DR KOH KHO KING

Photo Clam – A new player in professional ballhead makers, but definitely not a compromise brand! Remember the name – Photo Clam – cause it is going to be big in the photography world!

Yeah…many have commented the name – Photo Clam – …clam or clamp? I got myself confused when I first saw the name…

Anyhow, it does not matter. As long as the product quality is great, people will remember the name later. Yeah…Photo Clam…it is actually quite easy to remember.

Made in Korea

The world is now dominated by Korean products. We have Samsung everywhere (computer memory, home appliances, first LED TV, mobile phones), Hyundai cars at bargain price, LG electronics, Hyundai Heavy Industry…etc. Made in Korea has become a quality assurance trademark, similar (though not yet equal) as Made in Japan stamp. Personally I have tried a few Made in Korea products with relate to Photography Industry, and I must say that it is a satisfying experience and the products are really of better quality than those made in the C country (though some are good, but quality is most of the time in doubt). Matin & Dicapac are the two made in Korea products that I import, distribute and sell in Malaysia through ShaShinKi now. Photo Clam will be the 3rd.

Another famous ballhead maker that has the same origin as Photo Clam is Markins.  Markins started out as just another ballhead maker. However, it quickly gained the reputation after many professional photographers tried it out. A good product will definitely gained the reputation and has no fear of being tested our and challenged. This is how Markins gained the name. Markins is said to be the Arca Swiss copier, but better. There are many reports and reviews from photographer worldwide complaining on the LOCK DOWN of Arca Swiss ballhead. Yes, LOCK DOWN, where the ball is stuck and you can’t unlock it. This gives the room and chance for Markins to evolve and better and take over Arca Swiss market. Personally, after using Markins during a photo trip, I found one weakness in it, the pan base. The pan base of Markins ballhead can’t be locked firmly even by great force, which is quite a let down and inferior as compare to the main ballhead lock. So, this gives a chance for other maker to better out Markins ballhead and take over the market share…and the bettered brand = Photo Clam.

Photo Clam

Who is Photo Clam?

From what I heard and read, Photo Clam is founded by a photographer who is also the boss of a high precision engineering manufacturing factory, not satisfied with the quality of the ballheads in the market, hence decided to make his own (with his ready engineering factory). So he knows what he wants, he knows what is lacking in the ballheads in the market, and he has the ability to make the “best” ballhead for photographers.

Where to buy?

List of Photo Clam Dealers:

• Online Shop
  ShaShinKi.com
  http://shashinki.com/shop/photo-clam-korea-m-154.html

• Penang

  Elite Professional
  255C, Penang Road, 10000 Pulau Pinang.
  Tel: 04-2508080,04-2508088 Fax: 04-2508086

  Elite Photo Sdn Bhd
  (Bukit Jambul Complex)
  3A-G-26, Kompleks Bukit Jambul,
  Jalan Rumbia, 11900 Bayan Lepas,
  Pulau Pinang.
  Tel: 04-6433196 Fax: 04-6433196

  Elite Photo Sdn Bhd
  (Queensbay Mall)
  LG-02, Queensbay Mall, 100,
  Persiaran Bayan Indah,
  Sungai Nibong,
  11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang.
  Tel: 04-6465606 Fax: 046465606

  Elite Photo Sdn Bhd
  (Sungai Dua-USM)
  75-G-13, Jalan Sungai Dua,
  11700 Gelugor, Pulau Pinang.
  Tel: 04-6551196

  CLICK ‘N’ SNAP PHOTO EQUIPMENTS ( M ) SDN BHD
  ADD : C2-1-03 & C2-1-14 , GRD FLOOR , KOMTAR , 10000 PENANG ROAD , PENANG
  TEL/FAX : 604-2621663
  EMAIL : sales@myhyperstore.com

  FOTO EASYCAM ( M ) SDN BHD
  ADD : A1-08 , GRD FLOOR , KOMTAR , 10000 PENANG ROAD , PENANG
  TEL : 604-2625523 / 2638095
  FAX : 604-2623418
  EMAIL : sales@myhyperstore.com

http://shashinki.com/distributor/photo-clam-dealers/

I found one…then I found a bunch! I found Photo Clam, then a series of professional ballhead!

Photo Clam – A name not to be forgotten in the photography industry. They create ballheads, GREAT ballheads! They are new, started in year 2007, but quickly gained their good name and reputation in the internet due to their product quality.

Know the Naming System

Photo Clam use ball diameter as the model naming / number of their ballhead. Photo Clam PC-33NS means that it has 33mm diameter ball, PC-36NS means it has 36mm diameter ball, PC-54NS means that it has 54mm diameter ball. I find this naming system to be very easy to remember and easy to differentiate the size and capability of each ballhead, since Photo Clam has quite a wide range. Some ballhead has same load capacity, but if the ball is bigger than the other, then it will have smoother operation when a same load is being carried.

N or NS?

You might notice that some Photo Clam ballheads have N ending at the model name, while some have NS ending at the model name. The difference / meaning is simple. The NS means with spirit level built in, while N has no spirit level built in. ShaShinKi imports all Photo Clam ballheads with spirit level built in (except PC-33N which there is only one offering without spirit level by Photo Clam).

Arca Swiss Quick Release System

All Photo Clam ballheads use Arca Swiss Quick Release System in the ballheads design. This is the professional preferred system due to the security it offers. All Photo Clam ballheads have safety pin on the Arca Swiss QR system, to prevent the quick release (QR) plate from being fall off accidentally. The safety pin can catch and stop the plate from sliding out in both direction.

In the picture above, I have actually loosen up the knob of the clamp, and the plate stop sliding forward and caught by the safety pin.

Below below shows an QR plate attached to the bottom of a camera.

This is a general purpose plate, Photo Clam PC-52-UP2, which can be used for camera or lenses. The good thing about the design of Photo Clam plate is that the screw has a coin accessible thread, which can be used to lock and unlock the plate easily! The plate attached firmly to the camera once locked.

There are two dovetails on Photo Clam plates, which can be used as hole for hand strap to tie over it. Handy!

Photo Clam PC-52-UP2 has 4 pieces of rubber on the plate, making sure that the plate does not rotate once tighten.

Photo Clam PC-36NS

I took a Photo Clam PC-36NS ballhead for reviewing. It is the middle size in Photo Clam ballhead series (smallest ballhead is PC30N, biggest is PC-74NS), which is a very popular model.

the Size?

A ballhead that is able to withstand 30kg load…Let’s see the size of the PC-36NS sitting next to a Canon EOS 40D camera.

Smaller than the size of my palm.

Using it?

I am not sure if there is a black and white manual telling one how to use a ballhead. Not that I have read any, but below is how I prefer to put my ballhead as.

Plate knob underneath the camera on the right, while ballhead lock / unlock knob on the left. Pan lock knob pointing towards the photographer. With this orientation, I can have my right hand on the camera, composing the camera and finger ready to press the shutter release, while my left hand on the lock / unlocking knob.

Some might prefer the following orientation, no right or wrong I guess, just your own preference.

Friction Control

Notice a little tiny screw on the big locking knob in the ballhead (photo below)? That is friction control Friction control on Photo Clam PC-36NS ballhead allows adjustment of the “tightness” of the ball even when the locking knob of the ballhead is set to loose (Zero on the red marking). Photo Clam use a highly visible red labeling for their friction control marking, which is definitely a thoughtful design. What’s the marking for you may asked. Personally I find it handy as if I knew that I can lock my Canon EOS 40D with 18-55mm lens at turning till 5 marking, then I don’t have to turn till 7 every time. If I knew that an EOS 40D with 70-200mm F2.8 lens would need to turn to 8 to lock it tight, then I won’t turn till 5 and stop there. Different practice for different people, some might not even look at the numbers…but I think it is good to have rather than missing it.

When a heavier load is being carried, friction control will allow precise adjustment to ensure that the ball does not loose up too much (dropped) or too tight.

Panning Base

There is a separate screw that is being used to lock / unlock the panning base of Photo Clam ballhead. Photo Clam call it Panning-fix knob.

Once locked, the base will not move. It locks securely and firmly. This is extremely useful especially when you lock your equipment onto the ballhead and carry the whole system on tripod over your shoulder. You would not want the panning base to loosen up and turn, causing your equipment to hit something. Kudos to Photo Clam for creating a secure panning base.

Spirit Level

I have seen many ballhead makers put a spirit level on the top of the quick release system, which I find inconvenient to use. Once your camera or lens is on the QR system, you can’t see the spirit level anymore. Again another thoughtful design of Photo Clam to put the spirit levels (yes, s because it is plural with 2 spirit levels) at the side of the Arca Swiss Quick Release System.

The Ball?!

This should be one of the most important part in a ballhead. The BALL!

There is NO OIL on Photo Clam ball. Yes, oil free and no greasy thingy on your fingers when you accidentally touched it. I didn’t get the technical data of Photo Clam technology, but I believe they use Teflon coating on the ball or / and the housing to ensure smooth while still oil free operation. You won’t believe how smooth it is until you have tried one.

See the ball above! Matted colour ball with no oil, not a single drop. (Warning: Do not outsmart and drop oil onto the ball!)

Conclusions

There are similar quality products in the market, but is either too expensive or / and with some weakness. Photo Clam, being the latest professional ballhead in the market, founder who is a photographer himself, created Photo Clam to offer professional quality ballhead to the general consumer to be able to enjoy the fun of tripod + ballhead photography without breaking the bank!

If you have not tried one, loan one from your friend! If you have not owned one…what are you waiting for?!

Where to buy?

Where else? Your online camera shop! ShaShinKi is the distributor of Photo Clam in Malaysia, bringing Photo Clam directly to you at an affordable price!

http://shashinki.com/shop/photo-clam-korea-m-154.html

Markins ballhead – A Korean company that has been the the reference of professional ballhead nowadays! Using Arca Swiss quick release system, it can hold load firmly and securely.

In Oct 2008, I have the chance of bringing a Markins Q-Ball Q3 Emille Ballhead (Black) for my photo trip to Angkorwat, Cambodia. A 6 days photo trip and tripod + ballhead is a must. I have the chance to use the Markins Q3 ballhead “extensively” during my trip.

Strength

Markins ballhead are made professionally with Teflon coating on the ball that gives ultra smooth turning and no grease appearing on the ball.  When lock down, it is really lock down. You can’t move the head at all! Some ballhead when lock down will still move a little, especially downwards. When using a long lens (which is the case where tripod is a often needed), even a 1mm movement cause the composition run off big. Markins Q3 has no such issue.

Weakness

One thing I found and dislike about the Markins Q3 is the pan base. It can’t be lock firmly, and will still rotate slightly when you turn it. This is especially obvious when I carry my camera and lens mounted on the tripod and ballhead, where I can see that it is not very secure.  I searched the web and found that many photographers have the same complaint on the pan base, where the lock is not secure and not strong/firm.

Summary

Pan base lock should not prevent you from buying Markins, unless if you really need the pan lock a lot. Markins ballhead is able to firmly and securely lock down your equipment at whatever angle / position.

Is there any other ballhead that is as good as Markins but better pan base? I heard of one…but let me test it out before I mentioned it here.

Camera Read More

One word: Amazing!

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For those who are interested…

Markins – the Winner!

Markins are now available at:

http://shashinki.com/shop/markins-m-83.html