Using a Panorama Head as a Gimbal

After testing the Hejnar Photo Rails as a skeleton structure, the Benro PC-0 and PC-1 Panorama (Panoramic) Clamps as vertical and horizontal rotators for my Multi Row Panorama Head, I saw that their strength and resistance to vibration were beyond expectation.


Then another idea came up!

Why not test them as a Gimbal Head?

And that I did !








The proof follows:

Considering that our long telephoto lens is already equipped with an Arca-Swiss® compatible lens plate...

like the Kiwi Fotos LP-100 Lens Plate shown above...

All that needs to be done...

Is to remove the Nodal Rail from the Vertical Panorama clamp...

Insert the lens plate in the vertical panorama clamp (rotator) jaws. Then adjust the panorama head horizontal rail side wise, in order to bring the center axis of the lens above the pivoting point of the Panorama clamp and/or of the Ball head.

The long lens plate will permit the balancing of our camera/lens combination. Letting the vertical rotator lock loose, we move the plate back-forth within the clamp jaws until it does not tilt forward or backward.

Ready to follow your subject at any angle...

Alternatively...

The base Panorama Clamp may be removed, as shown above, where the panning is left to the Ball Head itself.

Closer view of the horizontal rail directly attached to the Ball head clamp.

I hope you find this idea useful, thank you for viewing.
All Photos: © 2010 S.C.Vlachos

Referenced Articles:
Create a Multi Row Panorama head
Benro PC-0 and PC-1 Panorama (Panoramic) Clamps
Kiwi Fotos LP-100 Lens Plate