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Thread: 4X5 Tripod

  1. #1

    Join Date
    May 2005
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    4X5 Tripod

    A year ago I bought a Gitzo 1327 tripod for use with my new Arca Swiss Discovery.
    Is there a lighter tripod, suitable for the camera?

  2. #2

    Join Date
    Feb 2005
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    2,955

    Re: 4X5 Tripod

    I use the Gitzo 1227 for my Sinar F1, which is about the same weight camera; it is sturdy enough with a good head.

  3. #3
    Daniel Geiger
    Guest

    Re: 4X5 Tripod

    I use an Arca F-line 4x5 and have both the 1327 and the 1228. I consider the 1228 to be too light, for most occasions. It is ok for 35 mm, though I tend to use the 1327 for that as well these days. You may get away with it for very easy shots, i.e., camera pointing at horizon, no wind, steady ground, short shutter speed (say < 1/60s). You can add a bit of stability if you hang some weight from the tripod hook, but make sure that the weights (e.g., camera bag) is not moving.

    Given all of the above, why risk a blurry image?

  4. #4

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    Re: 4X5 Tripod

    Thanks for the responses. B&H in NY claims some of the newer Gitzo's, have reinforced legs, allowing for smaller diameter and less weight. It seemed like a little marketing endeavor on their part. It looks like I stick with the 1327.

  5. #5
    naturephoto1's Avatar
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    Re: 4X5 Tripod

    Hi Terry,

    With some degree of care and using some added weight on the hook one one of the 1227/1228/1257/1258/1257LVL/1258LVL you can use a lighter tiripod. I am posting a photo (posted before) taken with my Linhof Technikardan 45S, Nikon f11 500mm ED T lens, Provia 100 1/8 sec, f32. Tripod original Gitzo 1228 with Arca Swiss B1 Ball (no added weight). Image taken in Rocky Mountain National Park between gusts of wind (a bit windy). Needed rear tilts to hold focus of approximately 1/4 mile across Bear Lake to the moon. Any longer exposure and the moon would have moved.

    Digitally scanned and printed (Chromira and LightJet). The 40" X 50" copy is almost as sharp as the 24" X 30" copy. Must stand back about 2-3 feet for the larger copy. Image used by Bogen Photo/Gitzo Tripods.

    Today I opt for the Gitzo 1257LVL for lighter traveling with my Linhof Technikardan 45S or Toho Shimo FC-45X. Also now use Markins M20 or Markins Q3 Emille heads. Closer to the vehicle I use my 13XX series tripod.

    Rich
    Last edited by naturephoto1; 29-Aug-2007 at 08:42.
    Richard A. Nelridge

    http://www.nelridge.com

  6. #6

    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    Denver, CO
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    Re: 4X5 Tripod

    Quote Originally Posted by Terry Hull View Post
    Thanks for the responses. B&H in NY claims some of the newer Gitzo's, have reinforced legs, allowing for smaller diameter and less weight. It seemed like a little marketing endeavor on their part. It looks like I stick with the 1327.
    Actually the 6X ALR G-Lock Gitzos (3530 compares quite well to your 1327, which is two generations prior) do incorporate both stronger and thinner-walled carbon fiber tubes decreasing weight. At the same time the G-Lock leg locks are more rigid than their previous generations, so to some degree you might consider moving up a series to the 2. I never have worried about the weight of my Toyo, more the sail area. I would stick with what you have.

    Stew

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