PRESS RELEASE: The Monoball p0: a whole new knobless tripod head
With the p0 tripod head equipped with the patented Monoball (Planetary) P system, ARCA-SWISS consolidates its position as the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of tripod heads, a position it has held for over 50 years.
There are currently two P system tripod heads: the p0 designed for use by photographers looking for precision equipment at an affordable price; and the p1, a tripod head with a wider diameter that is capable of handling the greater demands of heavy telephoto lenses or even 8x10” large format cameras. High performance solutions for both amateurs and professionals based on the traditional ARCA-SWISS quality.
The p0 is a revolutionary tripod head design due to it precision, ease of use and its extraordinarily strong, concentric and uniform locking force. It’s called Knobless because the traditional locking knobs have been removed and replaced by an ingenious geared mechanism. The p0 is precise, stylish, light and very strong – a hand of steel in a velvet glove!
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Arca Swiss' Monoball p0 tripod head. Photo provided by ARCA-SWISS. |
At first glance...
The first thing you notice is that there are no knobs. You can grasp the tripod head from any angle, left or right and block it simply by turning the knurled part. There’s no longer any need to fumble for the locking knob! The tripod head is equipped with three locking elements, arranged around the ball like planets. These locking elements apply a uniform force around the ball ensuring a smooth movement of the camera in any axis. As the camera is placed directly on the ball and not on its neck, the movements are as stable as if they were on a rubber ring. The patented aspherical ball also creates a gravitational friction force thus preventing sudden camera movement. The panning system is unconventionally located just below the camera mount, providing a panoramic rotation that remains in line with the vertical.
Not only is the p0 particularly affordable (from $ 249), but it also offers a tilt ball range of 90° and 360° panning. Despite its super light weight of only 9,9 onces and compact format, it has unbeatable locking power.
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Arca Swiss' Monoball p0 tripod head in portrait position. Photo provided by ARCA-SWISS. |
ARCA-SWISS has gone one step further to offer you two camera mounts for the p0:
- The ¼ basic model ships with a 3/8 adaptor. This Universal adaptor will enable you to attach any make of camera. And, you can upgrade your p0 at any time by buying a Slidefix kit.
- The new patented Slidefix system designed by ARCA-SWISS, offers a large selection of rapid mounting adaptor plates so that you can attach your camera to the tripod head in an instant.
p0 - dimensions: H = 74 mm, diameter = 60 mm
The monoball p1, he p0’s big brother
More robust and solid (17,5 onces) than its baby brother, the p1 is capable of handling the greater demands of heavy telephoto lenses or large format cameras. In addition, this tripod head also provides a preset friction adjustment.
p1-dimensions : H = 88 mm, diameter = 75 mm
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Arca Swiss' Monoball p0 tripod head with Nikon DSLR attached. Photo provided by ARCA-SWISS. |
(First posted on Friday, October 16, 2009 at 19:54 EDT)