Digital Photographer “peripherals review” May 2007
Digital Photographer “Gear Guide” April 2007
PCPhoto “Buyers Guide 2006” December 2005
Outdoor Photographer “Steady Sidekick” October 2005
PCPhoto August 2005
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Frequently Asked Questions on NN5 This page is for sharing common questions being asked by our customers. These Q & A’s are directed towrard NN5 and NN5 “Lite” (NN5)
Q. Are there any reviews on the new NN5 unit? A. Yes we do. Readng some of these reviews may also help to answer any questions you might have: Max Lyons - www.tawbaware.com/nn5_review.html
Q. What is the difference between NN5 and NN5L? A. The only difference between NN5 and NN5 Lite is that NN5 Lite doesn’t have upper rotator “detents” or click stops lowers the maximum weight load is approximately 7kgs (15lbs). The maximum weight load on NN5 is closer to about 10kgs (20lbs). This is because NN5 uses a “positive” detent locking system every 15 degrees in its upper arm rotator. Photographers shooting mosaics for super high resolution images generally shoot in very fine increments both horizontally and vertically. NN5L doesn’y have vertical detents however NN5 users would need the detach the vertical detent mechanism. The lower horizontal rotator are the same on each units and allow for “on the fly” detent release.
Q. Why did you stop selling NN5? A. We didn’t stop selling NN5. After the first batch sold out the developer (Nick Fan) decided to make some minor improvements to the upper arm rotator to allow for easier detachment of the vertical detent mechanism. The requires having to recast both the vertical rail and upper arm rails. Because of this we expect NN5 to be available mid 2008.
Q. Can I upgrade my NN5L to NN5 and if so how much will it cost? A. Yes you can trade-up once NN5 is released mid 2008. NN5L is currently selling for $349.95 and NN5 once released in mid 2008 will sell for $399.95. To trade-up you would simply purchase this upper arm assembly for only $50 + shipping and send in your old parts for the newer parts. These parts include the vertical and upper rails.
Q. Can I use an Arca Style Swiss clamp? A. You can use any Arca Swiss clamp that has 1/4" or 3/8" socket at the center. You can mount the clamp to the camera plate which acts as an adapter in this application. Actually you can mount any quick release clamp on NN5 through the camera plate. We will have more affordable screw lock Arca Swiss Clamp available Jan. or Feb. 2008.
Q. Does NN5 allow me to batch template stitching? A. No, but if you begin with a template the stitching time can be greatly reduced. NN5 may be very close to producing repeatable results but we prefer not to make this claim. Pano heads claiming batch stitching capability need be “extremely” accurate and can cost in upwards of $1000 or more.
Q. I own a NN3. What parts if any are interchangeable between NN3 and NN5? A. The only parts that can be used on both models are the rail stops and camera mounting plate as well as the t-adapters.