Amvona Ball Head Users...

Mods, please fix title to Amvona. Thanks.

Hi, I just wanted to ask users of the Amvona ball heads (I have an ATH-A03) about the play in the head. Once everything is tightened down...is there some movement between the plate that mounts to the tripod..? Here's a picture of the head ... and the place I am asking about is around the ring of the base plate. The part under the small knob in the center. Seems to hold everything, but, it's got some movement, which might have to have it replaced. So, any info. would be appreciated.

Anyone?

I read somewhere that Benro was making the Amvona stuff. If so, it may be loose mfg tolerance. here is a teardown report on one of the Benro ballheads:

http://www.tomwebsterp​hoto.com/Essays/Benro/​benroks2.htm

J.

Interesting article. I can't complain about the legs...they are pretty solid, and haven't noticed any apparent shake with a long lens at macro distances.

The head though, is being replaced, and will hopefully be better. Maybe they'll just exchange it for one of the better, newer ones. Who knows. Otherwise, I'll just order a 488RC2 with 2 extra plates, and call it a day.

Well, I decided to check what the issue might be, with the base plate that attaches to the ball head assembly. Turns out, it was three loose screws. Tightened them up, and boom. No movement at all. They've shipped a replacement...and I've been told to keep the first one. Might list the other one for sale...but, I'll try it out first.

inthedeck wrote in post #6006068
Well, I decided to check what the issue might be, with the base plate that attaches to the ball head assembly. Turns out, it was three loose screws. Tightened them up, and boom. No movement at all. They've shipped a replacement...and I've been told to keep the first one. Might list the other one for sale...but, I'll try it out first.

I own an Amvona tripod and monopod and loose screws seem to be the culprit in many problems. I tightened all the screws the day that both of mine arrived and have no issues!

Thanks Lee. I just didn't realize to do it, until two days after I got it. Wasn't thinkin' straight, I guess.

Now that it's all tightened up, there's no play in the ball head. Though, a replacement is already on it's way. Oh well...got an extra ball head now.

I have read about some issues with the screws working themselves loose. Some people recommend putting a dab of loc-tite on all screws. I just keep a spare allen wrench in the bag and check all the screws periodically.

I wish I had been paying a little more attention as I probably could have saved you a little heartache!

Let me know how you like the ballhead. I am using a trigger grip style on my tripod and a pan/tilt on my monopod. I have been thinking about picking up one to replace the pan/tilt on my mono.

Good Quality control for sure.

J.

JohnJ80 wrote in post #6010575
Good Quality control for sure.

J.

For 1/10th the cost of an nearly identical gitzo/ manfrotto, what do you expect?

Heck, I got mine for about the same cost as a Wal Mart special!

JohnJ80 wrote in post #6010575
Good Quality control for sure.

J.

John, I understand your concerns. I know you are a big proponent of not using these 'cheap', 'unusable', 'vibration inducing,' run of the mill crap. I get it. I've read lots of posts for, and against, and for and against. Until the day I 'want' to invest in a $500+ head/tripod combo, I will. For now, and probably the next couple of years, it'll suffice. Would I attach my cam and 400L to it and walk down a steep grade...no. I wouldn't trust anything to hold that...no matter how much it cost. So, please, as a 'non-user' of the cheapies, don't spoil it for the rest of us...we know what we buy, when we make that decision. Let us spoil it for ourselves. Maybe we'll learn then???

Lee, the new head should be here in a couple of days (probably Thursday). I'll test it out over the weekend, and let you know how it goes. Might have to go watch a moonrise by the pier, and take some night shots. I've got one other person that 'might' want to buy the one I don't keep, but, I'll let you know.

Now that I've used the head a bit more, post tightening the screws, it's much better. Plus, I'm getting more and more used to the design, so, it's making it easier to operate.

Cheers, for now.

Geez, but perpetually loose screws? Does it get any more basic than that?

J.

Guess not.

I'll live with the minor complaint. At least their customer service was good...and the new head is almost here. Can't really complain about good response from an ebay purchase. Maybe some day, they'll make 'great' stuff. The Chinese are a HUGE part of every culture, with the products they make. Either embrace it, or don't, but there's always a demand for cheap, relatively decent quality products.

For me, I like the fact that my camera and lenses are made in Japan. Canon has a much higher threshold for quality. This is why we pay so much for the items they make. Quality costs money, yet, there's also a space for 'decent' quality, without the price tag. Otherwise, no one would be buying Kia's and Hyundai's. Though, they all started somewhere, and eventually stayed, or left, in the market place. I guess the future will tell.

Geez, I can't even remember the last time I found clothing made in the States. Loved that Levi's used to be made here. Now, it's almost impossible to find a new pair of Levi's made here.

One thing I do appreciate, John. You do support something that you hold dearly.

JohnJ80 wrote in post #6010892
Geez, but perpetually loose screws? Does it get any more basic than that?

J.

I don't know how widespread this issue is as I have only read about it in a few posts. I checked my screws when mine arrived and they were tight. I check the screws about once a month when I wipe my stuff down and nothing seems to be working loose.

I personally would do this with any tripod I own, no matter the cost. But then again, I check the air pressure in my tires every time I fuel up and clean my golf clubs after every round!

Ha...I'm like that too. Though, I don't have golf clubs. I did play a 9 hole, par 3 the other day, with some co-workers, a neighbor, and his buddy. Course was a little soggy, due to the rain around here, but overall, a fun outing. I need practice, as this is the first time playing outside of a driving range, in a long time. I like the South....