ARCA-SWISS Monoball® p1+ with clicPan®

ARCA-SWISS Monoball® p1+ with clicPan®

The ARCA-SWISS Monoball® p1+ with clicPan® is the big sister of the monoball® p0+ and it retains all of its great features. It is designed to carry heavier equipment, and with its larger-diameter ball it will satisfy the needs of photographers seeking greater smoothness of operation.

The monoball® p1+ head weighs around 545 g (1.2 lb.) and is able to carry a load up to 40 kg (88 lb.). Like its sister, the monoball® p0+, it uses a knurled ring instead of a knob for tightening but is slightly bigger.

With the concept of the inverted ball, the head rotates around the ball: this gives many advantages—the ball is much less exposed to dust and splashes and control of
the camera is improved. Instinctive and maximum control: It does not matter whether you are left or right-handed, because you can hold your camera with either hand for better motion control and faster locking in position by simply turning the locking ring—no more hunting to find the right knob. You can work by touch alone and focus all your attention on the subject. The inverted ball reduces the lever arm between the optical axis and the centre of rotation of the ball. A small rotation around the ball will therefore result in a smaller rotation of the camera, giving exceptionally sensitive control.

The monoball® p1+ develops its unique level of clamping force from the equal pressure that is applied to both sides of the sandwich in which ball is held. This force is derived from an epicyclic gear train with three planetary gears, operated by the knurled ring. This is the origin of the ‘p’ (for planetary) in the name monoball® p1+.

Like all other ARCA-SWISS ball heads, the monoball® p1+ has an aspherical ball which increases friction with respect to the angle of inclination of the camera: the greater the inclination, the greater the friction. It is an extra security measure to prevent sudden tipping of the camera.

The monoball® p1+ is also capable of extreme movements thanks to a recess in the body of the ball head which allows a 90° tilt. Combined with an upper lockable panning base, overhead or downward views can also be achieved.

The Friction + system allows the level of friction required for movement of the ball to be set to a desired value and memorised, thus offering a further measure of security. The degree of smoothness of movement can be set as a function of the weight of the camera.

“This is an ingenious, consistently realised design approach which
generates considerable added value in functional terms. The formal
design is notable for its unornamented precision and close attention to
detail” – Design Prize Switzerland

clicPan®:

The clicPan® is a low-profile and lightweight mechanism which provides a variable interval top panning base. It can be easily switched from free to angular, step-by-step rotation.

10 positions can be selected on a setting ring – 40° (9 steps), 30° (12 steps), 24° (15 steps), 20° (18 steps), 15° (24 steps), 12° (30 steps), 10° (36 steps), 7.5° (48 steps), 6° (60 stops) with an off position for free panning movement.

Once a setting is chosen, the camera will pan in equal increments, and give a tactile and audible clic as it stops at each set step. The graduated scale around the edge of the base shows the exact angle turned through and a locking lever prevents further movement of the panning base.

ARCA-SWISS is a company of Swiss origin founded over 80 years ago, and is based in Besançon in France, at the heart of the European centre of microtechniques. The company specialises in view cameras (film and digital) and photographic accessories. ARCA-SWISS has built its reputation through developing innovative and highly practical solutions for the most discerning photographers. All its products are designed, made and assembled by hand. They combine robustness, precision and smoothness of movements with the brand’s signature minimalist design. Each ARCA-SWISS product is a long-term investment that will last you a lifetime. It can be serviced or repaired in the manufacturer’s workshops to ensure your continuing enjoyment.