Manfrotto 410

[stefano_buricchi]

I've been looking for a lightweight head capable of MF work. I've toyed with

the idea of a ball head but have been put off by the price and possible

problems with precision when setting the camera up for architectural shots. I

see a number of you appear to be using the 410 mini geared head. Is it any

good ? I have read the Manfrotto brochure which recommends this head for

35mm/light medium format. I use an Hasselblad 501CM camera with 250 mm lens.

Would this head be suitable or is it better the Manfrotto 405?. Many thanks

(again) in advance. Stefano.

[BrianS1664879711]

I'd think a geared head mignt be a bit slow to use. But you know your subject matter better than I.

 

My preference is a ball head with MF (Hassy) and WL finder. This makes set-up and adjustments really quick. I'm currently using a Manfrotto 484 ball head with 501CM and 80 or 150mm lenses. With a 250 I'd be tempted to consdier an upgrade to a bigger ball head.

[BrianS1664879711]

Correction - "486" is what I meant to type!

[wim_van_velzen]

I use a 410 with a 180 2.8 and 2x convertor (on a Velbon carbon tripod). It works quite well, although a 405 mind offer some more stability. For a 250mm with no converter, the 410 is more than fine.

<p>

<a href="http://www.fotografiewimvanvelzen.nl">Wim</a>

[fwstutterheim]

I like the 410 very much, but mine developed some play in a joint after only moderate use.

This has happened twice. Also the alloy release handle of the QR-plate broke after a fall.

Customer service was fine, the handle parts were sent free of charge. I use a Rolleiflex 6008i

and sometimes a heavy lens. The 410 is stable and comfortable to use but is only of

moderate built quality in my opinion. <p>Ferdi.

[q.g._de_bakker]

<i>I'd think a geared head mignt be a bit slow to use.</i><br><br>With the 'flick of a switch' the gear is disengaged and you can move the head in the position you like faster than you can unscrew a 'regular' head's locks.<br>But a ball head with friction lock may be faster to set, yes.

[richardw]

Hello,

 

I like the 410 very much, I use it with a 553elx, which is a bit heavier than the 501. The unlocking of the gears is a good feature! I use a hassy QR plate instead of the Manfrotto plate. I find the head quite stable even if the ball heads look more stable and had only good experiences until now. So with a solid tripod and MLU the photos are tack-sharp.

 

regards Richard

[wharridge]

I've had a 410 head which I've been using for several years. Never had a problem with it, easier to set accurately than any ball head or pan/tilt head I've used. By the way, I use it with an RB-67, 37mm to 360mm lenses.

 

...Wayne

[bahrammonshat]

I was wondering if anyone would be able to compare the 410 performance with the 405 when used with DSLR and long lenses. Thanks