Tripod suggestions?

[cosmonot]

I'm itching to get some more gear for the spring, and the one thing I don't have is a good, sturdy tripod. It will mostly be for medium format work with a 2x3 Graflex or 6x4.5/6x6 SLRs, but eventually I'd like to be able to use a 4x5 press camera on it when the opportunity arises. Maybe some long lens 35mm stuff too.

Heavy doesn't scare me, and it sounds like I want something that will get up to eye-level (I'm ~6'2" in my bare feet) without using the center column. Landscape/nature & studio type work is what I hope to be using it for, keeping it around for an eventual drive back to the west coast later this year.

At the moment my budget is ~$150, which seems to put me squarely in the "used" market. I have no particular brand preferences, other than already having a Bogen/Manfrotto QR head on my monopod.

Anyone have any recommendations? Any features I should look for, or avoid? Any horror stories about adapting newer tripod heads to older tripods?

 

[JeffGreene]

I like my Gitzo Explorer. It's not one of the carbon ones, but the old aluminum leg model. I've had it for years and I use it comfortably with my B&J 4 X 5, Mamiya 6 and 330F, and my 35 MM and digital cameras. I've seen them advertised in your price range on Craigslist and elsewhere. It's not light, and with a counterweight is relatively wind proof within reason. Good luck on your quest. 🙂

 

[FPjohn]

Hello:

I can second the suggestion of a Gitzo explorer. A cost effective alternative for a very rigid but not compact tripod is a Wolf/Berlebach without a centre post.
http://www.wooden-tripods.com/
http://www.wooden-tripods.com/compact.htm

yours
FPJ

 

[cosmonot]

Thanks for the pointer to the Gitzo Explorer line, I'll add that one to my 'short list' of models I'm keeping an eye out for. Good stuff seems pretty sparse on Craigslist around here... But buying local probably the best idea so I can avoid the hassle and cost of shipping.