OConnor will unveil new fluid heads, a new tripod and a new follow focus unit at NAB in April. Attendees will be able to try out the company’s new Ultimate 1030D (30 lbs./13.6kg capacity) and Ultimate 1030Ds (41 lbs./18.6kg capacity) fluid heads, designed to replace the popular Ultimate 1030HD and HDs. The new systems add sporty industrial design and features originally engineered for OConnor’s larger fluid heads. These include stepless, ultra-smooth pan and tilt fluid drag that provides control and stability for digital cinematography. Also adapted from OConnor’s heavier duty heads is the Sinusoidal Counterbalance system for accurate balance at any point in the tilt range. Counterbalance can be adjusted by a new ergonomic crank-style control that simply pulls out of the back of the head.
The 1030D model provides a tilt range of ±90° while the 1030Ds head has a ±60° tilt range for heavier loads up to 41 lbs./18.6kg. Both heads are ideal for use with full-format sensor, lighter weight cameras, such as the RED Epic and Scarlet, Sony F3 and Canon C300.
OConnor will also be launching its new 30L carbon fiber tripod, which combines new-age materials with precision engineering to create a support system that is lightweight, yet solid and stable. An ideal fit for the new Ultimate 1030D and 1030Ds fluid heads, the 30L weighs 8.8 lbs (4 kg) and can safely and stably carry payloads of up to 209 lbs (95 kg).
The company will also introduce its new O-Focus Dual Mini – a compact, double-sided, direct-drive, follow focus unit optimized for both still and cine-style camera lenses. The precision gear drive of the main bridge offers a gear ratio of 1:0.75 so that 360 degrees of input results in 270 degrees of output (i.e. rotation on the drive gear).
There are two versions of the O-Focus DM – the Photo Set and the Cine Set. Each provides its own unique transmission ratio. The difference is accomplished by the use of two different types of handwheels that interface with the main bridge. Changing the transmission ratio is as easy as swapping the handwheels.
The Cine Set utilizes the existing CFF-1 Studio Handwheel, and has a transmission ratio of 1:1.8 (input:output). When coupled with the O-Focus Bridge it yields a 1:1.4 output transmission ratio well suited for cine lenses with an expanded focus scale. The Studio Handwheel is offset, so it has 360 degrees of rotation for optimum placement and view of the lens witness marks.
