BH-55 - Recommendations?

[dave.gt]

This forum has been so helpful to me as I have moved from Leica 35mm and digital to MF. You have convinced me about the critical connection between tripod/head/camera, so while I await the tripod and camera, I have decided upon the BH-55 with a couple of questions.

The cost of a new BH-55 is stretching it as the first of many photo shoots begins in a few weeks. Having said that, I have a couple of questions:

1. Is there a source for used BH-55 heads?
2. Can the panning clamp be added at a later date?

Thank you in advance, I appreciate this community more than I can say with mere words.

 

[docmoore]

BH-55 is my present stills head ... use it on a Gitzo mountaineer CF tripod ... I have the smaller head and it works for small mirrorless cameras but I still prefer the larger head for
almost any situation on a tripod ... I use their clamp for a monopod. Almost any of their clamps can be added to the head at any point .... you may find that adding a panning clamp
is something that you want to be easily removed so mounting it on a small plate that can be secured to the existing clamp may be an option.

I see very few of these used ... and the ones that appear do not stay long. Usually someone going for a cube ...

Of all my photo gear ... the BH-55 has been the longest in my possession .... other cameras, lenses, lights have changed but it is a keeper. Easily cleaned and very smooth.

Good choice!

Bob

 

[stephengilbert]

The current versions of the RRS panning clamps have dovetails built in, so they can be quickly added or removed.

 

[jng]

Dave,

I have a very lightly used BH55 w/lever clamp that hasn't made it out of the box since I got the Cube. Perhaps it's time for me to find it a new home. PM me if you're interested.

John

 

[D&A]

If anybody deserves to get a good deal on a BH-55, it's Dave Lackey (dave.gt). His work with Healing Hands and caregivers is inspirational. Read more about it here:

https://scholarblogs.emory.edu/journalofhumanitiesinrehabilitation/2017/05/02/healing-hands/

God bless you Dave, and good luck striking a deal with John.

Joe

+1! Wonderfully said Joe!

Dave (D&A)

 

[dave.gt]

If anybody deserves to get a good deal on a BH-55, it's Dave Lackey (dave.gt). His work with Healing Hands and caregivers is inspirational. Read more about it here:

https://scholarblogs.emory.edu/journalofhumanitiesinrehabilitation/2017/05/02/healing-hands/

God bless you Dave, and good luck striking a deal with John.

Joe

Thank you for the kind words, Joe. So unexpected, and after a decade, I still do not know what to say when I find the kind person, infrequently, who bestows such kindness upon us. You are much appreciated as are all the others whom I have come to know in a short period of time.

You all inspire us!:thumbup:

 

[dave.gt]

Update:

BH-55 is on the way thanks to John. What a great guy! Thank you so much, John.

 

[dave.gt]

Update:

BH-55 is on the way thanks to John. What a great guy! Thank you so much, John.

Today, I received the Panning Clamp ftom Stephen, wow! All three major pieces en route to my front door this week and the next! Thank you, Steve!

Our pre-shoot venue visit will be much more meaningful now, and I only hope to do those in the selected patients group justice.:thumbup:

 

[jng]

Today, I received the Panning Clamp ftom Stephen, wow! All three major pieces en route to my front door this week and the next! Thank you, Steve!

LOL, I forgot to mention that I also have a panning clamp sitting in the closet and looking for a new home. Glad that you found one, in any case!

John