Tripod head for 8x10

[sergiofigliolia]

Hi all, I just got an 8x10 field camera. It weighs about 4kg.
My tripod is a Manfrotto 055 and it's ok.
But the problem is my 410 Junior head isn't.
It shakes quite a bit.
I was thinking of either getting a second hand Gitzo 3 way head. I found a very old one for 100 euros
or a manfrotto levelling base (338) but then I'd still need a panorama head to rotate once levelled. Any suggestion on panorama head?
I am not keen on ballheads although they look steady and light.
I know FLM does ones in which you can only unlock tilt so it must be like having a 3 way head...

[mathieu Bauwens]

Hello,

I have a FLM ballhead 48 FTR and my Kodak 2D 8x10 is secure on it.

[sergiofigliolia]

Thanks!
I just realised though that even the FLM FTR ballheads are not really 3 way ballheads...you can lock tilt but not in 2 directions

[Ari]

The FLM ball heads with tilt lock are regular ball heads that also have the ability to lock up the L-R axis.
This permits movement of the ball on one axis only, the front-to-back axis.
With the tilt lock applied, it behaves like a 2-way head, but it's not a real 2-way head, it's an added feature that has practical applications.
A YouTube search will turn up a couple of videos showing the feature and how to use it properly.

[sergiofigliolia]

The FLM ball heads with tilt lock are regular ball heads that also have the ability to lock up the L-R axis.
This permits movement of the ball on one axis only, the front-to-back axis.
With the tilt lock applied, it behaves like a 2-way head, but it's not a real 2-way head, it's an added feature that has practical applications.
A YouTube search will turn up a couple of videos showing the feature and how to use it properly.

Exactly so I am leaning towards a levelling base + a basic panoramic head.
Any experience with this setup? (possibly from 8x10 users)

[Keith Pitman]

If you like the 410, there was a larger version, the 405. I don't think they are available new any more, but you should be able find on the used market.

[sergiofigliolia]

If you like the 410, there was a larger version, the 405. I don't think they are available new any more, but you should be able find on the used market.

Thanks Keith, I have considered it but it is too expensive (at least Euro 400) and it just(!) supports up to 7.5kgs. My setup is slightly lighter. This tells me it is not stable enough if I compare to other solutions like the ones I suggested above (15kgs).

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[Michael Kadillak]

I shoot a lot of 8x10 with cameras that folks here would consider a bit on the heavy side and have tried any number of tripod heads. I have used ball heads and dial heads and Ries and Majestic platform heads and with 8x10 I find the three way individual control arm heads such as the Manfrotto 3039 to be the easiest and most efficient for me. I like the levels on both sides of the base, the quick release plate that is solid and locks down quickly and firmly as well as controlling and locking down rotation, fore and aft movements individually. Keep an eye on the used market. I found an identical Manfrotto 410 tripod with the 3039 head in like new condition local on a reselling listing and keep it as a backup.

[neil poulsen]

. . . I find the three way individual control arm heads such as the Manfrotto 3039 to be the easiest and most efficient for me.

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.

[sergiofigliolia]

Thanks Neil!
Your experience is very precious!