Any experiences with Giotto Ball Heads

I am thinking of going in for the Giotto medium ball head. Please respond if you have had any good or bad experience with any of the Giotto ball heads. Thanks.

I have the smallest (I think) Giotto ball head model MH-1003. I

bought it for around $45 (local shop) and basically it is junk. When

I lock it down it twists 1 or 2mm on the panning plate. It slips

quite easily with an Elan IIe and a consumer medium zoom when in the

portrait position. The ball action is horribly rough and it squeaks

when I twist it into my camera. The machined ball finish is quite

rough and picks up metal from the brass(?) locking plate. It also

takes at least a full turn to 1 1/2 turns to lock it. I ended up

getting the smallest Linhof Pro 01 for $110 (B&H) - for travel needs

it is excellent.<br>

I can't comment on the medium head, but it might be suitable for your

purposes at $90 (B&H). Of course, you get what you pay for. If

possible, go to a shop and try it out in various positions with the

largest equipment you plan to use on it. Also check to see if the

ball has a smooth finish -not necessarily polished, but not like the

small model where you can actually see the machining marks and

texture.<br>

Again, maybe even the next smallest Linhof might be better for travel

use with small equipment. It is the Pro 1 model, is slightly taller

than the 01, has panning adjustment w/lock (the 01 does not have a

panning base or lock) and goes for $158 at B&H -just raised from

around $135, maybe you can still get the old price.

i've had a giotto MH-1000 for about 7 years. it still works as well as when new. locks down solidly. my main complaint is that the friction control is too grippy. If I were buying today, I would not buy this head-- by the time you add a decent quick release adapter to it, it is only another $100 for a Kirk BH-3 or acratech and plate, but these were not available 7 years ago.