News, Tips & Reviews
B&H Gift Cards
The Professional's Source Since 1973
Ask Our Experts800-606-6969
Hello, Log InAccount & Orders
My Cart
Video Chat with a Pro Video Expert - Live
Home

Davis & Sanford FM18 Fluid Head

BH #DAFM18 • MFR #FM18
49 reviews
Print
Davis & Sanford FM18 Fluid Head
Key Features
  • 18 lb Payload
  • Sliding Quick Release Plate
  • Two Adjustable Pan Bars
  • Bubble Level, Independent Pan/Tilt Locks
The Davis and Sanford FM18 is a compact fluid head with an 18 lb payload. This head offers an economical choice for videographers using a full-size camcorder, and it features a sliding quick release plate to properly balance your rig. Two adjustable pan bars can be attached or removed as needed for easy maneuvering, and independent pan and tilt locks aid in adjusting the 180° tilt and 360° pan. An integrated bubble level assists in leveling your overall tripod configuration.
More Details
In Stock
No Store Display
$105.95
+
Save the Tax‡
when you use the Payboo credit card. Learn More
Add to Cart
Free 2-Day Shipping
Protect Your Gear
Add a protection plan from $19.99
See Options
Used for $69.50
Ask an Expert
800-606-6969

Davis & Sanford FM18 Overview

The Davis and Sanford FM18 is a compact fluid head with an 18 lb payload. This head offers an economical choice for videographers using a full-size camcorder, and it features a sliding quick release plate to properly balance your rig. Two adjustable pan bars can be attached or removed as needed for easy maneuvering, and independent pan and tilt locks aid in adjusting the 180° tilt and 360° pan. An integrated bubble level assists in leveling your overall tripod configuration.

Adjustment
Independent pan/tilt drag and locks offer effortless control over tripod capabilities.
Quick Release
A sliding, locking quick release offers balancing capabilities for a variety of camcorder sizes.
UPC: 049383235968

Davis & Sanford FM18 Specs

Key Specs
Camera Mounting
Reversible 1/4"-20 or 3/8"-16 Screw (Quick Release w/ Sliding Balance Plate)
Head Type
Fluid Head
Drag Control
Yes
Load Capacity
18.1 lb / 8.2 kg
Weight
4 lb / 1.8 kg
Head
Camera Mounting
Reversible 1/4"-20 or 3/8"-16 Screw (Quick Release w/ Sliding Balance Plate)
Head Type
Fluid Head
Base Mount
Flat Base with 3/8"-16 Female
Counter Balance
Fixed
Pan & Tilt
Drag Control
Yes
Independent Pan Lock
Yes
Independent Tilt Lock
Yes
Vertical Tilt
+90° to -90°
General
Load Capacity
18.1 lb / 8.2 kg
Bubble Level
Yes
Weight
4 lb / 1.8 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
4.4 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
28 x 8 x 7"

Davis & Sanford FM18 Reviews

Get more than your money's worth

By Albert
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2025-03-12

I got this on sale for only $50. It functions pretty good and has a nice carrying capacity. For a car / motorcycle show it's great. For a fast action car race / motorcycle race it's okay. This works best for a fixed camera talking headshot. You can do a setup without having to do a bunch of motions. The part I find the best is the part that is kind of cute. If you look underneath the head on the left and right sides. You will find a duplicate set of mounting screws. Both sizes - 3/8 and 5/16 screwed upwards into the head. The dual handles make the heavy motion perfect. Why? NO KICKBACK. None at all.

good head

By Marcelo
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2022-01-17

Sturdy, high quality and reasonable weight

See any errors on this page?

question

I cant tighten the plate because the screw to tighten it butts up against our 5D M3. It retracts slightly, but not nearly enough to turn it while the camera is mounted. What am I doing wrong??
Asked by: Jason
The tilt lock lever works as a ratchet. Pull it out, turn then release and turn again to adjust.
Answered by: Tiffen Support Tiffen Expert
Date published: 2024-10-20

The Tilt lever either tightens or untightens, it ...

The Tilt lever either tightens or untightens, it really isn't any in-between. Is this because it is cheap?
Asked by: Robert
The reason for why the tilt works the way it does on the Davis & Sanford FM18 Fluid Head is because the fluid head has no weighted counterbalance.
Answered by: Jonathan S
Date published: 2024-03-28

question

does this have a flat base?
Asked by: Donell
Yes
Answered by: Tiffen Support Tiffen Expert
Date published: 2018-08-27

Arca Swiss compatible?

Arca Swiss compatible?
Asked by: Anonymous
It is not. This head is not arca compatible le. However you could always add a product like the Sunwayfoto Arca & Manfrotto Compatible Clamp to the top of it that way you can use Arca Plates, BH #SUMAC14.
Answered by: Joe P
Date published: 2020-12-27

question

Can I replace it's mounting plate with another, like the Zacuto VCT Tripod Plate?
Asked by: Pietro M.
The entire head is one piece but the head can be removed entirely from the tripod.
Answered by: Taiwan R.
Date published: 2018-08-27

question

ratchet lever broke. Where can I buy the part?
Asked by: Andriy
This is a standard industrial part that can be found at places like McMaster-Carr.
Answered by: Neill
Date published: 2020-06-05

question

I know it's rated for 18 lbs but can it support a full-sized URSA with minimal accessories?
Asked by: James A.
I think it will Handel the weight .
Answered by: william b.
Date published: 2018-08-27

question

Would I be able to attach this to a Bogen 3011 tripod. My tripod bowl thread size is 3/8 . Will it fit?
Asked by: Oliver M.
This head will fit any tripod with a 3/8 16 thread.
Answered by: Tiffen Support Tiffen Expert
Date published: 2018-08-27
  • y_2026, m_8, d_16, h_4CST
  • bvseo_bulk, prod_bvqa, vn_bulk_3.0.48
  • cp_1, bvpage1
  • co_hasquestionsanswers, tq_14
  • loc_en_US, sid_336011, prod, sort_[SortEntry(order=HAS_STAFF_ANSWERS, direction=DESCENDING)]
  • clientName_bhphotovideo
Whatever You Need, We've Got It