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Thread: First Tripod Advice

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Jul 2010
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    New Jersey
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    55

    First Tripod Advice

    Hey there. So I finally bought my first 4x5 after extensively using a Horseman Field Camera in college. I wound up buying a Wisner Traditional from John Wilton through this forum. Now, I need to track down a tripod. I literally have no idea where to start except for having very limited budget. I also know I want it to be able to be fairly versatile in terms how high or low it can get (0'-6'?). Other than that I am clueless. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks!

  2. #2
    Format Omnivore Brian C. Miller's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 1999
    Location
    Everett, WA
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    2,997

    Re: First Tripod Advice

    Look for a used tripod. I bought a Bogen 3036 many years ago, and it has been consistently sturdy. I replaced the levels on mine and a couple of parts, and it has always been reliable. Get yourself a good head that will take the weight of your camera. I use a heavy duty pan-tilt head because I also use that tripod with my 8x10.

  3. #3

    Join Date
    Jan 2001
    Posts
    4,589

    Re: First Tripod Advice

    Used TILTALL (made by Leitz). Under $100. 6 pounds with an excellent built-in pan/tilt head. Will last a lifetime. The best combination of price/weight/quality.
    Wilhelm (Sarasota)

  4. #4

    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Hermosillo, Sonora, MEXICO
    Posts
    151

    Re: First Tripod Advice

    another vote for Tiltall, it supports my cambo SC 4x5.
    Héctor Navarro Agraz

  5. #5

    Re: First Tripod Advice

    FEISOL Three-section tripod CT-3371 with Tripod Bag

  6. #6

    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Location
    Jamul, CA
    Posts
    100

    Re: First Tripod Advice

    This may be overkill for a 4x5 but an old Majestic tripod is built like a tank. Weighs 12 pounds and extends to 7.5 feet. Will hold the camera and photographer too! They come up cheap on craigslist and ebay once in a while. I've had mine for 40+ years and love it.

  7. #7
    ki6mf's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Austin, TX
    Posts
    593

    Re: First Tripod Advice

    I use a wood Berlebach. It works and weighs like carbon without the cost. My back up is a used Bogen 3021 I found for $60 or a used Tiltall.

    http://www.berlebach.de/?bereich=firma&sprache=english
    Wally Brooks

    Everything is Analog!
    Any Fool Can Shoot Digital!
    Any Coward can shoot a zoom! Use primes and get closer.

  8. #8

    Join Date
    Jun 2002
    Posts
    9,487

    Re: First Tripod Advice

    The older Tiltall tripods are the best value, look for an American-made one in good condition. Parts are available here:

    http://www.plumeltd.com/tiltall.htm

    Other brands can be good, but for example, I've found that some of the Bogen-Manfrotto products can simply wear out and get loose with time. Anything with plastic parts can get wobbly, etc.

    Baring that, the next significant step up is a mid-level Chinese Carbon Fiber tripod like a Fiesol.

    On the higher end, Ries makes the best wooden ones and Gitzo makes the best modern ones. Sometimes an older used metal Gitzo is a good value but do your research as they made hundreds of models and some are too big or little for your set-up.

  9. #9

    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Posts
    954

    Re: First Tripod Advice

    An important consideration is whether you want one with a center brace. I find them extremely useful for stabilizing the camera on strange slopes, boggy ground or other unusual surfaces. On the other hand, they limit how low you can go with your camera and how much you can spread the legs, and they add weight. Overall, however, I would go for the center brace type. I have had a Manfrotto for 10 years, they are robust and well made. But, you should check nuts every once in a while as they loosen over time.

  10. #10
    LJ Segil
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    Highland Park, IL
    Posts
    619

    Re: First Tripod Advice

    Very happy with my Fiesol, prefer it over the Manfrotto that preceded it.
    Larry

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