New from Manfrotto: 504x Fluid Head and Kits Replace the Venerable 504HD

0Share

Here at B&H Photo, we are happy to share with you the announcement of the 504x fluid head and tripod kits, from Manfrotto. The 504x, which is a replacement for the venerable 504HD, makes its debut, bringing with it a host of improvements while keeping the bridging design that has proven itself in the field. One immediately noticeable update is that the 504x comes with a flat base, allowing for lower shots when working on sliders and jibs, as well as for mounting directly on flat surfaces.

As with other flat base heads, a simple leveling half-ball adapter makes the 504x compatible with a range of ball base legs, both aluminum and carbon fiber. Though lighter than the 504HD, the 504x features an increased load capacity of 26.5 pounds (that is 12 kg for our readers in Europe and the UK) with a four-step counterbalance to help offset the weight of the camera while operating.

Manfrotto has improved the performance of the continually variable fluid drag in the 504x using a new fluid technology, which allows the head to support heavier cameras and rigs and, as you would expect from a professional fluid head, pan and tilt axes are independent of each other for drag settings and locks. The 504x also incorporates the intuitive tilt drag and lock interface from the Nitrotech 608/612, which enables you to lock, unlock, and adjust the drag of the tilt axis on the fly with your left hand, without having to look away from the shot to find the controls. Both pan handle rosettes feature Manfrotto’s Easy Link and ARRI-style anti-twist indents for attaching accessories. A plastic cap is included to cover the rosette not in use, which is a nice little detail that Manfrotto has taken care of. The 504x is available by itself, as well as kitted out with a variety of tripod legs.

For more information on Manfrotto heads and legs, visit the B&H Photo Website.

0 Comments