retinax
Well-known
As of late I've convinced myself I need a tripod, mostly for medium format use, but occasionally a 135 camera might end up on it. The longest lenses I use are 100 mm in 135 and 150 mm on 645. This is a bit of a summary of my current thoughts on tripods, as well as a casual, preliminary review of the two I now have. Maybe it's of interest to some who are setting out on the same journey, maybe it's just a starting point to discuss all things tripod all over again.
As I researched my options, I soon understood what everyone who's been there will tell you, it's all about compromises. I came to the conclusion that I probably would need one tripod for higher performance, and a eventually a lighter one for travel. I didn't want to spend a lot of money and even more, wanted to be able to sell again without much loss in case it would turn out to be less than ideal, so waiting for a good price on something used was my game.
A little while ago I snatched a Gitzo 1227 Mk 2 for a price I couldn't refuse. That's an older carbon fiber 3 section tripod which weights about 1.5 KG and goes tall enough, with the center column, that a reasonably tall person doesn't need to bend down to look through an eye level finder, and with the center column down, it's still too tall to use a waist level finder comfortably. So it's not super compact, but pretty light weight to carry around (which was important because it will be carried on foot and on bicycle a lot) while it should be stable enough for medium format with not too long lenses. I'm very impressed with the build quality. The crinkle paint finish on the alu parts is to die for. I like that it only has 3 leg sections. The savings in length/volume with the 4 section sister model 1228 wouldn't be much, but that has thinner bottom leg sections, and one has to operate three more leg locks! This tripod doesn't have interchangeable feet, so no option to mount spikes or even simply replace the hardened rubber feet. That's the only negative I've found so far. That, and that it sheds some carbon fibers through the tiniest scratches and dings; there isn't much of a protective coat over the CF. These fibers sometimes cause some itching in my hands. Maybe I'll put some tube insulation on the top sections, that will also cushion them when carrying it on my back.
Then I've snatched a Sirui T1204X for a travel tripod. It obviously wasn't urgent, I'm not traveling any time soon, but I fished it from the bay at a great price. It arrived in the mail today, so everything here is just preliminary, I haven't used it yet. It's only about 800 g. This one isn't made any more, the current 1204 is heavier, as are all the current models compared to their numerical predecessors; I assume they're also more stable, so one could move down a size, but that will also be a shorter tripod! Compared to the Gitzo, it feels like a toy. Not only is it lighter, it also feels a lot more plastic-y. Part of that is thanks a protective coat over the CF, yay! Of course it's a lot more wobbly as well. This isn't one of the super tiny travel tripods they also make, at least the bottom leg sections on this one are 15mm. I don't want to know what those with 9-13mm sections feel like. Its size is such that without center column extended, it has the right height for WLF use. I'll need to explore if extending the center column is more stable than extending the thin bottom leg sections. This tripod has some cute functions, the leg angle adjustment is spring loaded, which makes it quicker to use than the Gitzo, but that's also much more needed, as the logs fold over the head for compact transport, which itself is pretty neat. The leg locks work well, and the legs don't rotate, so one can tighten one of the lower sections while the upper sections are loose. The locks contain a plastic sleeve that looks and feels a little fragile.
This one also doesn't have interchangeable feet, on a travel tripod I think that's fine, I suspect with spikes one might run into trouble trying to take it as cabin luggage anyway.
I think I can trust this one with TLRs or shorter lens 135 stuff as long as there isn't much wind.
I'm not sure if this one will see much use, maybe I'll even sell it again. I'll use mostly MF if I carry a tripod already, and only the bigger, heavier tripod is high enough to comfortably use an eye level finder, which is all my 135mm cameras have! I might accept bending down on 135 if I want to save weight, but mostly I'll continue to use 135 hand held and use the light tripod only for TLRs, if at all.
Now here's a little comparison of the leg locks. Note that this doesn't necessarily apply to current models.
Gitzo's are clearly better, even if they don't have the anti-rotation feature. They're much smoother, and the bushings seem more stable than the plastic parts in the Sirui. Although they also contain two parts that will wear and eventually need replacement, they seem to me like they'd last much longer. That being said, both types are easy enough to open and clean for the user, without tools. The lack of anti-rotation is a non-issue on 3 section legs, but for more sections I think I'd still prefer the locks on this older Gitzo (newer ones have anti-rotation, and probably still all the good things about mine apply to them). I wouldn't put any weight on anti-rotation locks when deciding on a tripod, but apparently some people hate twist locks and for those people, the anti-rotation feature could be an improvement. But I think it's more likely those people have never used really good twist locks. Maybe I have never used good lever locks, but I much prefer twist locks over those I have used. The Sirui leg locks can be opened quickly by gripping them all and turning in one motion. Nice, but doesn't save that much time, considering the tripod legs fold over the head which also takes time, and the whole thing doesn't inspire confidence that it could handle general rough treatment that would involve this kind of quick setting up. The locks crackle and squeak a bit, which I'm pretty sure is harmless and probably comes form the anti-rotation feature.
The legs on the Sirui extend and collapse from gravity quickly, with a loud "clunck!". The Gitzo legs do, too, but very slowly. That is mostly because air can't escape or enter the tubes quickly, and the tolerances are a lot tighter, so some dirt might block the gravity extension. Somewhere in the middle would be best.
Yesterday I did some shooting with the Gitzo and my Autocord. It went very smoothly, the tripod did everything I wanted without issue and seemed stable enough in gusts of about 3 bft. I'm a little worried about the camera itself, it has the problem I understand all TLRs share, the tripod hole is integrated in the film door, which has to be hinged, so there's some play.
I rigged up a solution to carry the Gitzo on my back, long gun style, for cycling. Two paracord loops, one around the center column lock, one for the feet end, and a strap from a bag. Works pretty well, although the feet end is a bit fiddly. I will have to rummage around cabinets and drawers for a slightly lighter strap. Please let me know how you all carry your tripods!
Stay tuned for my explorations of ballheadland, which are to come, but not before something I desire comes my way for a price I can't refuse. I'm a poor and mostly patient man and have borrowed a ball head that works ok, but is on the heavy side and doesn't have adjustable friction, which I'd like.
As I researched my options, I soon understood what everyone who's been there will tell you, it's all about compromises. I came to the conclusion that I probably would need one tripod for higher performance, and a eventually a lighter one for travel. I didn't want to spend a lot of money and even more, wanted to be able to sell again without much loss in case it would turn out to be less than ideal, so waiting for a good price on something used was my game.
A little while ago I snatched a Gitzo 1227 Mk 2 for a price I couldn't refuse. That's an older carbon fiber 3 section tripod which weights about 1.5 KG and goes tall enough, with the center column, that a reasonably tall person doesn't need to bend down to look through an eye level finder, and with the center column down, it's still too tall to use a waist level finder comfortably. So it's not super compact, but pretty light weight to carry around (which was important because it will be carried on foot and on bicycle a lot) while it should be stable enough for medium format with not too long lenses. I'm very impressed with the build quality. The crinkle paint finish on the alu parts is to die for. I like that it only has 3 leg sections. The savings in length/volume with the 4 section sister model 1228 wouldn't be much, but that has thinner bottom leg sections, and one has to operate three more leg locks! This tripod doesn't have interchangeable feet, so no option to mount spikes or even simply replace the hardened rubber feet. That's the only negative I've found so far. That, and that it sheds some carbon fibers through the tiniest scratches and dings; there isn't much of a protective coat over the CF. These fibers sometimes cause some itching in my hands. Maybe I'll put some tube insulation on the top sections, that will also cushion them when carrying it on my back.
Then I've snatched a Sirui T1204X for a travel tripod. It obviously wasn't urgent, I'm not traveling any time soon, but I fished it from the bay at a great price. It arrived in the mail today, so everything here is just preliminary, I haven't used it yet. It's only about 800 g. This one isn't made any more, the current 1204 is heavier, as are all the current models compared to their numerical predecessors; I assume they're also more stable, so one could move down a size, but that will also be a shorter tripod! Compared to the Gitzo, it feels like a toy. Not only is it lighter, it also feels a lot more plastic-y. Part of that is thanks a protective coat over the CF, yay! Of course it's a lot more wobbly as well. This isn't one of the super tiny travel tripods they also make, at least the bottom leg sections on this one are 15mm. I don't want to know what those with 9-13mm sections feel like. Its size is such that without center column extended, it has the right height for WLF use. I'll need to explore if extending the center column is more stable than extending the thin bottom leg sections. This tripod has some cute functions, the leg angle adjustment is spring loaded, which makes it quicker to use than the Gitzo, but that's also much more needed, as the logs fold over the head for compact transport, which itself is pretty neat. The leg locks work well, and the legs don't rotate, so one can tighten one of the lower sections while the upper sections are loose. The locks contain a plastic sleeve that looks and feels a little fragile.
This one also doesn't have interchangeable feet, on a travel tripod I think that's fine, I suspect with spikes one might run into trouble trying to take it as cabin luggage anyway.
I think I can trust this one with TLRs or shorter lens 135 stuff as long as there isn't much wind.
I'm not sure if this one will see much use, maybe I'll even sell it again. I'll use mostly MF if I carry a tripod already, and only the bigger, heavier tripod is high enough to comfortably use an eye level finder, which is all my 135mm cameras have! I might accept bending down on 135 if I want to save weight, but mostly I'll continue to use 135 hand held and use the light tripod only for TLRs, if at all.
Now here's a little comparison of the leg locks. Note that this doesn't necessarily apply to current models.
Gitzo's are clearly better, even if they don't have the anti-rotation feature. They're much smoother, and the bushings seem more stable than the plastic parts in the Sirui. Although they also contain two parts that will wear and eventually need replacement, they seem to me like they'd last much longer. That being said, both types are easy enough to open and clean for the user, without tools. The lack of anti-rotation is a non-issue on 3 section legs, but for more sections I think I'd still prefer the locks on this older Gitzo (newer ones have anti-rotation, and probably still all the good things about mine apply to them). I wouldn't put any weight on anti-rotation locks when deciding on a tripod, but apparently some people hate twist locks and for those people, the anti-rotation feature could be an improvement. But I think it's more likely those people have never used really good twist locks. Maybe I have never used good lever locks, but I much prefer twist locks over those I have used. The Sirui leg locks can be opened quickly by gripping them all and turning in one motion. Nice, but doesn't save that much time, considering the tripod legs fold over the head which also takes time, and the whole thing doesn't inspire confidence that it could handle general rough treatment that would involve this kind of quick setting up. The locks crackle and squeak a bit, which I'm pretty sure is harmless and probably comes form the anti-rotation feature.
The legs on the Sirui extend and collapse from gravity quickly, with a loud "clunck!". The Gitzo legs do, too, but very slowly. That is mostly because air can't escape or enter the tubes quickly, and the tolerances are a lot tighter, so some dirt might block the gravity extension. Somewhere in the middle would be best.
Yesterday I did some shooting with the Gitzo and my Autocord. It went very smoothly, the tripod did everything I wanted without issue and seemed stable enough in gusts of about 3 bft. I'm a little worried about the camera itself, it has the problem I understand all TLRs share, the tripod hole is integrated in the film door, which has to be hinged, so there's some play.
I rigged up a solution to carry the Gitzo on my back, long gun style, for cycling. Two paracord loops, one around the center column lock, one for the feet end, and a strap from a bag. Works pretty well, although the feet end is a bit fiddly. I will have to rummage around cabinets and drawers for a slightly lighter strap. Please let me know how you all carry your tripods!
Stay tuned for my explorations of ballheadland, which are to come, but not before something I desire comes my way for a price I can't refuse. I'm a poor and mostly patient man and have borrowed a ball head that works ok, but is on the heavy side and doesn't have adjustable friction, which I'd like.
retinax
Well-known
Alright, maybe my ramblings were too long and unfocused to be a conversation starter, and this is RFF, home of the hand-holders...
New developments: first scratches. I can't fathom how the previous owner(s) kept the signs of use so reasonable on my Gitzo. Yesterday, I had to stick a leg through a wire fence, and use it as a walking stick on steep terrain with rocky gravel, so I already made nearly as many scratches as it suffered in all its previous life... hurts a little, but oh well, I have it to use it.
I already reached the limits of height and and flexibility trying to take photos over/through holes in fences. I can now see the appeal in something like a Gitzo 2220 with center column that can be pointed in any direction.
The tripod is really inspiring me to shoot more, not less and more selectively as is often said... part of it is that carrying it around sort of forces me to take what I'm doing with a camera more seriously, perhaps.
And another question: I'll need to clean and re-lube the leg locks, there's a little sand in some. I'm wondering if Vaseline will do as lube, because it seems like it'll need to be redone often, so ease of removal is a real consideration.
New developments: first scratches. I can't fathom how the previous owner(s) kept the signs of use so reasonable on my Gitzo. Yesterday, I had to stick a leg through a wire fence, and use it as a walking stick on steep terrain with rocky gravel, so I already made nearly as many scratches as it suffered in all its previous life... hurts a little, but oh well, I have it to use it.
I already reached the limits of height and and flexibility trying to take photos over/through holes in fences. I can now see the appeal in something like a Gitzo 2220 with center column that can be pointed in any direction.
The tripod is really inspiring me to shoot more, not less and more selectively as is often said... part of it is that carrying it around sort of forces me to take what I'm doing with a camera more seriously, perhaps.
And another question: I'll need to clean and re-lube the leg locks, there's a little sand in some. I'm wondering if Vaseline will do as lube, because it seems like it'll need to be redone often, so ease of removal is a real consideration.
Richard G
Veteran
I bought a very light Gitzo Traveller 1545 T. It is fine with a Hassleblad. If your TLR is Rolleiflex mid ‘50s on then maybe you can get the Rolleifix. Always one for sale here from the same seller.
gavinlg
Veteran
Tripods are definitely one of the less popular pieces of equipment on this forum, but I'm sure some others will pitch in about their experiences.
Personally after decades of faithful service from aluminium Manfrottos I cheaped out last year and got a small alloy zomei from amazon with a little ballhead on it. It's obviously not as well made as my old frotto but it's not bad, and has some clever design touches. Holds my Pentax 67 just fine.
Sirui seems to make some nice stuff... One of these days I'll try a carbon one.
Personally after decades of faithful service from aluminium Manfrottos I cheaped out last year and got a small alloy zomei from amazon with a little ballhead on it. It's obviously not as well made as my old frotto but it's not bad, and has some clever design touches. Holds my Pentax 67 just fine.
Sirui seems to make some nice stuff... One of these days I'll try a carbon one.
Richard G
Veteran
I was impressed with my little Sirui but I don’t think quite rigid enough. My old Manfrotto with a new Leofoto ball head is my favourite, to use but not to carry. The 1544T is for carrying. And for packing. One annoying thing about my Gitzo release plate is that the key is very stiff to draw up with my thumb. There are great threads online about tripods, lots of them, long threads. The old rigidity v size v weight: it will keep RFF and other forums in tripod threads for many years yet. My next tripod will probably be a 2 series Mountaineer Gitzo - with a Leofoto ball head. Or maybe a 3 series. I won’t need both. At least not yet.
retinax
Well-known
It's a Minolta Autocord...
Does your new tripod just hold the P 67 or does it hold it still?
It's funny how with tripods, opinions vary so widely as to what is adequate. And it's not necessarily consistent with camera choice. There seem to be high end heavy camera people who consider the simplest old tripod sufficient and users of light modest cameras who advocate for huge high-end tripods...
If you could let us now what model the little Sirui was and for what use you found it not rigid enough, that could help people with purchase decisions...
Btw the Gitzo I wrote about above is a Series 2 Mountaineer, just an older model.
Ko.Fe.
Lenses 35/21 Gears 46/20
I don't like carbon tripods. They are not good for sand and other sharp particles.
But if you travel to Paris and London it should be fine.
But if you travel to Paris and London it should be fine.
retinax
Well-known
I don't like carbon tripods. They are not good for sand and other sharp particles.
But if you travel to Paris and London it should be fine.
I don't visit beaches much, but I don't keep to paved surfaces either... It is a concern. It would be nice to be able to use it as hiking stick from time to time, to better handle other abuse; I know sharp rocks could be the end of it. Otoh from the weight savings compared to alu, I can easily bring an extra hiking stick ;-) And alu tripods don't exactly love sand or sharp rocks, either. They all need disassembly and cleaning when dirt gets in.
I'm just glad I bought it used at a reasonable price and I'm aware it won't live forever. That's why I don't buy new.
Godfrey
somewhat colored
I had the carbon Sirui T-025x ... It was a good tripod, particularly the compact head for that class of tripod. I liked it enough that I gave mine to my photographer friend in NY and bought another for another buddy in Cape Cod since it matches well with their lightweight camera gear.
I replaced it with the Peak Design Travel Tripod because I wanted something taller and able to handle my Hasselblad yet still at about the same size and weight.
Carbon Fiber tripods are lighter, stronger, and more stable than steel or aluminum tripods. I haven't found them to be excessively more sensitive to sand or other issue like that: my Feisol 3442 Tournament carbon fiber legs have been all over the world with me for the past decade and a half and show exactly zero signs of any wear at all. The Feisol is just a bit bulkier than I like for carrying on the bicycle or more casual trips, thus the desire for a suitable travel tripod.
The PD Travel Tripod is excellent. I've been carrying it on the bicycle in my small backpack ... quick and capable.
G
I replaced it with the Peak Design Travel Tripod because I wanted something taller and able to handle my Hasselblad yet still at about the same size and weight.
Carbon Fiber tripods are lighter, stronger, and more stable than steel or aluminum tripods. I haven't found them to be excessively more sensitive to sand or other issue like that: my Feisol 3442 Tournament carbon fiber legs have been all over the world with me for the past decade and a half and show exactly zero signs of any wear at all. The Feisol is just a bit bulkier than I like for carrying on the bicycle or more casual trips, thus the desire for a suitable travel tripod.
The PD Travel Tripod is excellent. I've been carrying it on the bicycle in my small backpack ... quick and capable.
G
Rob-F
Likes Leicas
I don't like carbon tripods. They are not good for sand and other sharp particles.
But if you travel to Paris and London it should be fine.
What is the issue with sand or sharp particles? Is the carbon fiber easily cut, or scratched, or damaged?
Hari
Well-known
I favor the old made in US Tiltall
retinax
Well-known
I don't think I can and want to do that, as I wrote in #2, I already scratched my tripod up... doing things that I had to in order to get the picture.
CF is certainly more easily damaged than aluminium, except it doesn't dent. The matrix is softer. The carbon fibers are very strong longitudinally, but they're just thin fibers, so easily cut/abraded.
But they can live long, happy lives, people have been using them for a while now. I can't claim to speak from experience yet but I think one just has to clean sand out if it gets in. Of course sand stuck in the sliding bushings will scratch the legs.
They're uncommon here in Europe.
oftheherd
Veteran
All true! So here goes.
My beginning foray into photography was heavily laced with good luck. My first SLR was a Yashica TL Super. Not considered top of the line, and a little heavy, as were many top of the line in the 70s. As I devoured the popular photo magazines it be came obvious I needed some extra lenses and a tripod (and a light meter). I went to the PX for my items as that was near and inexpensive. They had a tripod made by Velbon, so I looked it over and bought it. It was aluminum with three sided legs and so, levers to open or lock the legs.
It also had a feature of the column in that where it attached was another screw that allowed whole column to change from vertical to horizontal with a couple of places in between for different angles. The column would also still move up or down or out or back. Wonderful for some closeups that would not normally have been possible. That is a very long time ago (mid 70s) but I think a paid about $30 for it. Oh, it had any possible movement at the column head as well.
It worked for all the lenses I ever used in any of my 35mm SLRs. Also for my Super Press 23, keeping them all steady. I have used it sparingly for a light 4x5 I have, and carefully as well, but I prefer another I have without the "floating" center column. None of the 3 Velbons I have cost more than around $30-$40. They are all steady enough for me.
Point being, unless you are almost exclusively into 4x5 or 8x10 (or even any of my SLRs), which I am not due to back health problems, a good but less expensive tripod should do you well. Any who want to get more expensive and possibly sturdy beyond need are certainly welcome to do so.
Just my 2 cents.
Godfrey
somewhat colored
Can and want to do what? Your comment didn't mesh with the quoted text at all.
I do whatever I need to to get the photo I want.
I have four tripods: all get used, in different ways and for different things, quite a lot. I'm careful to clvccccean them if they get into mud, muck, or sand.
Be very careful with lubricants. Modern tripods are not designed to be lubricated other than in very specific ways; most lubricants tend to accrete dust and dirt.
G
Emile de Leon
Well-known
Most tripods are pretty good these days..for what they are designed to do..as long as you stay w/pro brands..
A good tripod is one that makes life easier..and the photos better..
I like geared heads..they make life easy..in composition..
I like mini tripods..they are cute..
Lately I have been groovin with my Ries..yup..the wood one..
I have 2 of them..the lighter weight one gets all the usage..
Just something about a Ries..very organic..and solid as a rock..
A good tripod is one that makes life easier..and the photos better..
I like geared heads..they make life easy..in composition..
I like mini tripods..they are cute..
Lately I have been groovin with my Ries..yup..the wood one..
I have 2 of them..the lighter weight one gets all the usage..
Just something about a Ries..very organic..and solid as a rock..
Bill Clark
Veteran
I use Manfrotto tripods. Have several if them. Started with aluminum, heavy as compared to composite (carbon fiber) that I used later on.
Ball Head. Like this:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/680140-REG/Manfrotto_327RC2_327RC2_Joystick_Head.html
I was real happy when this style of head came out!
But I started out with this style ball head:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...assets_sa1424_magnesium_pistol_grip_head.html
Tripod has quick release (lever locks) as venues, sometimes quickly, change during each gig.
For me, the head was more important than the tripod.
Used medium format cameras. Needed strong tripods and heads.
I forgot one couple of times. Never lost it. Probably too big for most to use.
Took one on a trip to Europe. Fit in suitcase that I checked. At the Palace of Versailles, they (security) didn’t like it. Had to put it back on the bus we were riding.
Ball Head. Like this:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/680140-REG/Manfrotto_327RC2_327RC2_Joystick_Head.html
I was real happy when this style of head came out!
But I started out with this style ball head:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...assets_sa1424_magnesium_pistol_grip_head.html
Tripod has quick release (lever locks) as venues, sometimes quickly, change during each gig.
For me, the head was more important than the tripod.
Used medium format cameras. Needed strong tripods and heads.
I forgot one couple of times. Never lost it. Probably too big for most to use.
Took one on a trip to Europe. Fit in suitcase that I checked. At the Palace of Versailles, they (security) didn’t like it. Had to put it back on the bus we were riding.
Hari
Well-known
Emile, I got a Ries too.
It's a their largest w/the one way head
from late '40s for the Kodak 2-D 8x10 only.
It's a their largest w/the one way head
from late '40s for the Kodak 2-D 8x10 only.
dourbalistar
Buy more film
Gitzo sells their own Twist-Lock Grease, but it seems a bit expensive for what it is:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1044775-REG/gitzo_gsgrease02_grease_set_of_2.html
On the other hand, RRS (another carbon tripod maker) has a cleaning guide, and they recommend Phil Wood Waterproof Grease, normally used for bicycle applications. I've used their Tenacious Oil on other non-bicycle applications like squeaky door hinges, and they make a great product. That and they're local to me, so it's nice to support a "hometown" company:
https://blog.reallyrightstuff.com/cleaning-tripod-legs/
CMur12
Veteran
Retinax, I use a tripod quite a bit, since I have a slight tremor in my hands. I especially like it with a waist level finder and a TLR. It leaves both hands free to man the controls and to fine-tune the image. My tripod is a Bogen/Manfrotto 3020 with the larger 3-D head for medium format. It's on the heavy side, but it works for my purposes.
I've heard of Rolleiflexes being vulnerable to damage from being screwed to a tripod and I recently obtained a Rolleifix, which protects the bottom of the camera and provides a quick release. I've used a Rolleiflex T (to a lesser extent than the following), a Minolta Autocord, and a Mamiya C330f affixed to the tripod in the usual manner, however, without problem. In each case, I affixed the camera to the tripod, extended the legs to taking height, and slung the tripod with camera over my shoulder.
In the case of the C330f, it has a very robust bottom plate, separate from the film door. In the case of the Autocord, Minolta made a Paradjuster (parallax correction device) that screwed to the tripod underneath and to the camera on top, so I don't think Minolta was squeamish about using the tripod socket to affix the camera to a tripod.
- Murray
I've heard of Rolleiflexes being vulnerable to damage from being screwed to a tripod and I recently obtained a Rolleifix, which protects the bottom of the camera and provides a quick release. I've used a Rolleiflex T (to a lesser extent than the following), a Minolta Autocord, and a Mamiya C330f affixed to the tripod in the usual manner, however, without problem. In each case, I affixed the camera to the tripod, extended the legs to taking height, and slung the tripod with camera over my shoulder.
In the case of the C330f, it has a very robust bottom plate, separate from the film door. In the case of the Autocord, Minolta made a Paradjuster (parallax correction device) that screwed to the tripod underneath and to the camera on top, so I don't think Minolta was squeamish about using the tripod socket to affix the camera to a tripod.
- Murray
RichC
Well-known
I find carbon fibre tripods as durable as aluminium ones - unsurprisingly, they scuff and scratch more easily than metal ones. Like the OP, initially I was a little concerned about this, but so far (after 6 years' use) it seems just cosmetic. So, I've long given up worrying and use mine without babying it. Occasionally it gets stripped down, cleaned, and screws checked and tightened.
I've been through several tripods and heads, which has taught me a few things - some perhaps useful to others:
General stuff:
Like many, I wasted money on cheap tripods and heads that weren't fit for purpose. I went through a lot of ballheads. Cheap ones are useless trash - poor design, poor build quality, poor materials... they break, wear out and are awkward to use (rough movement, sudden release). Mid-priced ballheads are obviously better - but all suffer from one common problem: droop! You adjust the camera, then let go, and the weight of the camera makes the ballhead drop slightly, changing your composition fractionally. I compose right to the frame edge, so this is immensely annoying. After buying several random and useless ballheads, my local camera shop allowed me try out various ones, some costing several hundred pounds. My ideal was the Manfrotto Hydrostatic Ball Head: a joy to use as you can move the camera precisely with little effort, and when you let go the camera stays put with zero droop,, but it's bulky, heavy and costly (0.75 kg (1.5 lb), $300).
I bought a Sirui K-30X, as that was better than most, including some costing hundreds of pounds more. The Sirui still suffers from a small amount of droop. A couple of years ago I found a used Manfrotto Hydraulic Ball Head at good price, so I'm now happy!
As for legs, I currently use two: a Giottos Silk Road and a Manfrotto 055 XPRO4, both carbon fibre. The Giottos weighs 1.25 kg (2.75 lb), and the Manfrotto about twice that. The Manfrotto is the better tripod by far (esp. build quality and materials), but with my head it weighs about 3 kg (6 lb), and is too exhausting too carry all day as well as all my other camera stuff - so I usually take my Giottos, which is a good enough.
The Giottos tripod:
I've been through several tripods and heads, which has taught me a few things - some perhaps useful to others:
General stuff:
- You get what you pay for! Cheap, light tripod legs are wobbly, short, and don't do their job - they will also soon break!
- Weight: carrying any tripod, esp. all day or over rough ground, is a pain (sometimes literally). You have to trade sturdiness against lightness: you'll make excuses to leave a heavy tripod at home, plus it takes the joy out of photography!
- Height: get a tripod that's eye height when extended without using the centre column (or only a little if necessary - if you're tall, or trading height for cost, etc.). Using the centre column slows you down, and will wobble and sway if extended more than a few inches.
- Speed: you need to be able to quickly use the tripod. So, it has to be fast to extend: as few legs extensions as possible, with locks that are easy to use. Some tripods have part-extension marks on their legs, which can make extending legs part way and equally faster (I added these with paint).
- Speed again: don't keep the tripod in your bag when you're photographing: make or buy a tripod strap so you can sling the tripod over your shoulder, ideally partly extended. I sometimes keep my camera attached for extra speed - but that stresses me as I worry it may fall off (though it's never happened!)
- Flexibility: the number of leg extensions has already been mentioned - the fewer there are, the faster a tripod is to use, but more awkward to carry (and will fit in only large suitcases!). Other considerations are legs that lock at varying angles, and a centre column that can be angled. Also think about how these features are implemented: are they fast to use?
- Heads: as with legs, you get what you pay for. A decent head is arguably more important than a decent tripod. Get the best quality head you can afford, and skimp a little on the tripod if you have to.
- Locks: I like snap locks - faster than rings, though bulkier and can snag (bag straps, twigs...).
- Centre column: I would now never buy a tripod without a centre column that can be angled. Not something I use every day but is invaluable when needed (and saves having to "Heath Robinson" a weird tripod angle using sticks, rocks and perhaps gaffer tape!).
- Weight: I find a tripod over 1.5 kg (3 lb) to wearying to carry all day. A decent tripod head tripod head weighs at least 0.5 kg (1 lb).
- Material: carbon fibre, for its lightness (it may seem a lot lighter, but it's very noticeable after a few hours' carrying a tripod!).
- Head: I prefer ballheads for their compactness and ease of use.
Like many, I wasted money on cheap tripods and heads that weren't fit for purpose. I went through a lot of ballheads. Cheap ones are useless trash - poor design, poor build quality, poor materials... they break, wear out and are awkward to use (rough movement, sudden release). Mid-priced ballheads are obviously better - but all suffer from one common problem: droop! You adjust the camera, then let go, and the weight of the camera makes the ballhead drop slightly, changing your composition fractionally. I compose right to the frame edge, so this is immensely annoying. After buying several random and useless ballheads, my local camera shop allowed me try out various ones, some costing several hundred pounds. My ideal was the Manfrotto Hydrostatic Ball Head: a joy to use as you can move the camera precisely with little effort, and when you let go the camera stays put with zero droop,, but it's bulky, heavy and costly (0.75 kg (1.5 lb), $300).
I bought a Sirui K-30X, as that was better than most, including some costing hundreds of pounds more. The Sirui still suffers from a small amount of droop. A couple of years ago I found a used Manfrotto Hydraulic Ball Head at good price, so I'm now happy!
As for legs, I currently use two: a Giottos Silk Road and a Manfrotto 055 XPRO4, both carbon fibre. The Giottos weighs 1.25 kg (2.75 lb), and the Manfrotto about twice that. The Manfrotto is the better tripod by far (esp. build quality and materials), but with my head it weighs about 3 kg (6 lb), and is too exhausting too carry all day as well as all my other camera stuff - so I usually take my Giottos, which is a good enough.
The Giottos tripod: