I second the Berlebach recommendations. I bought myself a Berlebach 3032 for Christmas. It is the model with the leveling ball rather than a center column and I use it without a head for both my 5x7 B&J and my Toyo View G. I really like this setup. Its lighter than my heavy film tripod, heavier duty that my System 1 with ball head, and works for my style. It lets me get very low to the ground (3 inches). I don't go that low often but I do use it quite a bit at 30 of so inches.

As for the Arnold comment, 12lbs, that's not heavy. Hulk my bogen 3033 legs and fluid head around for awhile, especially with a 16mm Arri in the other hand. :-) After over a year of this monstrosity as my standard tripod for LF, the Berlebach is a great alternative.