CF Tripod choices

[Kevin Crisp]

Don't miss the pre-order activity.

[Greg Lockrey]

I ordered mine directly from the factory in China and recieved it four days later here in Michigan. I ordered a RSS Ball head from California the same day and waited two weeks.

[Darryl Baird]

I had a Velbon Carmagne that broke (in a leg joint) and Velbon/Hakuba replaced it (for free although I wasn't the original owner!) with a Hakuba 503X. The specifications are similar to the current (?) Carmagne 630 at 25 lbs maximum. I switched out the rinky-dink tilt-head with an inexpensive tilt head from Calumet (7061, 3-way) and it's doing fine with my Wista 45sp. FWIW, KEH has the 630 and 640 for $299 and $309 respectively -- that's better than B&H or anyone else I can find. If i was lookig for a replacement the 630 or 640 would be my choice.

At three pounds it's a keeper, but might not work with heavier cameras.

[John Powers]

For those of you who have bought a Feisol:
What amount or % duty if any have you had to pay?
What size screw goes into the camera base, 1/4, 3/8 or a surprise?
If 3/8" would it support any heavy duty head, specifically a Gitzo 1570M?

The comment on the site about air pressure in the leg sections gets my interest. Do you have to wait a few seconds for each section? I am wondering if you have to pack a lunch to wait out four sections times three legs?

Brian, Is there any reason this wouldn't support a 12# camera 7x17, 3# lens and film holder. Several friends with this rig use a Gitzo 1325. Is there any reason other than cost that you didn't replace the 1325 with the newer version Gitzo?

Thanks all.

John

[Greg Lockrey]

I didn't pay any duty but that was a year ago before the US declared a trade war on the Chinese, just $40.00 to transport it here. The legs are air cusioned but you are strong enough to push/pull them with no problem.

[Adam Kavalunas]

Greg, what size screws did yours come with, the standard 1/4 and 3/8? Also, is there any way to hang a pack on the tripod if i dont buy the center column?

[Ted Harris]

I don't want to hijack this thread so see my new thread on the Feisol 3441.

[Greg Lockrey]

Greg, what size screws did yours come with, the standard 1/4 and 3/8? Also, is there any way to hang a pack on the tripod if i dont buy the center column?

I ordered the center column. I believe it has both, one of those 3/8-1/4" combo bolts. Camera is set up in the studio and I'm a little too lazy to dismantle it right now. I use the 3/8" bolt for my RSS Ball Head. The standard plate still came with the pod, but it's just a 3/8" bolt. There is no hook with just the plate. The column is worth the extra expense. My 3471 extends over my head with the column and I'm 6'00".

[Greg Lockrey]

Ted just got his 3441. Ted, did you have to pay any duty?

[Ted Harris]

Nope, no duty and same experience with speed as others ... I got it in 4 days. BTW, they are very good about correspondence too.

Mine came with to1/4 to 3/8adaptors and a screw in hook ....