Where to find Large format Camera Tripods on a student budget?

[Kirk Fry]

I have used an original Tiltall for over 40 years for all manner of 4X5 cameras. I use a Majestic for my 8X10. The Majestic with head only weighs 19 lb sans camera. I got it cheap from a fellow who was about to have back surgery. If you don't know exactly why you need an 8X10 negative, stick with 4X5.

[sun of sand]

i use an amvona dynatran aluminum tripod
chinese, ebay. one of their cheaper ones, too. $50 shipped. 9lbs. All bogen knockoffs.
I used their $30 3030 clone head with my 3lb tachihara and any lens I had including 90 4.5 and wollensak 15in tele
fine
their weight rating for the head was like 5 lbs. very conservative.


I upgraded to a 3047 I bought here but only to replace a Quickset husky head that kept slipping under a Graflex SLR

I've used it for ..8 years.
I have a Ries Jr I now use with the 3030 for digital/35mm but like the amvona for 4x5. what can i say
they don't seem to do ebay anymore, though

[sun of sand]

knockoff of a bogen 3020
i think it's now called 3021?


mine came with a pistol grip which i threw into the attic

just one more option
old, cheap and sturdy for any 4x5

[Zaitz]

Gitzo studex:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/GITZO-ALUMIN...item35c79b68e6

Head:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gitzo-Ration...item20d26cfb52

[fecaleagle]

I recently bought a 1940s Reis tripod with a SOLID tilt head on ebay for $250. It required a bit of work: replacing the worn brass tubes that pivot the legs, installing eye screws to use in a spread lock system with the 5x7 Ansco, replacing a broken thumb screw that locks one of the leg extensions. I bought this to replace a Marchioni Tiltall when I switched from the Crown Graphic to the Ansco, and the tripod is not fun to hike with, but I'm confident that it can support anything I can put on top of it. I am on a tight budget, but if you can put aside $200 bucks, don't mind putting in a little bit of work, and have enough patience to hold out for a good price, you can end up with something that will get you much further than a Tiltall. If you're just shooting with a Graphic (something under 5 lbs) for the foreseeable future, a Tiltall will suit you just fine. You're buying it second-hand anyway, so if you need something sturdier in 6 months, you'll be able to pass it along and get your money back.

[Bob Salomon]

We from time to time sell off demo models of some of our products, including Berlebach tripods and Giotto Tripods, on our factory store. These are either tripods that we have displayed at shows like PMA or the Photo Plus show, salesman samples that have been returned or discontinued product. Currently we have Berlebach ash wood Report series tripods on our Factory Store at prices starting just over $100.00! All of the demo products available on that site carry the full new warranty in the USA. But they may have a scratch or scuff mark.

There are also some Report versions in Cameo finish for well under $100.00 and some UNI models also at excellent savings.

[Alan Gales]

I bought a very slightly used Berlebach Report 3042 tripod (rated at 22 lbs) with Berlebach head for about $150.00 off Ebay. The head was missing the camera screw. Berlebach sent me a new one for next to nothing.

I prefer Ries for the leg locks but I sure can't say anything negative about the Berlebach plus their built in leveling balls are real nice! You may find you don't need a tripod head with the Berlebach.

[Ian Gordon Bilson]

Back in the day,shooting 16mm sound on film,we used Miller wood tripods,with a levelling head. Light as a "Fever" (feather for you Yankees).
Ball heads for LF are a certain road to frustration and despair.

[Leigh]

Ball heads for LF are a certain road to frustration and despair.

Ain't that the truth.

- Leigh

[bobwysiwyg]

Ain't that the truth.

- Leigh

Here, here! I know, others swear by them. I just happen to swear AT them.