The Cartoni Focus 12 Fluid Head 100mmfeatures a 100mm ball base and supports loads between 0 to 26 lb lb, with perfect balance along its entire +/-90° tilt range. Its ability to handle loads under 4 lb enables the use of a wide variety of cameras.

The Focus 12 is one of four video heads in a lineup released as a follow-up to the Cartoni Focus HD head. The complete lineup is an evolution of the original Focus head released in 2005, and a definitive rebranding of 10 years of contribution to the entry- and mid-level user category. Like the others in the lineup, the Focus 12 consists of 127 parts, incorporates a universal plate system, and uses a new composite material in many parts that allows for a solid build while keeping the weight down. Like the rest, it also comes with the peace-of-mind of a 5-year warranty, and, of course, features Cartoni's renowned counterbalance and very smooth, "true" fluid drag. The Focus 12 uses the same patented spring-loaded counterbalance system used in the original Focus head, and features continuous counterbalance adjustment. Also, true to the Cartoni name, the entire head is designed, manufactured, and hand-assembled at the Cartoni factory in Rome, Italy. The 127 parts are machined or cast to micrometric precision and assembled and adjusted to precision by one engineer at a time.

The Focus 12 integrates the Sachtler Touch-and-Go 16 plate system, which is found on Sachtler's FSB and Video series heads. This advantage will allow you the flexibility to efficiently move your camera between compatible heads in a studio setting, and will also future-proof your head for possible such uses in the future.

The new composite material that's used is a sophisticated non-metal that's much stronger than aluminum and yet lighter. It replaces the brass parts in the counterbalance and is also used in the tilt fluid knobs, pan fluid gears, and other parts throughout the body. This composite is also highly resistant to the stress of weight, bending, rubbing, and extreme temperatures, so where it's used in the mechanisms of the head it actually provides for more stress-endurance in addition to saving weight. This composite is the result of a collaboration between Cartoni and the Department of Physics and Engineering at Sapienza University of Rome.

The Focus 12 features a Cartoni-patented labyrinth modular fluid drag system, which consists of individual pan and tilt modules. Each module contains two main sections that have thin concentric rings inside them. The rings in one section interact with the rings in the other with aerospace industry silicon paste fluid between them that provides resistance. The two sections are never fully disengaged from one another, so movement is always smooth and with no play. With there being separate pan and tilt modules, pan drag and tilt drag are accordingly independent, but they work together to allow smooth, uninterrupted motion in any direction. Cartoni performs a laser-assisted, diagonal movement test on every head to ensure that there isn't even the slightest digression from a straight-line movement.

The pan drag control is a large ring in the center of the head that's easy to use even without looking. This and all other controls are designed with ergonomic grips that will feel more secure between your fingers. There's also an illuminated bubble-level that will be very helpful in dark settings. And a pan bar is included that can be attached to a rosette adapter on either side of the head. Additional pan bars are available sold separately.

100mm Ball Base; 0 to 26 lb Capacity    Perfect Balance Along +/-90° Tilt    Touch-and-Go 16 Euro-Style Plate System    127 Parts Made, Hand-Assembled in Italy    Labyrinth Modular "True" Fluid Drag    Continuous Counterbalance and Drag    Large Pan Drag Ring in the Center    Illuminated Bubble Level    Pan Bar Attachable on Either Side    5-Year Warranty

• 100mm ball base

• Supports loads between 0 to 26 lb

• Perfect balance along entire +/-90° tilt range

• Sachtler Touch-and-Go 16 Euro-style plate system

• Incorporates a sophisticated lightweight, extremely hard, and highly stress-resistant new composite material

• Labyrinth modular "true" fluid drag system

• Independent pan and tilt drag, with no play

• Continuous counterbalance and drag

• 127 parts, designed, manufactured, and hand-assembled at the Cartoni factory in Italy

• 5-year warranty

• Large pan drag ring in the center

• Ergonomic grips on all controls

• Illuminated bubble-level

• Includes a pan bar attachable on either side

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Can this head attach to a Gitzo tripod?

A: If the Gitzo has a 100mm bowl, yes.

Q: 2. Is this made out of the same material as the HD? Are the rosettes plastic or metal?

A: This product is made out of a combination of Plastic Composite and Magnesium.

Q: 3. Pan bar included?

A: Yes, the pan bar is included.

Q: 4. What is the plate screw size?

A: Both 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 screws are included.

Q: 5. Can i use with ursa mini 4.6k G2 ?

A: Yes

Q: 6. Struggling to counterbalance a 6 to 8 pound camera setup (Sony z280) on the Focus 12. Any tips? I can't get the camera to hold position when tilted down or up. I have no problems balancing on a Focus 8. Thanks for you help.

A: The Cartoni Focus 12 Fluid Head (100mm) (B&H# CAHF1200) features a continuous counterbalance system that is designed to provide counterforce in all orientations so as to make it easy and smooth to return to a level position. It can still tilt, however, to a full +90 degrees or -90 degrees, so you should still be able to point in your desired direction. If you would like to reduce the effective counterforce then you'll want to add weight to your camera.

Q: 7. Will Manfrotto Plates work ??

A: Yes, Manfrotto quick release plates are compatible: "The FOCUS 8 Fluid Head comes equipped with a sliding camera plate compatible with Sachtler ACE and Manfrotto standard plates" https://www.cartoni.com/products/fluid-heads/fluid-heads-75-mm/HF0800-focus-8/

Q: 8. Can it convert to flat base?

A: The Focus 8 is only compatible with 75mm bowl heads.

Q: 9. Does the quick release plate load from the side or the rear?

A: this is a slide load quick release plate and will load from the rear

Q: 10. Is the 75mm bowl proprietary, or will it work with a variety of 75mm bowl tripods?

A: No. Unit is designed based around a 75 mm Half Ball that is removable.