Load capacity wood tripods

[Louie Powell]

Some of have been involved in photography long enough to remember the old advertisments for Bogen tripods (made by Manfrotto) - they featured a picture of Lester Bogen sitting on a platform attached to the top of the tripod, and the text said that tripods that wouldn't meet that test wouldn't carry the Bogen label.

I use a Tiltall with my Zone VI lightweight - it's strength is more than adequate for that camera, and its flexibility/functionality as a tripod is adequate for most situations that don't required getting close to the ground. The price for strength is weight, and it does get heavy afte a few hours of hiking.

I've looked at Berlebach tripods, and I wouldn't be the least bit hesitant to put my camera on one. There is no question in my mind that they are strong enough.

You know, when you visit a brewery, they always give you a free sample at the end of the tour. I wonder if its possible to get a tour of the Berlebach factory?

[Bob Salomon]

Louie,

Before Lester sat on the tripods Linhof advertised people walking across their tripods and in 1957 ran shots of a guy sitting on a Linhof tripod while holding an 8x10 Technika III. This might be where Lester got the idea to sit on the Manfrottos.

As for a Berlebach tour? Probably possible but not for a free sample. However they did make and send out some Berlebach ash wood barbeque tongs last year for Christmas.

[Steve Feldman]

Lester didn't look too comfortable sitting atop his pod. Hope he used a quick release plate.

hehe

[CXC]

Beware the splaying problems that Jan mentions. Note that non-stopped legs, common on wooden tripods, also make setup and levelling more difficult. Wood is pretty, though.

[Paul Ewins]

I guess it depends on the model, but my Berlebach (a 2022 I think) has a rotating cam at the top of each leg that determines how far the leg can splay out. From memory there are three settings: 30 degrees, 45 degrees and unlimited movement.

[Kevin Klazek]

I have the Berlebach 3002 which is rated for 12 kg (26 lbs). It is rock solid and of high quality. I would highly recommend the product. I got mine from the Canadian distributor
Rob Skeoch at bigcameraworkshops.com. Rob carries them in a nut brown finish that really brings out the beauty of the wood.

[Greg Lockrey]

Actually for a given weight in wood is stronger than the same weight in steel.

[Capocheny]

Morten,

In the past short while, I've seen Berlebach pods supporting 8x10 cameras without any problems whatsoever. IIRC, it was a model 3402. So, it'll certainly support your Zone VI without a sneeze!

IIRC, the 3402 has markings on the legs, which should make leveling the pod a lot easier than it would be without the markings.

I'd gladly vouch for Rob Skeoch [www.bigcameraworkshops.com]... he's a great guy to deal with and will look after your requirements with a smile!

I'm currently using one of the lightweight (being facetious here ) aluminum pods (Manfrotto 475B with a 405 head)... so, I'm seriously thinking of buying one of these babies!

Cheers

[Bruce Schultz]

I've owned a Berlbach and Wolf. The Berlbach is better. More adjustments, and I think it is steadier.

[Morten]

Thanks! ALL for your kind advices..

For the past year+, I have owned the Berlebach Reporter 3032 (single extenstion legs and built-in ballhead) Its Stable and also very good looking!! even with the Wizard 8x10 og the 5x7 Afga Ansco. Goes on the outside of my backpack. I picked the tripod up at a very good price from the German ebay site (less shipping cost than from the US)

Best Regards
Morten