Tripod recommendations w/RF camera?

[MacDaddy]

Anyone have a recommendation for a tripod and/or head to use with a Bessa R3M? I currently have a Manfrotto 3001N with a Manfrotto 3265 "trigger" ballhead and the mounting plate interfers with my ability to focus the lens because of its size. (At least on my old R3A, which is similiar to my soon-coming R3M!)
Appreciate any suggestions for reasonably affordable solutions.

 

[JohnM]

I use a Velbon Maxi 343E.

Basically, it's extremely light at a little over a pound and a half and it still extends to 62". All metal, rubber feet with metal spikes if you need them. It has a maximum capacity of about 3 pounds which isn't a factor with a rangefinder.

I like it because it's so portable and that it doesn't weigh me down if I'm looking to travel light.

I think I paid in the neighborhood of $80 for it.

 

[Finder]

It depends how tall you are, but...

Manfrotto carbon fiber tripod (441) with a short center column and a Velbon magnesium alloy ball head PH253. Personally, I don't like quick-plate systems. This combination has been my "ideal" support system for a while after going through a bunch of Manfrotto and Gitzo tripods and monopods. It is not perfect as the Velbon head does not grip the camera as tightly as I would like - it is steady, but the camera can rotate on the screw if I bump the camera. But this is the smallest and lightest ball head that can support my 6x6 and 6x12 cameras. I find a tripod must raise the camera to eye level to be the most use - too low and it is too limiting, higher and the extra height goes unused. The tripod needs to be as light as possible or it is left home more often than it should. I personally like fewer leg sections as possible as it makes it easier to set up and I perfer lever locks to collar locks for the same reason.

There is no perfect tripod. But the best tripod is the one you use. You need to look at the way you work and find the support that will offer the fewest compromises. A few points. There does not seem to be a universal standard among tripod companies to determine load limits. The load limit of the tripod does not include the head, so large heavy heads are reducing the camera load. Because of torque, long lenses or cameras with a large surface areas (ex. view cameras) also impact the "true" load. But the established tripod manufacturers are fairly honest and their products can be trusted, especially recommendations for camera types.

 

[Finder]

Like cameras and lenses, tripods are an investment. Get the best you can afford.

 

[MacDaddy]

I'm about 5'8" tall, for what it's worth. I should re-phrase my question somewhat-primarily, I'm looking to find a compact, good ballhead to go on the tripod I have, although it's somewhat bulky as well. My prime interests are landscape/nature photography, which is why the use of a tripod! Being 57, it also helps when I can cut down some weight on what I have to lug around!
I've thought about a Gitzo reporter or Mountaineer carbon fiber and an Acratech ball head, because of weight vs. load ability (Shoot! They'd almost support MY 200 pounds!) and I KNOW the Acratech has a very compact model—I just don't have the $4-600 the combo would cost right now! Perhaps used? And then, where to get them other than evilbay? Thoughts? ideas? Suggestions? Drink less coffee so I can hand-hold without shaking so much?

 

[Finder]

Yes, keeping away from coffee will steady things. But then you need another source of inspiration.

I have used many Velbon ball heads. They have worked very well with all the formats I use from 35mm to 4x5. They don't have the WOW factor as an Acrahtech either aesthetically or financially, but they do the job and I don't worry about beating them up.

I would get a ball head rated for the load you will use. While it seems to be the "thing" in the States to buy a ball head rated for 200lb to carry a 2lb camera, I don't see the point of carrying the weight of the head. There are two ways of thinking about this. Get a head with the same rating as the tripod (just coz the head can hold 200lb, does not mean the legs can). Or get a head based on the heaviest load you are going to use (not the heaviest you MIGHT use).

 

[peter_n]

Rob, I have a used Gitzo 1228 that cost (I think) $300 from a local dealer here in Boston. I put a Linhof ballhead on it and I will never need another tripod. If I move up to a MF rangefinder like a Mamiya 7 this support will work fine. I think its fine to buy used as long as you get a reputable manufacturer's product. The Gitzos seem to be indestructible.

 

[amateriat]

This is interesting: I have a Manfrotto 3205G tripod with the same head (3265 "trigger" head), and a 3216 monopod/308RC ball head combo; both setups with QR plates. Originally purchased for use with Minolta 9xi SLRs, now used (occasionally) with my Konica Hexar RF bodies (and, once in a while, my old Olympus OM-2n). No problems with any of my cameras thus far. Does the 3265 head impede seriously with your working with the CVs?


- Barrett

 

[sf]

small, light tripod is the way to go.

Ballhead is also the way to go.

I have a Slik (forgot the product name). I carried the thing everywhere for two weeks in Europe, and it was never a burden. It was tall enough for comfortable standing shots, but small enough that I could easily stuff it in my bag's bottom straps and walk around for 10 hours without trouble.

 

[MacDaddy]

Barrett- What the plate forces me to do is grab the lens from the top to focus-an awkward position at best and time consuming to get proper focusing at worst. The trigger grip is great for fast scene setting (as you know!) and I love it for that reason. The only real issue with it is that the mounting plate for such a small camera sticks out about 3/4 inch in front and is too close to the lens to let me grab it from the side or in a "normal" position for focusing. Maybe I'd be better served to look at some kind of spacer plate that would "double mount"-one side to the body and the other to the normal mounting plate.
Peter_N and Finder, I don't need a setup that supports 200 pounds, but I WOULD like to make sure I can eventually move up to medium or large format equipment and keep the same tripod/ballhead setup. (You know, buy once; use many times!)
Thanks to all for your suggestions! I'll continue to explore the options and look at used as well. Gitzo, Slik and Velbon all have excellent reputations and the options are limitless, (Ballheads and tripods and lightweight! Oh MY!) and I'll try to explore used as well. (Any stateside suggestions from the troops?) When I find what I'm seeking, I'll report back and try to attach a photo so you can see the results of your combined efforts!

 

[Traut]

Tripods

Tripods

Check out the Carbon Fiber clones on ebay. I bought a wonderful CF/Alloy for under $150 with case, head, mounting plates, etc.

They are a bargain. There is a good review of them on the net as well. Search Photo Technology Carbon Fiber Tripod

 

[Finder]

Peter_N and Finder, I don't need a setup that supports 200 pounds, but I WOULD like to make sure I can eventually move up to medium or large format equipment and keep the same tripod/ballhead setup. (You know, buy once; use many times!)

The setup I use (see above) handles medium format well (6x6 and 6x12 with lenses up too 150mm). I have used my 4x5 camera on it, but not enough to say it is OK. I think when you hit large format, a new tripod and head is in order. I have a Gitzo and Velbon ball head for my 4x5, but I don't really like to use it when I am with my smaller format cameras - just too large and heavy.

Anyway, good luck. This is a hard thing to buy. I have four tripods myself. They are all different sizes and each has a use.

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

Most of us have mental ambitions with regards to tripods that far exceed our actual vertebral realities. In short, we tend to try to be heroes when it comes to tripods, picking the sturdiest we think we can comfortably live with. Yet, I've always found that you need to halve that expectation by half, if not more, to be truly comfortable. After all, the sturdiest tripod is useless when left at home.

That said, I love the Gitzo G1027 MKII (carbo fiber). It is incredibly light, compact, and easy to carry. I like the ergonomics of the twist collars (as opposed to Manfrotto's clip collars). I pair it with a Manfrotto 484 ballhead. It is expensive, but I believe buying something else is false economy if you have to upgrade later, or worse, simply don't use it.

The best tripod is the one you realistically will carry with consistency. This is one that I do. good luck

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

The Gitzos seem to be indestructible.

I think my Manfrotto tripod is very well made, but Peter is right ... Gitzos are simply indestructible.

 

[peter_n]

If I think I'm going to need my tripod I stick it in a Domke tripod bag and carry it bandolier style. Right now I'm in the process of modifying it, getting a Markins base which will lighten and improve the rigidity of the tripod and also their leg spikes which I may need some day.

 

[FPjohn]

RRS or arca like system

RRS or arca like system

Hello:

I use arca plates from RRS, http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/, to fit every thing from an Exa, M6, and on to an Arca 6x9 with a B2pro clamp on a simple Manfrotto 056 head fitted to a Gitzo 1220. Light, simple and reliable. The plate should (will) never interfere with focusing.

An arca plate/clamp system will make any good head a match for your tripod IMHO.

yours
Frank