To cork or not to cork?
Q: Why do you use cork in your ball heads, QR sets and tripods?
A: We don't use cork, we use a cork/rubber blend; this gives us the benefits of both materials, and none of the drawbacks of these materials.
Not all cork is the same: Using only a rubber surface will increase the vibration characteristics. Using only a cork surface will make it highly sensitive to weather conditions. This is why FLM exclusively uses a cork/rubber blend between the camera and our products. It combines both benefits: the cork serves as vibration dampening – similar to cork floors – while the rubber provides weather resistance and adhesion, to ensure good support for your camera.
Arca Compatible?
Q: I have some Arca-Swiss QR clamps, will they work on your ball heads? What's the best way to attach them?
A: Yes, you can attach any other brand of QR clamp to our ball heads, provided they use a 1/4" or 3/8" thread. The best way to firmly attach a QR clamp to a ball head is shown in this video: How to Properly Glue Quick-Release Clamp to FLM Ball Head. You will need a mild thread glue; follow the simple instructions outlined in the video.
Expensive?
Q: Why are your products more expensive than some other manufacturers?
A: We use the highest standards of engineering, the best materials, the best suppliers, and stand behind the superiority of our products beyond any manufacturer of similar items. We challenge anyone to find higher quality, or fit and finish. We use only the highest-quality materials, such as Japanese carbon fibre and aircraft-grade aluminum. Our equipment is made with scientific applications partly in mind, giving our manufacturing a very high degree of precision and stability. All of our parts are made in Germany (except the Japanese CF) using state-of-the-art CNC-machining, and every tripod, ball head and QR clamp is hand-assembled then inspected twice. We get fewer than 1 in 1,000 returns due to faulty production. We have so much confidence in our products that we give a 10-year manufacturer's warranty. Our products are built to take the daily abuse of heavy loads and are made to last. While there will always be less expensive and cheaper-made options, you won't find better quality and precision.
Made in Germany?
Q: Are all of your products made in Germany?
A: All of them? Not any more. We've kept ball head production in Germany, probably the only place in the world capable of making FLM ball heads, but FLM China has now started to manufacture our Series II tripods.