FLM ballheads

[Greg D]

Anyone have any experience with FLM ballheads?  The Centerball 38 looks just right for my purposes (I'm using a panning clamp so can give up the panning base to save a little weight), but I can't find anyone selling them except B&H, on special order basis (so non-returnable), so I'm a little reluctant.

[afx]

Anyone have any experience with FLM ballheads?  The Centerball 38 looks just right for my purposes (I'm using a panning clamp so can give up the panning base to save a little weight), but I can't find anyone selling them except B&H, on special order basis (so non-returnable), so I'm a little reluctant.

The heads are fine, but beware of the clamps and plates, they look like they are Arca compatible, but they are not. It was my mis-investment in FLM that finally lead to the production of this table:
http://www.afximages.com/stuff/arca-plates-xref.html

cheers
afx

[K.C.]

...but I can't find anyone selling them except B&H, on special order basis (so non-returnable), so I'm a little reluctant.

B&H is a fulfillment vendor offering many products they're not actual dealers for. They don't stock them. You order, they take your money and they then drop-ship or re-ship after the manufacturer or importer delivers the product to them.

With all the good Chinese knock-offs (Induro, Benro, Sunway etc.) of Arca Swiss style heads, rails and clamps why would you buy a product with no warranty and no option to return it ?

[markbauer]

I've used one for about a year and been very happy with it. Very smooth action, good friction control and it locks down tight. The 'tilt' function is excellent - you can lock the head so it only moves in one plane - great for getting your horizon level without upsetting the rest of the composition. I didn't like the FLM clamp - it always felt a bit flimsy, and I replaced it with a Wimberley clamp. I guess you could fit an Arca Swiss, RRS or whatever.

....why would you buy a product with no warranty and no option to return it ?

FLM ballheads have a 10 year manufacturer's warranty here in Europe, not sure what the situation is the USA.

[Greg D]

My interest in this head (the CB-38; see http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/874526-REG/FLM_FLMCB38_CB_38_BALL_HEAD.html ) is that it's low profile and quite light for the size of ball and rated capacity (FWIW), and simple.  Not using heavy gear, so don't care about friction control.  As stated, I plan to use a panning clamp, so don't need the separate pan lock.  This model is supplied with a simple platform, and that is one question I'd have to answer before ordering - I imagine the platform is removable, leaving a 3/8" female threaded shaft, but would have to be sure first.  Anyone know about that??

Thanks

[markbauer]

I haven't used the CB-38. This is the model I use:

http://www.speedgraphic.co.uk/ball__socket/flm_cb58ftr_ball_head/4082_p.htm

It shipped with the same platform as the CB-38, which is easy to remove.

[K.C.]

FLM ballheads have a 10 year manufacturer's warranty here in Europe, not sure what the situation is the USA.

No warranty because it's a grey market product here.

[Walt Roycraft]

No warranty because it's a grey market product here.

From B&H web site...
 FLM Centerball 38 F - Ballhead with 38mm Ball Diameter, with Friction Control - Supports 55 lb (20 kg)

    1-Year Warranty