68degrees
Well-known
I found a Pathex tripod, it is quite old looks like from the 1920s. Its in excellent condition. Are there people who collect these? Its wierd because there is nothing to lock the legs. It seems like it just holds itself up by friction. Anyone have insight?
sevo
Fokutorendaburando
Old heavy duty tripods often were held in shape by a (chain, wood or metal) "spider" connecting the tripod feet.
L David Tomei
Well-known
The only vintage tripod I actually use is my Thalhammer made some time in the 1930's. Karl Thalhammer tripods are indeed collectable. David
Sejanus.Aelianus
Veteran
For several years, I used a wooden surveyor's tripod, to which I had fitted a 1/4" mounting point. As Sevo says, if you wish to limit the spread you attach a chain to each of the legs. Mine had conventional hooks attached to the inside of the metal bracket that joined the upper pair of spars on each leg.
John Lawrence
Well-known
I've got a (vague) idea that Pathex used to make movie cameras, and that most (or all??) of their tripods were designed for such (especially theirs). Have you got a picture you can post of it? Pure conjecture, but maybe it was for use with a dolly or something similar??
John
John
John Lawrence
Well-known
Just did a quick google - does it look anything like the one on this page?
http://www.thepropshoppe.com/page1/page1.html
John
L David Tomei
Well-known
Thalhammer tripods, as with many others, did not tie the legs together. They relied on adjustable friction fittings at the mount, and feet either of rubber or spikes. They were made to utilize pretty wild positioning.
68degrees
Well-known
John Lawrence
Well-known
yes its very much if not identical to the pathex on that page.
It looks like Tony's comments (above) are right on the money.
John