Manfrotto announced recently details of what they call a “voluntary product recall” for their latest Nitrotech N8 fluid video head. It’s a bit unfortunate that this would happen now, only mere weeks after the Nitrotech N8 was announced at NAB 2017. Apparently there isn’t some critical fault with the head, quite the contrary – according to Manfrotto, they have found an opportunity to improve on the design of the counter-balance system, which, if used incorrectly, can cause the product to not function correctly. This was found out after a “leading industry magazine” had a pre-pro unit for review.
So if you are a Nitrotech N8 early adopter you might want to get this sorted out. Details on how and what to do are in the press release at the bottom of the article. You can also check out the lovely promo video for the Nitrotech N8 done by Matt Workman from Cinematography Database, whose YouTube channel you seriously should be following if you aren’t already.
The Nitrotech N8 fluid head features an innovative Nitrogen piston mechanism providing a decent payload of 8 kg/17.6 lbs, a 75mm flat base, allowing it to work with a wide variety of support systems such as monopods, tripods, cranes, shoulder rigs, sliders, etc. In addition, there is a 3/8″- threaded Easy Link Connector built into the side of the unit that allows users to attach some extra accessories if needed while keeping them off the camera rig itself.
Nitrotech N8 Fluid Video Head Highlights
- Supports Up to 17.6 lb
- Innovative Nitrogen-Piston Mechanism
- 75mm Flat-Base Head
- 3/8″- threaded Easy Link Connector
- Precision Counterbalance System
- Adjustable Sliding Plate with a Safety Lock
- Illuminated Bubble Level
- Left-Side Controls
- Compatible with Manfrotto Tripods and other support systems
- Price: $449.99 (B&H, Adorama)
Marco Pezzana, CEO of Manfrotto commented on the recall:
“Manfrotto products are manufactured to the highest standards and rigorously tested, and we are committed to ensuring that the product performs perfectly every time and in every situation. While none of our tests have ever indicated an issue and while we have not been informed of any failures by any users, we have decided, as quality and customer service are top priorities for us, to voluntarily replace all Nitrotech video heads shipped to date, implement a slight revision to the CBS system, and provide a replacement to those affected customers.”
Read more in the official press release below.
“At Manfrotto we take product quality and customer safety very seriously.
During the review of a pre-production Nitro N8 Fluid Video Head by a leading industry magazine, we identified an opportunity to further improve the Counter Balance System (“CBS”) when operated under excessively demanding conditions.
Operating a Nitrotech head according to product instructions is perfectly functional and safe, however, as quality and customer service are top priorities for Manfrotto, we have decided to perform a slight revision to the CBS system to avoid the possibility of product breakage resulting from potential product misuse.
While we have not been informed of any product failures by any users, Manfrotto has decided to voluntarily replace all Nitrotech video heads shipped to date with heads featuring the improved CBS system at no cost to the end users.
Customers receiving replacement Nitrotech video heads will also receive a complimentary Spectra LED light to further enhance their video making experience.
Marco Pezzana, CEO of Manfrotto commented:
“Manfrotto products are manufactured to the highest standards and rigorously tested, and we are committed to ensuring that the product performs perfectly every time and in every situation. While none of our tests have ever indicated an issue and while we have not been informed of any failures by any users, we have decided, as quality and customer service are top priorities for us, to voluntarily replace all Nitrotech video heads shipped to date, implement a slight revision to the CBS system, and provide a replacement to those affected customers.”
Customers who have purchased a Nitrotech video head are invited to contact Manfrotto at:
[email protected] or to call our Customer Service department.
Relevant contact numbers can be easily found by visiting the “Contact us” section of the Manfrotto website: www.manfrotto.com.
We expect Nitrotech replacement heads to be available from the second half of July 2017.”
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate partner and participant in B&H and Adorama Affiliate programmes, we earn a small comission from each purchase made through the affiliate links listed above at no additional cost to you.
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