Ries Junior and Arca swiss?

[Ken Kapinski]

I picked up a Ries "Junior" model over the weekend at the used camera store. The story told to me was, somebody won it and didn't want it. So it is as new and I got it for 199 bucks, seems like a good deal. I tried to find info on it but did not see it on the Ries website. It feels more than sturdy enough for my Shen-Hao TZ45-IIB, but what about a 12lb Horseman monorail? When did Ries stop making this model?

Also, I will be putting my Arca Swiss B1e on it. This is the non-panning head. However, it has developed a little bit of play in the body where a panning one would pan. Anybody have any thoughts on how to tighten this up, or should I send it in for service. Thanks

Ken

[Walter Calahan]

http://www.riestripod.com/tripics.htm#tri1

The J100 is still a very popular tripod.

http://www.riestripod.com/tripod.htm

Should be fine for most 4x5 cameras.

Don't know about the Arca head.

[John Schneider]

I have a Ries Jr. as well, and based upon the crown dia. I assume it should hold as much as a Ries model C, or 14 lbs.

[Eric Brody]

I cannot comment on the tripod issue but I used Precision Camera Works in Chicago when my Arca B1's panning would not lock securely. They repaired it well. http://www.precisioncameraworks.com/

Good luck.

Eric

[Ken Kapinski]

Thanks for the replies. I slid the Horseman on the Ries today and I think it will work out fine, at least as good as my old tripod. Eric, thanks for the link. I will probably give them a call sometime this week.

Ken

[Peter De Smidt]

Hi Ken,

Nice snag on the tripod. I agree with Eric. Have Bob at precision cameraworks fix the Arca. He's the official Arca repair place in the US, and he does great work for a reasonable amount.

[Peter Spangenberg]

Hi Ken-
Sounds like you already have your answer, but I wanted to chime in. I bought a Ries Jr. off this forum intending to use it with my 5x7 Deardorff. I also got a J-250 head. The tripod worked great so I figured I'd give it a try with the 8x10 Deardorff (12.5 lbs). I use this camera with a packard shutter box, a universal iris clamp and some pretty heavy lenses (often extended pretty far). To my surprise, this "Jr" tripod has supported the weight quite nicely. I haven't had a problem yet, and it's a lighter load than my normal 8x10 tripod. BTW, I debated the cost of the head for some time, but finally broke down and have no regrets (I found a like new one on the bay).