2026-10-20 Schiansky Ball Head

This Schiansky Ball Head weights 734 g (1.6 lb.) It is shown here mounted above a Linhof Video tripod pan/tilt head just to show the relative size of the heads. The Linhof pan/tilt could be removed from the tripod’s column and the Schiansky ball head mounted in its place. Both use the European ⅜ inch tripod screw size.

The two types of heads do different jobs, largely depending on the camera and the subject. For example the Linhof pan/tilt head is much better for video cameras because it allows very controlled movements during motion capture. The ball head is better for still camera work because you can loosen the ball head and point the camera exactly where you want it and then simply tighten one lever.
There are some drawbacks to ball heads too—

ball heads when loosened can flop over—potentially damaging the camera
ball heads can only point straight down at one point of the compass (which can be adjusted)
precisely adjusting the camera is sometimes more difficult because all adjustments can change when the ball is loose

Note the ball head does not have any levels. It has a silver knurled knob to lock/release the pan adjustment with the help of a fixed line that can be set to the four marked quarter points—90, 180, 270 and 360—as well as markings every 15 degrees. There is one lever with a black knob that locks/releases the ball. The head can only flop if the camera lines up with the slot in the ball mount. Otherwise the camera just tilts until it hits the socket’s shoulder.

While trying to find this specific ball head I found the listing shown below. The posted head weighs just a fraction more than the one shown and otherwise the sizes seem very similar. Schiansky finished their tripods and heads very close to the style and finish for Linhof equipment.

Schiansky Kinoneiger Ball & Socket Tripod Head

Model P9876

Well used but in great working order

General Schiansky Kinoneiger Information

Weighs 780 g / Up to 10kg load / 360 Degree Rotation

H 135mm D 100mm

Made in Germany

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