Does anybody here collect vintage tripods or have knowledge?

[68degrees]

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]

Old heavy duty tripods often were held in shape by a (chain, wood or metal) "spider" connecting the tripod feet.

 

[L David Tomei]

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]

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]

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 Lawrence]

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

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]

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]

Just did a quick google - does it look anything like the one on this page?

http://www.thepropshoppe.com/page1/page1.html

John

yes its very much if not identical to the pathex on that page.

 

[John Lawrence]

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