Flexsmart universal pan tilt head

I'd like to know if anyone here uses the Flexsmart head.

I want to learn the various tricks in using this head.

I haven't used one, and I'd be concerned about stability.

A 3-way pant/tilt head seems like a better option to me.

I've used a very similar one for supporting a m43 camera with a light lens on a desk for zoom calls in place of a table top tripod. It uses very little table space and is short. I've also used it to hold a 5" HDMI monitor (separate from the camera) when videoing myself. It is very convenient as a tilting monitor stand, but one must be careful when using it with a camera and zoom lens, as the base is small and the adjustment range is limited for the camera mount, so it can get front heavy and tip over.

To be honest, for my uses, a small ball head mounted on a 4" square piece of wood would work pretty well. I've never used the pan degree of freedom, only the tilt, and I tightened down the tilt pin friction adjustment some to make sure the camera doesn't droop.

I'm not sure I'd call that a head. How would you level it ? Short of mounting it on a leveling base you'd need a head underneath it.

No pan handle so how would you pan it?

Looks like an edelkrone flextilt knockoff. I've had a flextilt for a few years. They're awesome. Just be mindful of the weight limit. There's a new version with a locking mechanism that handles much more weight. I can't speak for the copycats.

One additional thought. You could always bolt the flexsmart device to a wood base and keep the low height but keep it from tilting over with a heavy camera and lens.

Joe Lynch said:

I've used a very similar one for supporting a m43 camera with a light lens on a desk for zoom calls in place of a table top tripod.

Click to expand...

I can see the appeal for tabletop use, but not as a "head" for a tripod...

Yep, agreed.

To answer some of the above...

It's definitely esoteric in design but I found it suitable 99% of the time. On uneven terrain I adjusted the tripod legs. Not as efficient as leveling a typical head, but in a controlled, planned setting, not a problem.

You pan by putting your hands on it. lol Kinda straddle both the camera and head. Not as precise as a video head, but workable with a little practice. It has tension adjustment for that. My mistake early on was setting it loose. You want a good amount of resistance for consistent movement.

The plusses are extremely compact form factor, its own height adjustment, and ways of orienting the camera that you can't do with other heads.

So I definitely consider it a tripod head. I don't recommend throwing away your pan-tilt or ball heads. I still have mine but I rarely use them.

It's one of those impulse buying after seeing an interesting video introduction on facebook.

I purchased one and played with it for a while and could not figure out any real application with it.

The major problem is that the one I purchased is a knock off that doesn't hold the weight of the camera. I can only use it on a tripod if I want to turn the camera vertical. But any other angle, the weight of the camera would collapse the leverage.

The real McCoy is made by Edelkcrone and it's very expensive. Also, the video also revealed that it was so stiff to manipulate. Then it really doesn't offer any practical application.

It goes into my collection of unwanted photographic accessories pile, which I am sure, many of us have one in the corner of our closet.

I bought this exact item. Unfortunately, it's worthless. It doesn't perform to the weight limit stated and you have to tighten it at a very awkward angle. I couldn't get a refund as it was on sale ($4 off), so read the small print if you are looking to buy. My advice: steer clear.

^it's a knockoff of Edelkrone Flextilt. If I were buying new I'd probably get the "pro" version. But the regular one has been solid for me.