Maxima 30

Every year, as technology improves, camera manufacturers introduce lighter and more efficient gear.
At Cartoni, our goal is not only to improve our camera support products, but also to keep pace with the latest trends in camera design and the evolving needs of the market.

In 2016, we introduced the Maxima 30 fluid head. Building on our original Maxima, we created a more compact head to accommodate today’s reduced payloads. With a maximum capacity of 30 kg (66 lbs.), the head’s small size results in reduced weight, from 15 kg (33.1 lbs.) to just 10.5 kg (23.1 lbs.). That makes it an easy head to work with on set.

The camera plate stage, which has a scrolling of +/- 70 mm, is compatible with Arri, Red and other standard camera plates, as well as quick-release Euro-style plates. Pan and tilt brakes are conveniently placed on the left side of the head, alongside the camera plate latch. The latter can be activated with one hand both to disengage the safety lock and free the camera plate completely. The plate stage has four attachments for a traditional (left or right) telescopic handle, plus two front short handles. The telescopic handle has a diameter of 18 mm, compatible with most zoom remote controls.

Pan at 360° and tilt +/- 90° with a perfect counterbalance at any angle of tilt. Fluid control can be set from light damping—almost free—to very resistant for maximum flexibility. A digital display monitors the scale of fluid allowing the operator to adjust the damping for different shots with the same pan and tilt speed.

Maxima 30 mounts to all tripods commonly used in digital cinematography. Along with a standard flat head base with Mitchell attachment, the head includes a 150 mm bowl base.

Camera operator Daniele Massacesi recently used the Maxima 30 during production of the Ridley Scott film All the Money in the World.