Any owners of Markins M10 *and* Arca Z1 out there?

I recently got a Gitzo 1325 from a photographer with a leg stuck. I managed to repair it, so now have a good tripod for helping him out .
I only need to get a decent head to go with it.

I've narrowed it down to the Markins M10 or the Arca Swiss Z1. Both with a 'standard' Arca head. There is one shop I can try the Arca, but I don't know of any place that has both heads. So I can't compare them other then buying both, which I wasn't planning to do

That's why I'm not sure which one: The Arca is (quite a lot) heavier, but has an eliptical ball, and can handle more load. (probably more comparable to a Markins M20)

I think the weight difference is more important to me, since if I'd have to *buy* a tripod, it would be something like the Gitzo 2540; Lighter then the 1325, since the longest lens I shoot is about a 80-200L with 1.4x on a Mk2. Maybe *very* occasionally a 300mm/4.0 with 1.4x.

Any thoughts to why the Arca would be better (It is a bit cheaper over here)?

Additionally, I have a few questions about the Markins:

The M10 comes in a L and R version. I think the R version has the same layout as the Z1, correct?

That would mean that both the M10R and the Z1 would have the locking knob on the left when shooting upward (slot towards you)?

Any views on what is nicest to have if you have the choice: The "Left" or "Right" Markins?
I'll be using a RRS L-plate, so the slot orientation is mainly of concern when shooting up or down. And I think shooting upward is something I'd do more often, and I'd like to have the control on the left then I think.

I recently got a M-20 with the left-hand control. My old ballhead had the traditional right-hand control and I hated taking my hand off the shutter to loosen or tighten my camera. Truth is with my new M-20, I find I'm rarely adjusting the knob much. The Markins tension control is outstanding and I find I can just move my camera where I want it and it will not budge. (24-70 2.8L and 70-200 2.8LIS largest glass) If your right handed I'd say go for it, I do like it!

Rene, not exactly what you asked for, but I do have the M20, and this thing is physically half the size and 1/3 weight of one of my other ballheads, (Graf StudioBall @ 1550 grams and 5.5" tall rated for 25kg pounds) which was designed for very large gear.

The M20 is 568Grams and rated for 45kg!!!

The M20 on the 1325 is a killer combo and I have no need now for that monster ballhead

My theory is that if the M20 can beat one of the largest heaviest and sturdiest heads made at 1/3 the weight, then the M10 will handily outperform the Arca Z as well.

evidence120 wrote in post #4697982
I hated taking my hand off the shutter to loosen or tighten my camera.

How's that? You can still have the control on the left, right?

Only difference I see would be the position of the 'drop slot'. If the controls are on the left, a traditional ball would have the slot facing you, a left ball would have the slot at the front.

The control would be at the front with the slot facing left, right? (I think that's why the 'left handed' version was created; to get the controls facing the photographer with the slot on the left?)

I don't see the advantage of the 'left-hand' knob... What am I missing?

CyberDyneSystems wrote in post #4698044
My theory is that if the M20 can beat one of the largest heaviest and sturdiest heads made at 1/3 the weight, then the M10 will handily outperform the Arca Z as well.

I figure the M10 will take anything I throw at it, but I am not sure how big an advantage (if any) the elliptical ball will be.

Also, the shop in germany that sells Markins, only has the "left handed" version, and I'm unsure whether that is an advantage. Not willing to spend that amount of cash on something I'm unsure about

Do you have the left or right M20?

http://www.nikonians.o​rg/dcforum/DCForumID15​/1004.html
for some illustrations. The M10 is wonderfully small and as said above tension control is a joy to use.

Useful, thanks. I think I'd prefer the Regular version...

The R version was phased out, I think because most buyers went with the L version.

I have the M20 - wouldn't swap it for anything, it's that good!

Another happy L model M20 user here. I'd take the M10 over the A-S one anyday.

J.

Why did you choose the L version? Why would you choose the M10 over the Z1?

Because the controls are located on the left side such that I can use my left hand without taking my right hand off of the camera or its shutter button. You cannot do that with the older R version.

Trust me on this one - you want the newer version.

J.

Hmmm. Maybe I'm dense, but the 'older' version allows the controls to be on the left as well I think?
I still don't see the "taking my right hand off of the camera " bit. What am I missing?
I agree that's not something I'd want, but I don't understand the need...

From the link in post #5 (second image) control on the left would mean the drop slot is on the back.
I think that's more usefull then having it on the front; I think I'd shoot upward more often then downward. Then again, I could be completely wrong

I use my current ballhead (old manfrotto) with the control on the front all the time. I actually prefer it that way. Then again, that one has a lever style lock, not a round knob...

René Damkot wrote in post #4700773
Hmmm. Maybe I'm dense, but the 'older' version allows the controls to be on the left as well I think?
I still don't see the "taking my right hand off of the camera " bit. What am I missing?
I agree that's not something I'd want, but I don't understand the need...

From the link in post #5 (second image) control on the left would mean the drop slot is on the back.
I think that's more usefull then having it on the front; I think I'd shoot upward more often then downward. Then again, I could be completely wrong

I use my current ballhead (old manfrotto) with the control on the front all the time. I actually prefer it that way. Then again, that one has a lever style lock, not a round knob...

The main knob and the panning knob are reversed in position. If you want the main knob to be in the proper position for your left hand, then the panning knob is going to be well around towards the front of the ballhead and not very easy to access.

I would think the main knob's position would be your main priority since for most applications it is going to get the most use.

J

The R feels more natural / logical to use for right handers; tension and pan with your left hand and hold the body with your right.

coorz wrote in post #4701035
The R feels more natural / logical to use for right handers; tension and pan with your left hand and hold the body with your right.

I think you have it backwards for the reasons you mentioned. It is easier to tension and pan with the L version because the knobs are to the left, right?

J

Coorz has me mixed up too, I've been following this thread as I have the same choice to make regarding L and R versions of the M10.