I don't know if its of worth, but would like to chip in on the review of the Linhof 3D. The facts (as presented in the review) are all correct, but IMHO the emphasis is incorrect.
First, the Linhof is not comparable to the Cube in versatility. Its not meant to be - its a leveling head, with some modest tilt ability. The Cube is an "all angles " solution. So to ding the Linhof for what it isn't doesn't seem fair. If you need full movements, the Linhof shouldn't be on your list. If not, then its not an issue.
Second, price. B&H has a high price on this head. Linhof & Studio has it for £800, or $1300. So its less than the Cube or at least the excessive cost issue should be off the table. Regardless, it isn't cheap to be sure.
Build quality - I know Torger has issues with the Techno with some things that aren't quite right. For example, quality control on labels for these small volume manufacturers (Linhof, DHW, for example) seems to be a bit off, not just on the Techno but elsewhere as well. Frustrating, ridiculous, but not critical.
On the other hand, there is a real issue on the Techno with the 0 detents for tilt and swing, as they seem a bit too generous, probably not precise enough. I suspect they would improve this but keep in mind this product is made in less than 1,000 units (probably <500), and so we pay for the "form factor" and some of these other things… well you work with them. Perhaps this isn't acceptable to some, but spend more time in the corridors of small European manufacturers and this will be more commonly seen. Not an issue with mass produced gear, but is an issue with limited production.
On the 3D - my complaints are limited to the bottom panning knob being too small and on too small a spindle. This is the main place to turn and tighten the head on a tripod, and its just not strong enough. You can work around it, but there it is. Haven't seen much of the grease problem (wipe it off), and a bit of rubber on the knobs, well…there are exacto knives if this is a real issue. C'mon now.
The other issue is that the darn thing is heavy. And this is a problem because of all the gear in house, this little leveler is my favorite piece of kit, and I want to take it everywhere. And can you really walk around town with it? Can you travel overseas without the ability to shoot at greater angles? Well, you can tilt the tripod, but its 2# anyway to haul around on the plane along with all the other gear… Its hard to take with everywhere, and hard to leave at home.
Its a real treat of a device. Rock steady, love the fine gearing (steady and easy to get precise settings), and with the above caveats, its very good.
