Leica 14110 - Large Ball Head

[rramesh]

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In my shopping expedition looking for a monopod/tripod and ball head, I popped by the Leica store and took a look at Leica's very own large ball head. It seemed to be extremely well made and I am sure it will work very well.

 

Question is this. Have folks used this on a tripod or monopod other than the Leica table tripod and what's the feedback?

[wda]

Yes; it is probably my favourite B&S head. It is easy to use and so positive. Expensive? Yes, but worth the money in my view.

 

It is particularly useful on a shorter travel tripod because it adds a little extra height.

[k_g_wolf ✝]

Bought one in 1969, it says LEITZ Wetzlar on it.

I use it on a monopod and on a tripod regularly.

 

Still going strong!

 

 

Regards

GEORG

[Ulrik]

My feelings about these Leica ballheads are a bit mixed. They look nice and are well made...but have a small diameter. Put a Leica M with off-centre tripod-thread carrying a heavy lens on it and you are beyond what I would call stable. The smallest ball head that I use for photography is a Novoflex Ball 40.

 

Ulrik

[rramesh]

But isn't that why the ball is ribbed, so it wouldn't slip? I have not seen other brands where the balls are finished this way.

[TomB_tx]

I also bought mine in 1969 for $20.40 (new). I use it often on my Leitz (NY) Tiltall tripod as well as the tabletop.

Compared to all other small heads I've found the Leitz locks instantly and solidly. I've had no "creepy" issues with Ms or Rs and bellows, etc.

[giordano]

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In my experience it's amply strong enough for an M (and indeed most DSLRs at least in landscape orientation), though not as rigid as a larger, heavier head.

 

But because there's no separate friction control it can be difficult to make fine adjustments to the camera angle, or to lock the head tight without moving the camera. From that point of view a more modern design with a (slightly) larger ball and separate friction control is a more satisfactory device IMHO.

[efreed2754]

Hi Ramchand

 

Use small ball head on monopod and it works fine for my concert work. Have used large head on my Tiltall and that's fine too.

 

I especially like the older large head that has both screw sizes. So well made. One can find these on eBay at a lot less than new. Like anything on eBay have to be careful of course about seller, condition and price.

 

Have fun!

[tobey bilek]

The best thing about these is they "lock solidly with a touch" and free equally well.

Therefore there is no position creep as the lock is tightened.

 

I do not expect mine to hold a 560, but for all the common lenses up to 200 or 280, I see no problem.

[gisling]

I use a large Leitz ball head, it is very sturdy

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[ho_co]

I've also had the large ball head for a number of years.

 

It locks tight and unlocks easily.

 

I've used it on Gitzo tripods with M equipment when traveling, and have recently begun using it with Nikon equipment on a monopod.

 

As remarked above, it's either locked or loose; there's no medium tension setting. But with a monopod that's no problem anyway.

 

It far outperforms its size and weight.

 

Superb piece of kit, heartily recommended.

[rramesh]

The large ball head is very useful with the Leica tabletop tripod. It provides you with useful support for your hand, especially if you use it off a wall or column, or tree for long exposures.

[menos I M6]

Since buying a medium sized Markins ball head some years ago which had held onto heavy Nikon gear well, I simply bought the smallest Markins Q3T recently to pair with a Gitzo Traveller for when I carry a tripod just in case or when travelling.

 

Since using these Markins heads, I could not imagine using any other ballhead.

They have amazing powers for their compact size and have a very precise and convenient friction control. Best of all is they are relatively low priced for what they can do.

 

I also have a tiny Gitzo ballhead, I bought with the Traveller tripod, which works in a pinch but I rather use a full featured head with Arca plates than futzing with screwing the camera on the ballhead whenever it is inconvenient.