I'm new to LF - opinions on tripods wanted

[gaylandd]

I just purchased my first LF camera (Linhof Color Kardan 45S - still waiting for it to arrive) and I am looking at several tripods on e-bay and would like opinions.

The first is a SUNRAY "large format" tripod w/9x6 1/2" platform head. I don't have any details on it, but it looks very heavy.

Next is a Manfrotto 3021BN w/Manfrotto 3030 head. The Manfrotto is a little shorter than I might like (I'm 6'2") and I am not sure how sturdy it will be for the Linhof (8+ pounds).

The last one is a Giottos MT8180 w/a MH-3000 head and Manfrotto 394 base plate. It looks like it would be a good choice.

any opinions or thoughts?

[Bill_1856]

Look on ebay for used TILTALL tripods (get the ones made by Leitz/Leica). Less than $100, weigh only 6# complete with built-in pan/tilt head, built like a Russian tank, will last a lifetime. The head matches perfectly with the base of the 45S Linhof.

[Jim Jones]

Look on ebay for used TILTALL tripods (get the ones made by Leitz/Leica). Less than $100, weigh only 6# complete with built-in pan/tilt head, built like a Russian tank, will last a lifetime. The head matches perfectly with the base of the 45S Linhof.

Even my Tiltall with Star-D, not Leitz, label has served me well for about 35 years with up to 5x7 cameras and up to 21" lenses. I've heard the new Tiltall tripods are made overseas. These may have the great Tiltall engineering, if not the traditional American production qualities.

[JW Dewdney]

Look on ebay for used TILTALL tripods (get the ones made by Leitz/Leica). Less than $100, weigh only 6# complete with built-in pan/tilt head, built like a Russian tank, will last a lifetime. The head matches perfectly with the base of the 45S Linhof.

I wouldn't put a colour kardan on a tiltall...! They're great tripods - but that's a heavy sucker...!

[Frank Petronio]

Look for a matching Linhof Professional for around $150. A lot of tripod for the money and it will keep the proper uber atitude when the going gets tough.

Don't cheap out!

[Nick_3536]

The last one is a Giottos MT8180 w/a MH-3000 head and Manfrotto 394 base plate. It looks like it would be a good choice.

any opinions or thoughts?

Is that the CF model? IIRC it's less then 1lb lighter then the heavy metal model. Never made any sense to me.

[Ted Harris]

I can't speak to the specific tripods you mentioned but cn tell you that some recommended here are way too light for your camera. The Kardan Color 45S is a solid, heavy rail camera and needs a lot of tripod for stability, even with minimum bellows extension. Bob Salomon may weigh in with the actual weight of the camera but my memory is that it is around 15 pounds (I used one for years). As a rule of thumb you want a tripod that that can handle at least double the weight of your camera. I used to use a heavy old Davis and Sanford tripod that could easily handle a truck.

[steve simmons]

Welcome to large format. Now that you have taken the plunge may I suggest some reading

User's Guide to the View Camera by Jim Stone
Using the View Camera that I wroe
Large Format Nature Photography by Jack Dykinga

check your local library

Also, the Free Articles section of the View Camera web site
www.viewcamera.com

When you ask for an opinion here you will get a different one for each responder. Go back and ask them how they use their recommended piece of equipment and what they can compare it to. This will give you more context for their opinion and help you decide what will work for you.

If you are close enough to Portland there is a community photo goup there with several large format people. Join up and you will get a lot of help.

steve Simmons
publisher, View Camera magazine

[Walter Calahan]

When it comes to tripods, get a damn good one that can take the weight.

[Ron Marshall]

Whatever you buy, as Ted mentioned, make sure it is rated to handle about twice the weight of camera + lens + head; that way it will definately be stable.

If you will use it away from a car, or hike with it, then pay the money for Carbon fiber; every hike you will thank yourself a thousand times if you do and curse yourself a thousand times if you don't.

Gitzo CF are expensive, but good. Check for used at KEH Camera Brokers and Midwest Photo Exchange.