Looking for Tripod for Lumix GF1

[russelljtdyer]

I own a Lumix GF1 camera with the 20mm f/1.7 pancake kit lens. I also have one of the Voigtlander M-mount adapters, so I'm able to use my Zeiss and Leica M-mount lenses. This is a seemingly excellent combination, but many of my images are terrible.

Besides having problems with focusing manually, the pancake lens and M-mount lenses don't have image stabilization. Because of the camera's size and all, camera shake is a problem except in the brightest lighting. I have the electronic view finder attachment. Using it allows me to steady the camera. Still, the results are often horrible. However, when I put the camera on a tripod, especially with one of my Zeiss lenses, the quality is exceptional.

My tripod is a heavy Manfrotto tripod (055XPROB). I bought it for studio work to use with a Canon 5D, Mark II. It's generally not the kind of thing that I want to drag around with me. With regards to style concerns, it dwarfs the Lumix GF1. It's quite a mismatch. So, I'd like to buy a new Manfrotto tripod--I prefer them. Does anyone have a recommendation of a Manfrotto tripod and a Manfrotto tripod head suitable for the Lumix GF1?

-Russell

 

[Guaranteed]

Bump because I've been thinking of the same thing lately(well for my Bessa and my Oly), my Gitzo is a bit much.

 

[russelljtdyer]

Tripod for GF1

Tripod for GF1

I decided to buy the Manfrotto Compact MKC3-H01. It's lightweight (1 kg), small when closed (43 cm), and inexpensive (€ 50). It's pretty strong, though. There's no bend to it like some of the smaller and cheap tripods.

It has a head built in that can be used for videos or still photograph--there's a switch to change from one to the other. The head has a handle grip for pointing the camera in any direction, easily. It also has a plate that you attached to the bottom of the camera. Then you can press a button to release quickly the camera when you want.

Below are a couple of shots of it with my GF1 mounted on it--with a Zeiss 35mm m-mount lens attached. It's a pretty good size fit for my camera and lens.

 

[Guaranteed]

Thanks for the pics!

 

[waynec]

I really like my Slik Sprint Pro GM. Under 2 lbs, 4 section, gets up past my eye level at 5'8 height. I've shot alot heavier cameras on it then my G1 with proper technique. Just make sure to replace the ballhead with something more substantial.

 

[Pat Donnelly]

http://littlegreatideas.com/stabilizer/diy/

Idea's for video but capable of stabilizing stills too?

 

[russelljtdyer]

One Problem with Manfrotto Compact MKC3-H01 Tripod

One Problem with Manfrotto Compact MKC3-H01 Tripod

I've discovered a short coming in this short tripod (see my photos from earlier) which I purchased for the Panasonic GF-1, something lacking in the Manfrotto Compact MKC3-H01. It doesn't have an eyelet or any other point through which to connect Manfrotto's tripod shoulder strap. This is despite Manfrotto's text in their catalog on their shoulder strap that says the strap has "an adapter that enables it to be used with all Manfrotto tripods." It's very frustrating.

I've been looking for a nice canvas tripod bag with a shoulder strap, one about the same size so that the tripod will fit snuggly, but most are too big for it. If anyone knows of a small Domke tripod bag that is between 45 and 50 cm in length, please let me know.

Thanks,
Russell

 

[mackigator]

Don't overlook the Ultrapod II tripod

Don't overlook the Ultrapod II tripod

It may be that a full or medium height tripod is best for your purposes, but I suggest also taking a hard look at the Ultrapod II. I've owned several over the years and they really work. I keep one on the strap of my camera bag, or tucked inside. They are much better than the Gorillapods, IMHO, because they are stiff and can be secured with more force.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ANCPNM/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=beschisboo02-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000ANCPNM

Note the strap in the product images - I routinely lash it to objects to create a "real" tripod without actually having to carry one. These things are cheap enough that you can play with one in addition to other full size gear. Make sure you get the "II" model, and note that they make an extra quick release attachment. I've not tried the latter yet, but I will.

 

[AncientCityPhoto]

A gitzo or a Feisol traveler tripod with a Really Right Stuff BH-25 head is an ideal combo for small cameras. I use the old Gitzo traveler 1540T for my M8 and E-pm1.

Actually, the combo is strong enough to hold my 5DmkII with a short lens if I need and dont have my other tripod with me.

 

[russelljtdyer]

Thanks for the responses, but these are tripods and not tripod bags. Or am I reading incorrectly these last two posts? I like the tripod I bought, just not that it doesn't have a way to carry it easily since it doesn't have a eyelet on it.

 

[FPjohn]

A bean bag and a Leica Tabletop like tripod work for me. Manfrotto makes a workalike (709) and descendants of the Polaroid/Minolta version can still be had on the auction site.

yours
FPJ

http://us.leica-camera.com/photography/m_system/accessories/tripod_accessories/2200.html

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Manfrotto-20...ltDomain_0&hash=item53ea93fabe#ht_3106wt_1225

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/TABLE-TOP-TR...ultDomain_0&hash=item1e69740916#ht_500wt_1240

 

[FPjohn]

Ah. One of these might do.

Tripod Strap

http://www.gordyscamerastraps.com/tripod/index.htm
yours
FPJ

 

[Richard G]

Thanks for the responses, but these are tripods and not tripod bags. Or am I reading incorrectly these last two posts? I like the tripod I bought, just not that it doesn't have a way to carry it easily since it doesn't have a eyelet on it.

Why not have a tech drill a hole for you to use the strap you bought? My Manfrotto has a tapped hole which I presume takes a screw-in eyelet for attaching a strap.