OConnor Ultimate 1040 Fluid Head Announced, Paired with Flowtech 100 Tripod

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by Jakub HanSeptember 30^th, 2019

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OConnor recently announced their new Ultimate 1040 fluid head which can support payloads from 0 to 45 lbs (20 kg) at a 5” (12.7cm) centre of gravity and a +/-90° tilt range. The new head can be paired with the popular Flowtech 100 carbon legs with 100mm bowl to create a versatile tripod with quick workflow and wide payload support.

OConnor Ultimate 1040 head with Flowtech 100 tripod. Source: Vitec

California-based company OConnor has been designing and manufacturing fluid heads and tripods (as well as camera and lens accessories) for cinematographers since many years. Since 2003, OConnor is part of the Vitec group. Therefore, it is not such a big surprise to see Flowtech 100 tripod legs from Sachtler being rebranded as OConnor. The company now announced their new Ultimate 1040 fluid head, which seems to be a perfect match for the Flowtech 100 legs. What are the specs?

OConnor Ultimate 1040 Fluid Head

OConnor Ultimate 1040 fluid head. Source: Vitec

The Ultimate 1040 fluid head offers a very wide payload – it can accommodate payloads from 0 to 45 lbs (20 kg) at a 5” (12.7cm) center of gravity and a +/-90° tilt range. OConnor Ultimate 1040 retains the same performance and ergonomic features of its 1030 predecessor, which only supported payloads up to 35 lbs.

OConnor Ultimate 1040 head – Counterbalance chart. Source: Vitec

The fluid head is fitted with OConnor’s popular large Euro Plate as standard. OConnor Ultimate 1040 is made of high-performance magnesium and aluminum alloys with stainless steel, and the head is finished with carbon fibre to match the look of the Flowtech 100 tripod. The head also features the same construction found in larger OConnor heads, including wide tilt bearings for extra stability at the highest payloads.

OConnor Ultimate 1040 head with Flowtech 100 tripod. Source: Vitec

OConnor Ultimate 1040 head offers a wealth of features including the stepless, ultra-smooth pan-and-tilt fluid drag, as well as the patented OConnor Sinusoidal Counterbalance system that provides accurate balance at any point in the tilt range. The system counterbalances down to zero, which is a welcome advantage for lighter weight cameras.

Flowtech 100 Tripod Legs

OConnor paired their new Ultimate 1040 fluid head with the Flowtech 100 carbon fibre legs. These legs are of course not new anymore. Sachtler first introduced them in September 2018 as a larger 100mm bowl version of their Flowtech 75 legs (you can check our Flowtech 75 review). As already mentinoed above, since both Sachtler and OConnor have been part of Vitec group for many years, it comes with no surprise we see the same legs branded as OConnor now.

OConnor Ultimate 1040 head with Flowtech 100 tripod. Source: Vitec

The carbon-fibre legs feature unique quick-release breaks for easier and faster workflow when deploying and repositioning the tripod. With a 100mm bowl, Flowtech 100 is able to support a payload of up to 30kg (66lbs). The tripod’s versatile hinge lock mechanism combined with its durable rubber feet allow for extremely low and high shots regardless of space limitations or terrain. Exceptional torsional stiffness also ensures the Flowtech 100 will not twist during camera-panning movements.

Pricing and Availability

OConnor Ultimate 1040 head with Flowtech 100 tripod set. Source: Vitec

The OConnor Ultimate 1040 fluid head and the OConnor Flowtech 100 legs will be available in October. The whole kit (including rubber feet, carry handle, and case) is priced at $10,800. The Ultimate 1040 head is also available separately and is priced at $7,850. Flowtech 100 tripod sells separately for $2,675.

What do you think of the new OConnor Ultimate 1040 fluid head? Do you have experience with OConnor products? Do you work with both lightweight and heavy setups on a tripod? Let us know in the comments underneath the article.