ARCA-SWISS D4 (geared) quick set device FlipLock®

The new tripod heads are a symbiosis between a spherical head and a 3D tilt head. ARCA-SWISS has managed to combine the advantages of both systems in one head and even to include features not available in conventional 3D tilt heads.

One can even say that 3D tilt has been re-invented. What is it one first notices about the ARCA- SWISS d4?

The heads are very small, even compact and the levers that otherwise get in the way have been consigned to history.On a tripod the d4 can be used like a normal spherical head.

If the X and Y axes are open one can move the camera freely.  In contrast to standard spherical heads the d4 allows one to perform the movements separately, one at a time. This can even be done with both axes open, if one of the axes is fixed this may be performed even more precisely.

The d4 has 2 panoramas.

A rotating device, which allows camera alignment, is to be found on the base of the head.The second panorama is above the axes and allows the performance of a perfect panorama shot with an already aligned camera.  

The d4's innovative design puts the centre of rotation of the X and Y movements in the same place, making the pivoting radius of these movements very small, thus allowing users to maintain perspectives already found during readjustment.

The heads' swivelling is equipped with a self-locking shock absorption feature, allowing for near total compensation of the camera's weight.

Another noticeable feature is the positioning of the spirit levels, which are located underneath the upper panorama adjustment and are arranged at a 90° angle.

Both are sufficiently well visible as to allow photographers effective levelling, even from a low viewpoint.

The only difference between the d4 and d4m, m standing for manual, is that the d4 has the additional option to have very precise adjustment carried out by automatic gears. For the gears to work the locking levers must be fixed and must not be detached.