strong economy tripod?

[David Van Gosen]

I've just acquired a really clean Burke & James Orbit 8x10 field camera. It's the same as an aluminum Calumet C1. My current tripod is only rated to thirteen pounds. Are there any economical tripods that can hold twenty pounds or so? I see a few surveyor's tripods on eBay. Would one of them be strong enough? I know I'd have to adapt the threads. I'm spending enough on the camera, lens and film holders, so a new Ries isn't an option at the moment. I'm not too concerned about weight, either.

Thanks, David

[tribby]

look for a used bogen 3058...

got mine at mpex,

me

[Andre Noble]

Better to wait for a strong economy, then buy a Gitzo CF.

[Alan Davenport]

Some of the surveyor's tripods will do a fantastic job. You will have to spend some time tinkering with getting a camera tripod head on it, as the threads will not match. You might check Home Depot, Lowe's, etc. Sears has an aluminum contractor's tripod for about $70 that might be worth looking at.

You'll have to modify a contractor/surveyor tripod to accept a camera head, as the threads will not match.

[Mike Davis]

The Belebach 3032 should work. It's not as cheap as the surveyors tripods though.

[Dave Moeller]

I use the Berlebach 3032 with my Calumet C1. With an APO-Nikkor 480mm f/9 process lens, Packard shutter, and film holder all in place, the camera doesn't even begin to tax the capabilities of the tripod.

[Bruce Batchelor]

I bought a rock-solid surveyors tripod at a specialty shop and put a Manfroto 3029 on top. This will hold more than 20 pounds and does not jiggle. It really is not very heavy either. The tripod has mean clawed feet that will not slip, and for indoor work you can take some heavy 1/2" foam padding. Total cost $US less than $200.

[Nick_3536]

Giottos 9180 is rated at 26 pounds. About $160 or so US. Even has a built in head.

[David Van Gosen]

Thanks for all the help.

I'll figure something out in the next week or so.

[David Richhart]

If weight is not a problem, you can probably find a decent Majestic tripod on Ebay in the $100 range. With the large geared head it an extremely steady machine.