Create a Mini Multi-Row Panorama Head for Mirrorless Cameras

"After an enormous popular demand..." one moment please to get me down from the clouds..., well, after receiving a few e-mails from readers and a quite recent conversation in Panoramic Photographers on G+ Community I prepared this Arca-Swiss® compatible Mini Lightweight Multi Row Panorama Head especially for the users of small footprint ILC (Interchangeable - Lens - Compact) digital mirrorless cameras.

Using Mutli Row Panorama Head Ver. II

Most of the functions of the second version of my Multi Row Panorama head design - extensively described in Create a Multi Row Panorama Head Ver. II - are very similar to its original version.

However, there is some differentiation between the two versions with the added versatility of the removable vertical rail and the change of the Nodal Slide rail.

Therefore, in this article I shall concentrate more on the operating differences that make this second version Panorama head more versatile and easy to use.

You can still refer to the original version Using a Multi Row Panorama Head, for the description of basic functions.

Benro B-2 & B Series Ball Heads Tips

Having used the Benro B-2 Ball Head for over a year now, permits me to have a more clear aspect about its strengths and weaknesses.
During this time it had a little dip in the mud, a little exposure to direct sun at 45 oC and a few bumps with other fellow photo equipment in the trunk of my car although bagged.

Create & Use a Single Row Panorama Head

My first attempt for panoramas was based on the panning option of one of my ball heads and a geared macro rail utilized as a nodal rail.

The need for more leveling accuracy for the horizon plus minimizing vibration and bulk, led me to find a more elaborate solution.

So I came up creating a single row panorama (or panoramic) head that could hold a heavier camera and lens in a horizontal or vertical position, being able to adjust in all planes.

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:

Using a Multi Row Panorama Head

From the idea to reality is one step, but the goal for creating a Multi Row Panorama head from scratch, except for the joy of experimentation, is to shoot some nice panoramas.

Following are a few basic instructions of setting up the Panorama (or Panoramic) head and correct placement of the camera for that "perfect" panorama picture you have in mind.