Getting more than 100% – a new generation of fluid heads from OConnor Engineering

At the CINEC trade show in Munich – Germany, OConnor Engineering unveiled the 120EX – the flagship of OConnor’s new EXTENDED CAPACITY range of fluid heads – the EX range. Based on the new EX-technology this patented head features a new kind of stepless counterbalance system as well as a new ultra-smooth pan & tilt fluid drag designed for film style shooting.
OConnor’s fluid heads are famous for ultimate control and stability for film style shooting.
Now, with the use of EX-technology OConnor can offer the features it has become famous for, while offering an additional benefit: EX-tended capacity. With a new counterbalance mechanism at the heart of the EX-technology, the 120EX can be boosted into EX-mode to achieve a whole new realm of counterbalance.
True and accurate balance is achieved through the sinusoidal EX-counterbalance technology. The EX-drag technology is ultra-smooth and stepless – just what OConnor is famous for.
“Getting more than 100%” is the best way to describe the EX-Mode on the new EX range of fluid heads by OConnor.
The EX fluid heads have a given payload range for the ±90° tilt range. With traditional counterbalance mechanisms any payload heavier than this maximum weight can’t be balanced.
EX fluid heads can go far beyond that maximum payload by slowly limiting tilt range as the payload is increased. The absolute maximum payload is reached at a tilt range of ±60°, which is much higher than the rated ±90° payload.
With the example of the 120EX, the payload for a ±90° tilt range is between 30-120 lbs (14-54 kg), but in EX-mode the 120EX can counterbalance up to incredible 240 lbs (109 kg) at a tilt range of ±60°; all based on a 8” center of gravity.
The 120EX features many little engineering solutions that make daily shooting on the set easier. Additionally, all existing accessories for the popular 2575C and 2060HD fluid heads are fully compatible with the 120EX.
The 120EX will be available for purchase in the 1st quarter of 2007