Recommended Tripod Head for 4x5 Field Camera

[Ari]

I would like the video and head performace better with a big lens attached and using a film-holder. Your example video needs more example. Not sold.

Yes, I know After posting it, the first comment I got was "Where's the lens?" And I got the weight of the camera wrong, too.
But I've done the same procedure hundreds of times with a Toyo, a Canham and now a Gibellini; whichever lens I had was never an issue.

I'll take that as a video request, which I obligingly do anytime someone asks for a specific product or feature, so new video coming soon!

[Jac@stafford.net]

I just finished reviving a wasted Ries tripod head. It is my second, about to become my first. I cannot fault it in any way. It is genius.

http://www.riestripod.com/product/the-j250-head/

Uh... I should add that I paid ~$35 for it. New they are so expensive!
.

[lenser]

Ball heads are a lousy choice for large format. I've never yet used one that I could get to zero out on level. The bogen 210 is wonderful for three axis gross and very fine adjustments on a drive type of adjustment system. After that I would suggest the Bogen 3047 but get the version with the padded grips. Those first came out with a very hard plastic handle grip that was truly very painful to use. The padded version is excellent and quite comfortable.

[jnantz]

Attachment 154513
I don't always shoot 4x5, but when I do, I use an old Tiltall tripod.

+1
i use wth some monorail, press/field SLR ( 4x5 ) stuff
its sturdy, built like a rock and usually not too expensive.
mine was purchased at B+H in 1988 and it gets used more than anything else i have. i think it was $89/99 shipped?

bigger cameras .. that need something sturdy/ bigger, so i use a bogen 3047 on one of those wooden tripods
( berlebach? ). also built well, and it takes quick release plates ...
small ones and big ones, depending on what it is you are attaching.

have fun!

[Leigh]

What would you recommend for a tripod head for a 4x5 field camera I recently acquired. ?
I'm leaning toward a ball head, but would appreciate suggestions from more experienced users.

I would recommend anything before a ball head, including...
two blobs of chewing gum...
two pieces of plywood held together by a piece of rope.

But seriously, you'll find adjusting a view camera accurately on one axis at a time is a challenge.
Adjusting on an infinite number of axes (ball head) simultaneously is virtually impossible.

Just one 'tog's opinion.

- Leigh

[Ari]

I would recommend anything before a ball head, including...
two blobs of chewing gum...
two pieces of plywood held together by a piece of rope.

But seriously, you'll find adjusting a view camera accurately on one axis at a time is a challenge.
Adjusting on an infinite number of axes (ball head) simultaneously is virtually impossible.

Just one 'tog's opinion.

- Leigh

Good to see your ornery self back here, Leigh.

[Leigh]

Good to see your ornery self back here, Leigh.

Thank you, Kind Sir.

I shall endeavor to behave myself.

- Leigh

[Alan Gales]

I would recommend anything before a ball head, including...
two blobs of chewing gum...
two pieces of plywood held together by a piece of rope.

But seriously, you'll find adjusting a view camera accurately on one axis at a time is a challenge.
Adjusting on an infinite number of axes (ball head) simultaneously is virtually impossible.

Just one 'tog's opinion.

- Leigh

Welcome back, Leigh. We missed you!

Alan

[Leigh]

Welcome back, Leigh. We missed you!

Alan

Thank you very much, Alan. I appreciate that.

- Leigh

[faberryman]

Thanks for all the responses.