Photo Clam PC-33NS Head-3/8-Inch Socket, Friction Screw and Bubble Level - Black

Ball head options for Gitzo traveler series tripods are very limited due to size constraints. This is one of the few ball heads that will fit onto a Gitzo 1541T, 1542T or 1544T tripod and still permit the tripod legs to be folded back over the ball head. After doing a lot of research this ball head seemed to offer the best combination of value and performance. Its main competitor appears to be the Markins Q3-TrQ ball head, which costs about $100 more. After receiving this product (i.e., the Photo Clam) and evaluating it, I have to say that quality and good design are lacking from this product. The knobs are sloppy and loose at the ends of their travel, and ball head movement is somewhat jerky and uneven. The word "cheap" quickly comes to mind. There is absolutely no comparison between the quality, look and feel of this ball head and my Linhof ball head, which while bigger is immeasurably better in every respect. I would not buy this ball head again, but am not quite sure where to go next seeing as the Markins Q3-TrQ ball head (also made in Korea, like the Photo Clam) is reported to have big problems in cold weather. Acratech and Arca Swiss ball heads are too fiddly, complicated and expensive, and RRS ball heads in this performance category do not appear to be of very high quality. I wish Linhof made a smaller Profi ball head.First update: Ordered a Markins Q3-TrQ ball head after sending the Photo Clam back (thank you Amazon Prime). The Markins has a larger ball head, and the base diameter is actually slightly smaller than the Photo Clam's. The quality and construction of the Markins ball head are much improved relative to the Photo Clam. IMHO the Markins ball head is definitely worth the extra money. We'll find out if cold weather presents any problems for the Markins, however (which remains to be seen).Second update: I have used the Markins Q3 ballhead now for over a year. It's OK, but it often locks up in cold weather, and it is sometimes difficult to adjust ballhead tension. Just received an FLM CB-38-FT ballhead, which is made in Germany. Weighs a little more than the Markins, and costs about $80 more. But the quality and operation are much improved relative to the Markins.

Overview:This tripod head is a solidly built head. All of the connection points, ball, and knobs functioned smoothly out of the box. The packaging left a little to be desired as it was really just a box with some foam padding in it.Pros:- Solidly built- AffordableCons:- Did not like the clamp plate that much with the knob... would have preferred the option of a lever instead of a knob... this is really a matter of personal preference though.Conclusion:I ended up sending this tripod head back since it would not fit well with my Gitzo 1550t traveler. That being said, I would not hesitate recommending this head to anyone in the market for a head this size. It really is good quality and should hold up nicely.

Used this ballhead extensively the last couple weeks and it performed very well. Finish and appearance are top-notch. The user manual has some "lost in tranlation" moments but nothing you can't figure out. Coupled with Gitzo 1541T legs, where it accomodates folding the legs in travel mode.

Recently picked up the Photoclam 33 for about $80 FS on Ebay. I have been keeping my eye on good travel bullheads for a while and considered Markins, PhotoClam, Sunwayfoto and Sirui. RRS area great from what I here, but a bit too big for a Gitzo 1541T. I tried the Sunwayfoto 36II, which was rated at about 40lbs load. The build quality seemed good. The knobs were metal without rubber gripping, which made for hell on my fingers when tightening. I loaded my 5DIII with 85 1.2 II which weighs about 6 lbs. and even at the highest tension, I was able to move the mounted camera very easily. I returned it. I was keeping my eye out for aMarkins Q3 as I see then go for $175-200 on the used market. There were a few though nothing worth jumping on. I saw the deal on the Photoclam and jumped on it. It arrived in great condition with box and all. I loaded it up attached the camera with very good results. I was able to tighten it to an immovable position with ease. The rubber knobs were a blessing and the base diameter worked fine with my 1541. The build quality seems pretty good. Now I know the bigger the ball diameter the better, the sunwayfoto had 36mm which was disappointing, the photo clam has 33mm and performed great. The markins I believe has 38mm and the reviews are outstanding, even in the long run. I think I may jump on one if I come across one, but for now the photo clam seems to work great. I hope the review and pics help. BTW i bought the sunwayfoto 5DIII plate which sells for $30 and works wonderfully.

Purchased this item several months ago direct from the manufacturer, long before it was offered at Amazon or anyplace else. Did all the research on all ballheads available. The load capacity of the Photo clam model PC-33NS is 66 lbs. Most others are way below this range with the exception of Arca-Swiss which are very expensive. This model came with the Arca-Swiss plate which is the best. Photo clam is made in Korea. Very impressed with the quality. A slight turn of the friction knob locks the camera into place solidly with plenty of further turning available for heavier cameras. The camera is a Nikon D5100. Their top model handles so much weight, its ridiculous. Looks like you can save 60 dollars at Amazon. Paid 234 dollars when first introduced. Even then it was worth the money, it is THAT GOOD. An excellent product made in Korea.