Help needed with gitzo tripod!

[pavost]

I need a heavy duty tripod for a new RB67 and have looked at some older gitzo's. Here is a link for one:

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/woy-woy/miscellaneous-goods/gitzo-tripod/1085069940

The guy is asking $500 AUD probably negotiate down to $350-$400.

Firstly what kind of gitzo is it, reporter, studex? It has a No.4 head and geared center column that's all the guy knows about it.

Thanks.

 

[mfogiel]

It does not look like a reporter at all. This looks like a rather heavy studio tripod. It might be worth this money if everything is really solid, but I would not buy it if you want to go on location - you need carbon tripods for that.

 

[lynnb]

I'd be reluctant to mount a camera on an extendable centre column in the extended position due to vibration.

I have a 2258, if you can find one of those it would probably suit you (along with a suitable head). Although a 4-section, it's quite sturdy. Carbon fibre construction. I use mine with a RRS BH40 head.

 

[Rangefinder 35]

It looks like Studex, model from the '80. If the legs extend without friction , i.e. the legs are straight, it's worth around US$300-350, and should be sturdy enough for RZ. I used Sport Performance for many years as the tripod for my 4X5 wista, without problem.

 

[kxl]

It looks like Studex, model from the '80.

That's what I was thinking but I have no clue re: its worth or whether or not it's sturdy enough for an RB67.

 

[shimokita]

From your previous post about flash for the RB67 I understood (maybe incorrectly) that you would be doing mostly studio work... as such you might want to look for a solid tripod rather than consider the weight. For example a SLIK Grand Master II can be had new for USD 156 in Tokyo. I am sure there are some used tripods around for less than the one pictured.

Definitely a three way head is easier than a ball head with the RB67... Good luck with the project.

Casey

 

[x-ray]

I use Gitzo and had a 4 series aluminum that I used for thirty or so years and a 5 series aluminum for about fifteen. I used a 3 way leveling head with it. They're extremely fine tripods no matter the age. As long as the legs aren't bent or there are any dents to impair function they will work for many decades without any issues.

I don't remember the specific names but this one does not have the latches that allow the legs to spread farther out and get the camera lower to te growing or allow uttimg the legs in positions where on or two legs might have to extend at a different angle like on rocks or stairs. It's a very nice feature I've used many times but again this model lacks that.

This one does not have a leveling head. It's a 2 way and requires extending one or two legs more than another to level the camera. IMO it's a pain and I wouldn't buy a head that wouldn't level or have 3 way action. You'll grow tired of this head quickly.

The feared post is ok but the friction post is faster and easier to use IMO unless you have a really heavy camera. The RB isn't that heavy to justify a geared post.

Honestly I wouldn't give more than $175-200 US. There are much better versions of the aluminum Gotzo and they don't bring that much.

One nice thing about Gitzo is parts like friction sleves that go in the legs are readily available and reasonably priced. Many parts are still available.


I use the carbon fiber Gitzo's now. I have a 1,2,3 and 5 series for different size and weight cameras. If you shop around you might find a 3 series basalt or carbon fiber set of legs for about that price. These are much lighter and just as strong.

For your RB id use a 4 series aluminum for best stability or 3 at the least. In CF the 3 series is perfect bi use my 3 series with a 5x7 Deardorff with no problem snd Hasselblad with up to a 350 lens. I used a Rollei SL66 on it for years with long glass with no trouble. In aluminum I think the next series up, a 4 series is better.

Offer $150 for it with the idea you'll replace the head with a better one.

 

[MCTuomey]

I picked up a G1340 aluminum 3-section that measures ~60 inches at the flat plate (equiv to current LS) for a little over $200 a few years ago, use/d with a Fuji gx680, hassy 501cm, dSLRs with a 400/2.8. You can do better than that vintage studex, or whatever it is, at that price level. There's a nice carbon series 3 mountaineer over at camerapeddler for USD575 if you stretch a bit.