April 15, 2015

Sunwayfoto DDP-64SI Improved Panoramic Indexing Rotator Review

Sunwayfoto DDP-64SI Panoramic Indexing Rotator
Sunwayfoto® took almost another year from the release of the Updated Sunwayfoto DDP-64S Panoramic Indexing Rotator (Review) for the release of the DDP-64SI Panoramic Indexing Rotator.

This somehow, is not a face lifted version of their original DDP-64S since the addition of the letter "I" at the end of the model name signifies substantial enhancements aka improvements.

Unlike the intermediate Updated DDP-64S, the new version besides the "i" for improved at the end of the model name features both optical and functional alterations, first the optical make it easier for an untrained eye to discriminate between older version and the new one, and second resolves any remaining issues regarding the mounting and alignment of the rotator, as we shall see further down.

Furthermore, optical differentiation had also become imperative, considering the plethora of clones that have started to get advantage of the looks the design and the name of Sunwayfoto products.

For the frequent visitors of this site, who have already read the original DDP-64SX review or the updated DDP-64S review, this review may sound a little familiar, however I will concentrate on the improvements and/or differences between the models. For the newcomers, I would suggest a read of the older reviews in order to get the complete picture.

The Package & Contents

A large white label on the top this time, shows the box content with a photo, model and main specifications, as well as the product bar-code. A smaller oval-shaped transparent label bears the Quality Control stamp.
On the front opening flap of the box, exists also a round laser hologram sticker, the new Sunwayfoto standard as we saw in recent reviews. The lower segment of the hologram hides a 18 digit code, by which the end user can verify the authenticity of the product by inputting the security code into the Anti-Fake Inquiry page at the Sunwayfoto.com website.

Sunwayfoto DDP-64SI PIR box
The DDP-64SI Improved Indexing Rotator came shrink wrapped in the now standard Sunwayfoto recycled-carton box; which ensures that the product has not been opened after it left the factory.

There is an "Operating Instructions" fan-fold leaflet with adequate instructions to set up and maintain the Indexing Rotator, in English. Also included are a good quality 1/4"-20 ~ 3/8"-16 thread conversion bushing and the fine quality microfiber Sunwayfoto Cleaning Cloth for cleaning and maintenance purposes.
The usual for some time, credit card sized "Warranty Card" and "Customer Information Card", were missing from samples received recently, most probably because they came directly from Sunwayfoto in China. As I have learned from Sunwyafoto marketing dept, box contents are market dependent.
Nevertheless, Sunwayfoto offers a 6 year limited warranty extension, upon registration of certain products in their website. As long as you know the product serial number, makes the Warranty Card somehow redundant.

Sunwayfoto DDP-64SI PIR box contents
Like all the large items from Sunwayfoto, the DDP-64SI travels within a thick foam padding, with all the accompanying documents and accessories enclosed in separate zip-lock nylon bags.

The Rotator
Manufacturer Specification:
Model:DDP-64SI
Diameter:64 mm
Height:25.8 mm
Bottom mounting thread:3/8"-16 UNC
Top mounting stud:1/4"-20 UNC
Weight:190 gr*
Max Load capacity:6-8 kg (13.2-17.6 lbs)

*Verified weight on electronic scales: 192 gr

With the exception of a flat surface in place of the concentric ring-grooves on the top platform and the base, nothing has changed regarding the sturdy structure, the very fine, high quality Sunwayfoto CNC machining and finishing.
Although the recently adopted 0-360° Panning Scale is there the panning Index Mark is once again relocated to a 90° position in relation to the lock knob. Main benefit of the relocation of the index Mark is that the 0°, 90°, 180° and 270° now coincide with the top platform mounting holes, something missing from the intermediate DDP-64S version, which permits proper alignment of a QR clamp as we shall see later on.
However, this time the index mark on the detent interval selection holes side, corresponds to the 180° mark.

Sunwayfoto DDP-64SI PIR detent interval stops view
As usual all aluminum parts are hard coat anodized in a satin black color with only some accents from the stainless-steel parts.

Now the once second Index Mark, located on the front side with the Sunwayfoto logo has become the main index mark. As this index mark is used for 0° reference, where all four detent interval click stops show in the holes. If  0 was indexed on the other side 1 of the 4 degree stop intervals (specifically the 8°/45 stops) would not pass from that point.
As I have said in the previous review this is a more appropriate position for the index mark as it is less crowded, thus more visible. Nevertheless, even for the previous DDP-64S version if someone decided to make the front mark the main index mark for all click stop intervals, it could be done with a little unscrewing and relocation of the panning base assembly by 180°.

Sunwayfoto DDP-64SI PIR front logo side view
The Index Mark located on the front side with the Sunwayfoto logo has become the main index mark.

DDP-64SI has also a flattened base, except for a tiny circular groove. And hurray! the alignment of the bottom mounting holes axis is for once set properly, coinciding with the 0°, 90°, 180° and 270° marks on the panning base scale. This is a feature, I had repeatedly asked and pointed out to Sunwayfoto engineers so as the DDP-64SI now Indexing Rotator, being quite compact and lightweight, could be properly aligned if used as a vertical rotator.

Sunwayfoto DDP-64SI PIR bottom mounting holes view
Sunwayfoto DDP-64SI has a flattened base like the new top platform appearance, except for a tiny circular groove.

Comparison with the previous DDP-64S versions
As I had done with the previous iteration, I chose once again a side by side or top to bottom lay out arrangement of the current and the previous releases of Sunwayfoto DDP-64S and the SI Panoramic Indexing Rotator. In this way the major and minor differences are more obvious.

As mentioned in the beginning besides the now flat top and bottom surfaces there are no other discriminating difference between the two versions, unless one looks closer. By this closer look, we can see that the cable retaining the detent interval regulating (plunger) knob is a little longer and that the panning Index Mark is located where it used to be.

Sunwayfoto DDP-64SI PIR top view II
By a closer look, we can see that the plunger cable is longer.

The panning Index Mark on the original DDP-64S was centered with close relation to the top mounting holes, while on the intermediate 'Updated" version it was shifted by 45° to the left in an effort to make it corresponding to the bottom mounting holes.
DDP-64SI retains the change in the detent interval options, where instead of  the original 18, 30, 45 and 90 degrees, the new versions have a selection between 8, 10, 12 and 18 degrees!

Sunwayfoto DDP-64S PIR older and updated top view
The panning Index Mark on the original DDP-64S was related to the top mounting holes, while on the intermediate version it was shifted by 45° to align with the bottom mounting holes.

When all three versions are stacked up we can see easily that the Index Mark pointing to the 0 position of the scale, is now the one on the front, the intermediate version resided to the left of the first detent interval stop hole, and finally the original between the middle holes.
Regarding the laser engraved panning scale, it's more obvious in this photo that the once 0-90-0-90 Scale had been changed on later versions into a more appropriate continuous 0-360° scale with small line marks every 2.5° instead of every 5°.

Sunwayfoto DDP-64SI PIR on top of olders comparison
All three versions stacked up for a proper visual comparison.

Finally, both the top and as we can see here, the bottom mounting holes axis is now aligned with the 0° mark on the panning base scale. Therefore, now DDP-64SI is mostly appropriate to be used as a vertical rotator.

Sunwayfoto DDP-64SI PIR bottom mounting holes comparison
Both the top and the bottom mounting holes axis are properly aligned with the 0° mark on the panning base scale.

From the illustration below you may see that the original version had a divergence of 45° between the bottom mounting hole axis and the 0-180° axis. Although there was a change on the base in the intermediate version, unfortunately, there was still a divergence of 45° between the axis of the bottom mounting holes and the axis of the top platform mounting holes.

Sunwayfoto DDP-64S PIR older and updated bottom mounting holes comparison
The original DDP-64S version had a divergence of 45° between the bottom mounting hole axis and the 0-180° axis.

Changing the Detent Interval.
The complete (but for one) change of the detent interval options from the original DDP-64S has changed the nature of this indexing rotator. The original model was considered a more compact and lighter version of the DDP-64M Panoramic Indexing Rotator (review) with a subset of 4 out of its 10 detent interval options.

Old DDP-64S1234 New DDP-64S & SI1234
Degrees18304590 Degrees8121518
Click Stops201284Click Stops45302420

Sunwayfoto's new choice of the detent interval options on the updated DDP-64S and DDP-64SI version, increases the versatility of the rotator in my opinion. On one hand each option may be used as is, but on the other hand it may be used also as a factor for wider angles.
For example if we need 24° we can select the 12° option and count every second click stop. Same if we need 45° we can select the 15° option and count every three click stops, and so on.

Sunwayfoto DDP-64SI Panoramic Indexing Rotator detent intervals


This feature will be most appealing to photographers who like to experiment with different focal lengths for different projects, without having to buy more than one small rotator or a larger rotator with more options. Needless to say of course that professional panographers with a standardized workflow may not find counting extra clicks so appealing.

Further, the DDP-64SI will also prove convenient to photographers who would like to experiment with the new Microsoft Photosynth platform, which requires a 70% coverage between frames in order to compensate for Parallax errors and produce a 3D effect.

The selection and change between the detent intervals (click stops) is very straight forward. A plunger with a ball tip needs to be screwed in one of the selection holes. However, there was an issue with the DDP-64SI plunger. Although it has the same length with the previous version (see comparison above) and a rubber O-ring prevents it from being fully screwed, when fully screwed in any of the detent selection holes it acts as a brake to the panning mechanism.
After some experimentation, I realized that the ball tip is a little harder, therefore it should be screwed up to the O-ring touches the rotator body. One benefit from the harder tip though, is that the click stops are better defined and heard.

Sunwayfoto DDP-64S left and DDP-64SI right, plunger comparison
The DDP-64SI plunger, although the same length with the previous version see comparison above when fully screwed acts as a brake to the panning mechanism.


Mounting Via the AM-01 Arca Mount
Besides the 3/8"-16 bottom mounting hole or the four 1/4"-20 peripheral mounting holes the DDP-64SI may be retrofitted with the optional AM-01, which is the 64 mm version of the Sunwayfoto Arca Mount plate.
Of course is someone requires an Arc aplate, a more convenient and cheaper option is to get the DDP-64SIX model which includes the M-01 in the box.
Sunwayfoto DDP-64SI with AM-01 Arca Mount Plate & tools
DDP-64SI is shown above with the optional AM-01 Arca Mount Plate and the accompanying short flat head hex screws, plus the appropriate Allen Hex key.
Sunwayfoto DDP-64SI - AM-01 Arca Mount Plate attachment
It's very simple to attach the AM-01 with the flat head screws and tighten the plate with the hex key as appropriate. Now you are free to use the rotator on top of any pod equipped with an Arca-Swiss® stle quick release clamp.

Adding the DDY-64i Discal Clamp
Although the DDP-64SI is equipped with a 1/4"-20 stud and 4 mounting holes on the top platform, there is always the option to mount a discal clamp on top for easier and quick attachment of rails or camera plates directly. Both Sunwayfoto DDY-64i (shown below) and DDY-64iL (with lon screw knob) serve the purpose.

Sunwayfoto DDP-64SI - DDY-64i Discal QR clamp attachment sequence
The DDP-64SI is shown in the top photo with the DDY-64i 64 mm discal quick release clamp, a couple of the matching short flat head hex screws and the appropriate Allen hex key. Mounting the clamp is easy using the supplied hex screws and tightening with the Allen key.
Nevertheless, the existence of 4 mounting holes, offers the user a choice for the orientation of the discal clamp on the rotator. It can be rotated by 90° where more convenient for use or presenting the less destruction for nadir shots.
Sunwayfoto DDP-64SI with AM-01 and DDY-64i Discal QR clamp attached
A complete Sunwayfoto DDP-64SI with AM-01 Arca Mount plate and DDY-66i Discal QR clamp attached ready for work.

Torque Test Results
Since the DDP-64SI Panoramic Indexed Rotator may be used as a vertical rotator in a Multi-Row panorama head among others as we shall see further down, extra pan-locking strength is required in order  to have enough capacity to hold offset loads. Either this load sits at the end of a Nodal slide or on the barrel of a long and heavy telephoto lens.
Therefore, the DDP-64SI was tested in order to have an approximate assessment of its torque capacity on the panning base.

Sunwayfoto DDP-64SI with AM-01 and DDY-64i Discal QR clamp on workbench
Both the AM-01 Arca Mount Plate and the DDY-64i Discal QR clamp were attached on the rotator as described previously. In order to be able to immobilize the rotator vertically, it was securely clamped between the jaws of a heavy workbench by its Arca dovetail plate. Next step, the panning base lock lever was tightened as much as possible by hand.
Sunwayfoto DDP-64SI with long rail and counter weight
My usual counter balance bag which encloses sand sacks totaling 5 kg was put into use.

After some testing the stand alone 10" rail proved inadequate. So another 8" rail was bound next to the 10" using one more rail from below, thus creating a 18" long rail. With some more experimentation the ~5.7 kg total weight of the bag + rails etc. reached a distance of 36.5 cm from the center of the quick release clamp, which center indicates also the pivoting axis of the rotator, just before the rotator started to lose its inertia.
This distance multiplied by the hanging weight means that the rotator's panning base locking brake can withstand a torque of ~208 kgF*cm or ~2040 N*cm. By deduction this means a load of ~17.34 kg could hang offset with its center of gravity at a distance of 12 cm (4.7") from the pivot center (Gitzo method) or a load of about 69 kg within the perimeter of the panning base !!!

Based on the findings of the "Torque Test Results" in the Sunwayfoto DDP-64SX Panoramic Indexing Rotator Review the DDP-64SI seems to have lost just a little of the strength of its predecessor by reaching 36.5cm instead of 40cm.

Using as a Horizontal Indexed Rotator 
DDP-64SI, much like its predecessors, may prove a very good and more affordable solution for a horizontal panoramic indexing rotator compared to its quite larger and heavier sibling, the Sunwayfoto DDP-64M Panoramic Indexing Rotator (Review). In this respect, the DDP-64S and now the DDP-64SI has always been part of the Sunwyfoto Pano-2 Panoramic Head.
Nonetheless, it can always be used independently with or without a quick release clamp.

Sunwayfoto Pano-2 Panorama head Assembly w/ Sunwayfoto DDP-64SI as horizontal rotator
Sunwayfoto DDP-64SI combined with Sunwayfoto DDY-64i Discal Quick Release Clamp (Review) is pictured above on top of the Sunwayfoto DYH-66i Leveling Base (Review) in the role of horizontal rotator of the Sunwayfoto Pano-2 Multi-Row Panorama head.


Using as a Vertical Rotator
Since the beginning, my intention was to use the DDP-64S as a vertical rotator in a heavy duty panorama head structure. Its robust construction combined with the strong Panning Lock (brake), is able to withstand far more torque than any other panoramic rotator that I have used. However, the previous inaccuracy in the alignment between the top and bottom mounting holes had been an obstacle up to now.
Nonetheless, to my content the release of the DDP-64SI has finally taken care of this misalignment issues as we saw above. Therefore, I can definitely declare the DDP-SI as the most appropriate vertical rotator for my design of a heavy duty head, which I will finally present in the Create a Heavy Duty Multi Row Panorama Head article, postponed for a very long time.
Now that there are four mounting holes on the top platform and other four relatively aligned at the base, the user has the ability to choose the appropriate ones for mounting the Indexed Rotator with proper alignment of the 0 mark as well as the orientation of the QR clamp.

Furthermore, the smaller 8° index stop can serve even for a quite heavy 180 mm telephoto lens (when in portrait orientation).

HDR Panorama rail Assembly w/ Sunwayfoto DDP-64SI & Hejnar rails
For the illustration I used the Hejnar G21-80 heavy duty vertical rail assembly shown with an original version DDP-64S in the Hejnar PHOTO G21-80 5/8 MPR/Vertical Rail Review.
In the top left photo we can see that the simplest mounting option is to use a couple of 1/4"-20 captive screws, one in the center hole via a reducer bushing and a second in one of the peripheral holes. As mentioned earlier, the existence of 4 holes on the base offers a choice of which side of the rotator will face the fron, top etc. In the bottom left photo the 0 mark of the laser engraved scale is positioned on the left (front) of the vertical arm.
Further, the existence of 4 holes on the top platform offers another choice regarding the mounting orientation of the discal clamp. The Sunwayfoto DDY-64i is shown above with a perpendicular orientation to the vertical rail which enables the use of a nodal slide.

HDR Panorama head Assembly w/ Sunwayfoto rotators & Hejnar rails
DDP-64SI combined with the DDY-64i Discal QR Clamp is pictured above in the role of vertical rotator of my version of a Heavy Duty HDR Multi-Row panorama head.
Sunwayfoto DDP-64M (Review) combined with the DDY-64iL Discal QR clamp is shown as horizontal rotator on top of Sunwayfoto DYH-66i Leveling Base (Review) which supports and levels the whole structure. Hejnar PHOTO 5/8" thick rails and QR clamps are used for the structure as are explained in detail in the article Create a Heavy Duty Multi Row Panorama Head.

Pros
Exceptional machining, finishing, fitting and build quality.
Compact size and low weight with versatile detent interval options and a robust structure.
Very smooth panning operation.
Extreme locking force of the rotator which withstands very high torque.
Good quality metal 1/4"-20 to 3/8"-16 conversion bushing included.
Excellent value for money ratio.
6 year limited warranty extension upon registration.

Cons
Detent interval stop plunger requires attention not to be tightened fully.
The Lever Lock-knob is non-captive which may fall off if unscrewed inappropriately too much.**

Conclusion
Although the "i" letter was also justified for the previous updated DDP-64S iteration, since there were changes concerning the panning scale as well as the detent interval options (click stops), this one deserves the capital "I" as long as it stands as the most complete version, addressing all previous issues.
A combination of an exceptionally good built quality, smoothness in operation, versatility now in mounting horizontally and vertically,  plus the choice of 4 detent intervals (click stops) from 8 to 18 degrees adequate for applications covering lenses from ultra wide to some telephotos, all these in a small size and even lower price not only compared to competition but also to the previous version.
All these may rate the DDP-64S as a Great Value for money product.

** This is not a so important issue as this may prove beneficial, since according to some other manufacturers by removing the panning lock knob, minimizes the footprint of the rotator for nadir shots as long as you use the indexing feature.

Note : The DDP-64SI Improved Indexing Rotator presented in this article is a complementary copy, kindly offered by Sunwayfoto, for evaluation and review.

Disclaimer:
This review and test was run on a single product sample, using the specifically described methods. Independent of the favorable or unfavorable results of any test, a test on a single product can not be used as a rule, unless more samples of the same product are tested. Furthermore, similar comparison tests should be run with comparative capabilities products so as to reach a solid conclusion.

Read also:

Sunwayfoto DDP-64SX Panoramic Indexing Rotator Review for a thorougher description of the DDP-64S Indexing Rotator functions with implementation examples and a comparison table.




Sunwayfoto DDP-64S Panoramic Indexing Rotator Updated ver Review for a detailed description of the intermediate iteration between the original DDP-64S and the DDP-64SI





I hope you found the article useful, thank you for viewing.
All Photos & Photosynths: © 2015 S.C.Vlachos

Price & Availability:
Current price for the DDP-64SI is US$ 79.00 69.95 and the updated versions of DDP-64SI bundled with the DDY-64i QR Clamp also sells for US$ 119.00 99.95. Both available from Amazon
Sunwayfoto DDP-64SI panoramic rotators are also available from eBay

Referenced Articles:

A Quality Lens Cleaning Cloth by Sunwayfoto

Sunwayfoto DDY-64i Discal Quick Release Clamp Review

Sunwayfoto DYH-66i Leveling Base Review

Hejnar PHOTO G21-80 5/8 MPR/Vertical Rail Review

Triopo GX-1328 Classic Carbon Fiber Tripod Review

Relevant Articles:

Sunwayfoto DDP-64M Panoramic Indexing Rotator Updated ver Review

Sunwayfoto DDP-64MX+DDY-64 Panoramic Indexing Rotator Review

Sunwayfoto Pano-2 Panoramic Head

Create a Heavy Duty Multi Row Panorama Head

4 comments :

  1. Dear Sotiris,

    first of all I do wish to thank you for such a detailed review, which adds up to the generous list of reference materials that are collated together on your invaluable website!

    I was indeed looking forward to join you in the praising of this newly revised indexing rotator from Sunwayfoto but, unfortunately, it won't be possible for the straightforward reasons I will explain below.

    Even before your review was finalized and published, just by chance, I discovered on the Sunwayfoto website that a new version of their Indexing Rotator DDP-64S was released and marked with the additional "i" affixed to the model number.

    I immediately contacted Sunwayfoto to place an order for this new version, since the pictures on their website were suggesting it would address and solve the issue of the misalignment of the mounting holes with the 0-180 axis on the panning base, which affected and made the previous two iterations of this product considerably less user friendly.

    Your review increased my expectations for this product even more since, by reading it a few days ago, I actually got the flavor of the highly desirable and wished fixes to the aforementioned inconveniences. It would appear that everything was going to be as expected and my wishful thinking set to be true.

    Well, after about two weeks waiting for the delivery of my order, today I've received the parcel... I couldn't literally wait to open it and examine the new indexing rotator... just to discover that... despite the new revision number (DDP-64SI) it's absolutely not conforming to the unit you have reviewed and the one pictured on the Sunwayfoto website! It's incredible and truly disappointing, but the unit I have received (the THIRD one I've purchased from Sunwayfoto) still sports the bottom mounting holes misaligned to the correct axis on the panning base (0-180 / 90-270).

    The mounting holes on my unit are again aligned to the 45-225 axis, with the new additional mounting holes aligned to the135-315 axis! This is just incredible and utterly disappointing! In addition, there is also the same 45 degree divergence between the top and bottom mounting holes! The index marks to the panning scale are engraved in the very same position as on the previous DDP-64S and not aligned to the middle of the Sunwayfoto logo and detent interval holes, as shown by your photos!

    I've purchased and received a DDP-64SI with the very same issues of the previous revision!
    I'm seriously speechless and truly disappointed!

    I'd like to share with you a few photos of my unit... at the moment I'm literally burning from the inside for the disappointment! This is not what I was expecting from Sunwayfoto... As it stands, it just seems like they have no control at all on the consistency of their production.

    I'm sorry for the polemic tone of this message, but I was really hoping to finally receive the revised and fixed version of the DDP-64 indexing rotator. Unfortunately, only the packaging and the model number engraved on the metal body of the rotator correspond to the DDP-64SI, while all the rest is a blatant copy of the previous release, with very same defects...

    Regards,
    Marco

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    Replies
    1. Dear Marco,

      Thank you very much for your kind comments and for sharing your unfortunate experience.

      I understand the level of your disappointment and frustration, but before running into a conclusion, it would be nice to know if you have purchased the DDP-64SI directly from Sunwayfoto or a dealer.
      Further, please do supply links to photos of the recently purchased DDP-64SI Indexing Rotator featuring the previous DDP-64S characteristics, because what you describe implies that either someone in production is incompetent or someone has tried to pass old stock as new. I wouldn't expect Sunwayfoto to be willing to jeopardize their reputation on the latter though.

      Needless, to mention that I shall forward your comments to Sunwayfoto, while after taking photos, you should return the product back for replacement.

      Regards,
      Sotiris


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  2. Dear Sotiris,

    many thanks for sympathizing with my situation! It was indeed quite discomforting to see myself projected back to the starting gridline, when I was instead looking forward to receive a totally re-ingineered product that would properly address and solve the nuisances experienced with the previous DDP-64S.

    Yes, the new Indexing Rotator was purchased directly from Sunwayfoto and, as indicated in my previous post, it arrived in the same packaging as shown in your review, apart for the product label placed on the side of the small cardboard box instead of top flap. All in all, therefore, it is a legit item coming directly from Sunwayfoto! But I very well understand the reasons behind your inquiry.

    I've posted some photos of the DDP-64SIX that I've received at the following address:

    https://wuthoqquan.wordpress.com/sunwayfoto-indexing-rotator-ddp-64six/

    You will note that the indexing rotator is indeed the new one (easily recognizible by the new top flat surface, as well as by the model number engraved on the body) but it quite surprisinlgy shows the very same inconsistencies of the older revision.

    As a follow up to my previous comment, however, I'd like to let you know that Sunwayfoto has already replied to the message I sent them yesterday and - as expected - they have immediately acknowledged their responsibility for this undesired non-conformity and they assured that a correct DDP-64SIX will be shipped out tomorrow as a free replacement.

    Although the disappointement still remains, at least I cannot complain by the prompt reply to my request for assistance. It will now just take a little bit of additional time to receive this new delivery. We will see...

    Many thanks again and best regards,
    Marco

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Marco,

      You are welcome, standing behind my readers is a pleasure.

      Your photos indeed show that you have received a DDP-64SI. It is the latest re-engineered version concerning the top and bottom platforms, as well as the correct placement of the top and bottom mounting screw axes. What seems wrong, is the position of the laser engraved index mark and the panning scale which conform to the previous DDP-64S.
      If you align the index mark with the 0 mark you will see that the upper and lower mounting holes axes coincide as they should, the problem is with the scale starting point.

      I can assume that what you have received comes from an early/intermediate batch of the DDP-64SI. Although it won't present any functional problem for horizontal use, it nevertheless, is not as it was meant to be, so I'm glad Sunwayfoto is already taking action to replace it for you.

      Best regards,
      Sotiris

      Delete