Head Type | |
| Base Mount | |
| Counter Balance | |
| Dimensions |
Pan & Tilt
| Drag Control | |
| Independent Pan Lock | |
| Independent Tilt Lock | |
| Vertical Tilt |
General
| Load Capacity | |
| Accessory Mounting | |
| Weight |
Packaging Info
| Package Weight | |
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) |
OConnor Ultimate 1040 Reviews
Stepless is good thing
By William
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-09-20
Yes, smooth as you hope it will be. A solid piece of metal, precision in every way. Coming from stepped drag and counter-balance I am surprised at how much stepless is a good and pleasing thing. Of course a head is about fine detail and micro adjustments -- this gives it. I put a Red Helium on top, primes, mattebox with all the add-ons and still am on the lowest end of the counterbalance scale. Drag is tighter than expected -- I'm often on the lowest drag setting (or near it), full drag will lift a tripod leg. It's a lot of money for ultimate precision (and a couple pounds heavier) but if that's your thing then this will certainly deliver it.
THE GLORIOUS PERCH
By Corey
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-11-30
Literal heart palpitations before buying. Days of pacing back and forth... Do I really need this? It's just a tripod head. Will it ever pay for itself? Am I a crazy person for spending this much?? Don't I need a new car instead??? Look all I know is that when my little ARRI is topped upon this glorious perch, its heart sings melodies never graced by human ears. The counterbalance is an actual insurance policy and you can track with a 200mm lens and it... totally works. It is truly a machined marvel. But goodness gracious it takes a bite out of your bank account. I hope my grandkids will still be using this buttery goodness long after I'm gone. They won't... But that's a good thing to tell yourself if you're going to spend this much on a tripod head. *whispers* Just do it. Buy nice. Cry once. You're a filmmaker aren't you? You neeeeeed this.
See any errors on this page?
What accessory is needed to swap this out to ...
What accessory is needed to swap this out to Mitchell mount? And what for 75mm ball?
The OConnor Ultimate 1040 Fluid Head requires a 100mm ball mount.
Date published: 2025-10-21
Is it possible to get this head with a Mitchell ...
Is it possible to get this head with a Mitchell base mount?
Yes. Unit must have a 100mm base mount ball drop.
Date published: 2022-02-08
How much does this head weigh?
How much does this head weigh?
This head weighs 10.6 pounds.
Date published: 2019-09-15
What adapter should I use on the bottom of the ...
What adapter should I use on the bottom of the head for using the 1040 head on a slider?
It depends on the bowl size of the slider but the included 100mm ball base is removable and can be replaced with other available bases, like a 150mm or Mitchell Base adapter.
Date published: 2022-11-14
Is the sliding plate removable? And will it fit a ...
Is the sliding plate removable? And will it fit a standard Arri style dovetail plate?
The sliding plate is not removeable. You can secure the O'Connor Easy Load ARRI Dovetail on top of the Euro-plate.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1621395-REG/oconnor_c1249_1002_arri_style_dovetail_plate.html
Date published: 2022-01-28
Does this work with the new flowtech aktiv10 ...
Does this work with the new flowtech aktiv10 legs?
Yes. The following tripod offers a 100 mm Half Ball.
Date published: 2022-04-10
Can you balance the camera using the O'Connor ...
Can you balance the camera using the O'Connor Easy Load ARRI Dovetail on top of the Euro-plate?
The O'Connor Easy Load ARRI Dovetail will not have any difficulty being nested with the OConnor Ultimate 1040 Fluid Head's Euro plate.
Date published: 2023-09-11