jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Someone posted about that flexible Z mount for a camera on a tripod. It was about $18 on Amazon, so I ordered one. It arrived today, and it's going back tomorrow.

This would have been perfect with good size thumbscrews. It was extremely difficult to raise it from its flattened position for two reasons: the Allen screws are tight, and there in an interference fit at one end. In order to open or close it, you have to overcome the two pieces sticking together. You force them apart to open and then force them into each other to close it.

It comes with two Allen wrenches - small and smaller. Loosening the screws would make it easy to open and close, but then I would have to tighten all four - using both wrenches - when I wanted to attach a camera. It's not quick and easy to get those small wrenches inserted into the black screws on the black body. Why couldn't they use the same size screws?

If this was important enough that I had to have it, I would probably drill it out and install thumbscrews. It's sturdy and seems to be well made and durable, but operating it leaves something to be desired: ease of use.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Good Tip. Thanks

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

As much as I figured from all the hype.

Julian Loc: Sarasota, FL

I made the same mistake ordering a $19 piece of junk; it went back the same day. I then opted for the elf Eldekrone unit: what a difference! Great unit.

bioteacher Loc: Brooklyn, NY

Always wondered about those. Julian do you have the link for the one you bought.

Julian Loc: Sarasota, FL

Believe me, it is beautifully made and it works.

Here you go: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1325934-REG/edelkrone_80236_flextilt_head2.html

sbohne

As mentioned earlier: you get what you pay for. There is nothing in this world that cannot be made a little bit worse and sold a little bit cheaper, and people who consider only price are this man's lawful prey. --John Russkin

This was printed on nearly every piece of paper that went out of my studio.

Blair Shaw Jr Loc: Dunnellon,Florida

I too was sucked into buying on of these devices at a whopping $60 or more and was dumb-founded as to why I did so ....??? All you need is a good tripod unless it's a tight spot up high or something like that and you need to place the camera in that spot.....and you still have to secure the Z Mount to something stable.......I will virtually never use this thing and would Not Recommend it's Purchase.

camerauser78

Wouldn't it come in handy when shooting an almost directly overhead red moon shot?

Country Boy Loc: Beckley, WV

I looked at the one from the original post and found that Amazon also had one with thumb screws (wing nuts) and it was very near the same price. I still passed but it did look interesting.

chapjohn Loc: Tigard, Oregon

Jerry, thank you for the tip. Every time I saw this device advertised I wonder how it lock in place when lifted when the weight of the camera.

bioteacher Loc: Brooklyn, NY

Thanks Julian