Currently designated as the 229, I've used this head for years. It has the advantage of being a quick-release system that use Manfrotto's hexagonal plates. With a maximum capacity of 26 lbs, this head would have no problem supporting your light-weight 9 lbs camera.
https://www.manfrotto.us/3d-super-pr...h-safety-catch
No longer made, a 3297 4"x4" plate that's compatible with the 3039 would be the ideal plate for your field 8x10.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...ase_Plate.html
They're hard to find, but well worth the effort. In the meantime, the regular hexagonal plate would work acceptably well.
Another possibility is the 030UNIV universal plate that's also been discontinued.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...nal_Quick.html
They're easier to find than the 3297.
I tried all three on my now sold Deardorff V8. While the standard hexagonal plate works OK, I preferred the increased surface area of the other two plates.
I've had a couple of the low-profile, Series 5 heads, and they're a pain to use. They provide good support. But, it's awkward having to screw the camera onto the head each time.
Thanks Neil!
Your experience is very precious!
Hello from France, Sergio!
Since now Manfrotto and Gitzo belong to the same European group I'll not comment on the relative merits of one against the other on a US-based forum "You need both", Manfrotto, AND Gitzo"
I second Peter de Smidt's advice, and I'll add that in France, used alumin(i)um series 4 or series 5 Gitzo tripods can be found ocasionnally, are rock-solid, and spare parts are available if necessary.
The low-profile series 5 3-way head Ref. 1570 is still available as new, I prefer the low-profile ones to the classical "têtes Gitzo rationnelles" which are higher. I have the smaller 1370 (now discontinued), suitable for a 4x5" but probably not for a 8x10" camera.
What I like very much with the GItzo 3-way head is the ultra-large, so comfortable platform covered with cork, able to take almost anything with a 1/4" or 3/8" screw.
Gitzo has on catalogue very convenient brass screw with large "ears", I have both the 1/4" and the 3/8". Those screws are an absolute must-have!
Good luck!
and I am actually your neighbour. I know Manfrotto bought Gitzo. I am keen to try the Gitzo low profile series 5 head although the idea to screw everytime the camera to the tripod head is not encouraging as I am used to quick release. But somehow I can take also this as part of the lower speed process of 8x10 as compared to 4x5 shooting :-)
as I am used to quick release.
So do I my, with my Gitzo 1370 [same for 1570], my quick-release clamp is attached to the Gitzo platform by the Gitzo screw mentioned above : the Gitzo platform can take anything ... including a quick-release clamp
Or you can easily modify the head, as per the video posted earlier.
“You often feel tired, not because you've done too much, but because you've done too little of what sparks a light in you.”
― Alexander Den Heijer, Nothing You Don't Already Know
Can I assume that the Manfrotto 400 is over kill for you? I just got one this week for my 8x10 and it is awesome. I also have the 405 which I use for lighter equipment.
The 400 is very nice. A bit on the heavy side, though.
“You often feel tired, not because you've done too much, but because you've done too little of what sparks a light in you.”
― Alexander Den Heijer, Nothing You Don't Already Know
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