New tripod

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noah b

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Hey all, I'm considering acquiring a new tripod. Mostly I'll be using a Mamiya 7 and a 4x5 for the next few months. My main camera is the 7. What is the best tripod combo for this that isn't too expensive?
 
Gitzo. Not cheap but the best. My Gitzo Studex seemed like a lot of money when I bought it about 35 years ago but it's still in great shape. My ex got the smaller Gitzo Reporter as part of the divorce settlement but it's about 5 years older and still in use. Get the Studex for medium format or 4x5.
 
I'll second Al with Gitzo - but if you have the $$ - go for the carbon fibre. I have the GT3531S Gitzo CF6X Systematic 3 Tripod and it is superb - might also look at the GT1531 Gitzo CF6X Mountaineer 1 tripod - or something in between
The aluminum ones are cheaper but weigh considerably more - but if you don't plan on hiking around with it - then go for the aluminum models.
All need heads
 
I have a solid full size Gitzo (aluminum) and, yes its good and strong - and was expensive. Earlier this year I bought a similar sized Mamiya brand carbon fibre for less than what I paid for the aluminum Gitzo 7 years ago. Certainly would recommend it...
 
I have a Gitzo G1228 MKII fibre tripod which I use with a series of cameras, including my Leica and Makina. The Makina is heavier than the My7. The G1228 provides excellent stability and folds compact (4 sections) for travel. Very light.

Originally the G1228 sold for $700 but can be had for $300-350 used. This is an investment you really want to think thru properly. Recently a guy wrote his expensive camera came crashing down when his cheap tripod flipped over. My first tripod was a Bogen 1224, very nice but on the heavier side and not for travel or trekking. fifteen years later it works fine -- paid $100 for that one and used it for years with my Hasselblad without issue.
 
To add stability to any tripod wrap the strap of your camera bag around the center post just above the legs. The extra weight helps. It also makes it nearly impossible for somebody to grab the bag and run off with it.
 
During my late-period SLR involvement (around 1996-7), I decided my tripod setup needed an upgrade (had a well-worn Slik M505), and got a Manfrotto 3205G tripod (with 3265 pistol-grip QR head), and quickly followed that up with a Manfrotto 3216 monopod (with ProBall 308RC QR head), the first mono I've ever owned. Since ditching the SLR setup for my Hexars, these 'pods get somewhat infrequent use (they get a bit more mileage since getting the Sigma 21-35 zoom for my OM-2), but when I need them, I'm glad I have them. They aren't as light as CF, but they're lighter than a lot of "serious" tri-/monopods I borrowed back in the day, and they're built to last the better part of forever, and I bought both of them, with the fancy heads, for less than a decent CF tripod sans head of any kind.


- Barrett
 
Last year I bought a Gitzo 2941 (4-segment basalt legs) and use it with a Gitzo 1177 ball head. I also have a Gitzo 1376 head but it is really heavy and the small 1177 is stable enough for my Hasselblad C/M 500 with 80/2.8 Planar.
 
2-series gitzo is the best option, assuming your 4x5 is a field camera. feisol would be my second choice.

i've never heard of p&b. google turned up pottery barn tripods...:)
 
The "best" for me is the Velbon EL Carmagne 540 carbon fiber. I use it with all my cameras including a 4x5 Crown Graphic. It weighs under 4lbs and is less than 2' long when collapsed. Velbon says it will hold up to about 8 lbs. The Velbon 640 goes to 13 lbs and is a pound heavier, if that is a concern.

I own a much heavier aluminum Manfrotto but I don't like carrying it too far from the car which very much limits its utility.
 
Gitzo for sure! Mine has supported everything from a P&S to a Linhof 617 without a problem - ever. Yes they cost a bit but mine still looks new and it's about 12 years old.
If you are getting a 4x5 be sure to put great thought into your choice of ball head. Basically your camera is held in place by the turnscrew that goes against the ball.

Steve
 
noah booshu said:
Have you guys ever heard of P&B tripods? They look like they'd hold up well.
Click to expand...
Do you have any info on P&B and their current status? I inherited a P&B #1110 tripod after my Dad passed earlier this year. The collar which locks the rotation is broken. It looks to be made of cast metal so I don't think it can be welded. I have searched the internet and can't really find any info about this tripod in particular, or even the company in general.

I'd like to find some information about the brand and the model. I'm also looking for idea of where I could find what I need to fix this, or does anyone know if a new head could mount to this. (I presume the rotation lock is part of the head...)
 
I have a Manfrotto 055cx3 (not the Pro cx3 which is supposed to be less stable) and it seems VERY sturdy. It is however quite heavy even though its carbon fibre (CF) but I got CF because it felt significantly stronger (legs don't flex at all while the aluminum one did) and its supposed to dampen vibration better. It was under $400 at B&H. However I will be picking a more compact gitzo 1 series traveller next summber before I do any travelling because of the size difference. The 055 doesn't fold down very compact at all.

I would reccomend this article before you buy a tripod. Its full of good advice http://bythom.com/support.htm

Oh and I use a really right stuff (RRS) ballhead and quick release (QR) plates which is probably just as important as the tripod. I used my dad's tripod without QR for a while. It did alot of sitting at home. I use the tripod alot more now with a good ballhead. Also I love Manfrotto for everything but Ballheads, avoid their ballheads like the plague
 
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I have been very happy with my Induro tripod and Really Right Stuff ballhead.
When I looked at the legs in the shop the Induro legs seemed as well made as Gitzo for less mony, but their ball heads were anywhere near as not as nice as the RRS.

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Hasselblad 500C/M with an HC-4 prism viewfinder, a Carl Zeiss Planar 80mm f/2.8 T* CF lens, and a Markins P60H Arca Plate on a Induro AT313 tripod with a Really Right Stuff BH55 Ball Head and Arca Mount

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A Fuji GSW690II with a Henjar D-004 Arca Plate on a Induro AT313 tripod with a Really Right Stuff BH55 Ball Head and Arca Mount
 
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