Tripod for 8x10 newbie

[campy]

I came across a deal on a Calumet C1 with a Dagor 10 3/4 and 4 film holders for cheap money ($321 inc tax) but I need a tripod and don't want to spend more for the tripod than the camera. I want to stay under $100 so it can be ugly but functional. I just want to dip my toe in right now to see if it's something I would like to continue. I have a Manfrotto that I think will support 14 or 15 lbs but the head is not as much. Would it be too risky to use the legs I have now as long as I only extend one section of the legs and maybe get a head that will hold the camera weight. I think the total weight with lens and holder will be around 23 lbs.

[jp]

You need a rugged tripod for that camera. On the cheap you could use a surveying tripod with no head. But if you invest in a used Ries A series for much more $ you can always sell it when you're done with it or be done with buying big tripods.

[Jim Jones]

Remember, in the old days cameras were often mounted directly on the tripod without a versatile head. It works today, too.

[Luis-F-S]

Get a Ries, but get either the Model A-100 or the J-100-2 depending on which one you find, and a Ries or a Majestic head. Unfortunately, it will cost more than the camera did. You can often find Majestic tripods and heads at the auction site. Get one with a 3/8" camera screw! L

[Greg]

Burke & James made a "Portable Studio Stand" which was just a really simple wooden tripod with a very simple and basic front tilt wooden head platform. Paid only $25.00 for mine years ago. Have seen them lately around for around $50.00 which is a bargain.

[neil poulsen]

Is it the green magnesium version, or the black non magnesium version of the C1? If the latter, it's a heavy camera that needs a heavy tripod. I'd be inclined to poss on both.

[morecfm]

Davis and Sanford floating action model B.
It will handle the camera nicely and if patient close to your price range with an appropriate head.https://www.flickr.com/photos/daveelmore/8898811576/

Just be careful when you release the lock on the vertical shaft and keep your head back from it when doing so. It has enough punch to knock out a heavyweight fighter.

[desertrat]

Another vote for the surveyors tripod. You can get them at places like Home Depot and Lowes. I posted about an adapter platform for mine that supports the whole camera. Very stable and steady.

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?81049-Another-Cheap-Contractor-Tripod-Hack-for-8X10&p=781366&viewfull=1#post781366

[Jac@stafford.net]

I'm with desertrat on this. A machinist friend made me a beautiful 1/4" thick aluminum adapter for a survey tripod. If I had read desertrat's post earlier, I would likely follow his design.

BTW - a heavy duty Zone VI tripod was a cheaply modified wooden surveyor's tripod. Way over-priced.

[Leszek Vogt]

Happen to have one of those survey tripods....and willing to give it away. You can probably stand on it or use it to change oil :>). But, shipping it to your neck of the woods will cost about 1/2 as much as your
810 rig. Yeah, the stinker is heavy.

Les

[campy]

What about a tiltall? It supposed to hold 44 lbs.

[Louis Pacilla]

what about a tiltall? It supposed to hold 44 lbs.

no

[Bob Salomon]

What about a tiltall? It supposed to hold 44 lbs.

Not a chance! Even Oliver, the owner of Tiltall today wouldn’t suggest this!

[Peter De Smidt]

How about this: https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-Aluminum-Quick-Tripod-BT160/dp/B004EIL4R2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1535488796&sr=8-2&keywords=surveyor+tripod

Plus:

https://www.amazon.com/Stabila-07510-Compact-Attachment-Tripods/dp/B01AY0VX9M/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1535488876&sr=8-3-fkmr0&keywords=surveyor+tripod+5%2F8%22+to+3%2F8%22

Yes, there are better tripods.

[Tin Can]

The C1 has 2 base mounting sockets. Don't use the 1/4x20 smaller one. Use the 3/8x16 right beside it.

Look on Craiglist for old video and movie tripods. Local.

[Louis Pacilla]

Hey Campy

You may want to keep your eyes on CraigsList as it's usually dependable for weighty items that cost more to ship then it's actual value. I have found several Majestic in near new condition along with the awesome Majestic gear head and I have never paid more then 75 bucks for any of the three or four I have around here. You'll also find other larger tripods from Manfrotto/Bogen,Davis & Sanford Model B,Metal Gitzos old wood movie camera tripods and so on. You may have to wait a little while before the right deal comes along on CraigsList but one will and it'll be within driving distance and probably cheaper then the cost of a free one w/ shipping.

https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/pho/d/libec-tripod-model-t72-with/6682685664.html
https://boston.craigslist.org/nos/pho/d/bogen-professional-tripod/6680334649.html
https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/pho/d/gitzo-professional-systematic/6679926831.html

[Jac@stafford.net]

How about this: https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-Aluminum-Quick-Tripod-BT160/dp/B004EIL4R2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1535488796&sr=8-2&keywords=surveyor+tripod


VERSATILE: With a 5/8-Inch to 11 thread stud

I do not recognize that size. What does it mean? I am accustomed to 3/8" and 1/4"

[desertrat]

I do not recognize that size. What does it mean? I am accustomed to 3/8" and 1/4"
That's the standard clamp screw in a surveyor's tripod head. That's why I buried a 5/8 x 11 nut in the platform mounted on mine.

[Leszek Vogt]

I just dug up a nice set of sticks.

https://victoria.craigslist.ca/pho/d/camera-support/6630165515.html

This is across the border, but you (OP) might be able to find one closer to you. B&S used to make good eq and those sticks would cost 5X....even guys from 'Geographic used them with variety of rigs from 16-35mm.

Les

[Robert Opheim]

I use a #4 gitzo legs with my C-1 Calumet Black beauty. I don't use the center column. I have a PL5 3-way head. It is a heavy camera - but once its up it doesn't move like some of the lighter 8x10s. Have fun they take wonderful images! Dagors in good shape are great lenses!

[Peter De Smidt]

I agree with the Craiglist suggestion, especially where you are. There should be a lot of good choices.

[Jim Jones]

Burke & James made a "Portable Studio Stand" which was just a really simple wooden tripod with a very simple and basic front tilt wooden head platform. Paid only $25.00 for mine years ago. Have seen them lately around for around $50.00 which is a bargain.

These are indeed serviceable tripods. However, they have peculiarities. The 1/4x20 screw extends about 3/8 inch above the platform. That was fine for some B&J cameras that had a tripod screw socket recessed instead of being flush or nearly flush with a camera's bottom as specified by ASA long ago. Many modern cameras have tripod screw sockets that aren't deep enough for the B&J tripod. The solution is simple enough. Carry appropriate shims to place between the camera bottom and tripod platform, or place an appropriate bushing on the tripod screw below the platform. The almost 7 inch wide platform is better for many cameras than the itsy-bitsy platform (or worse yet, tiny quick change adaptors) that plague some otherwise good tripods. To bring a large camera almost up to eye level for tall photographers, the B&J lower leg sections have to be completely extended, reducing stability.

[campy]

I have been looking on craigslist. I responded to a ad for a Majestic for $75 which would have been perfect, so I set up a time to meet and when I got there he said he couldn't find it, then I had to fight the Boston traffic to get home. Was not happy.

[DrTang]

ACK..if you get that movie tripod..you'll then need a 120mm ball head adapter in the very least

which ain't cheap


get a majestic - they are made for big cameras

[Tin Can]

Yes, get a Majestic tripod and the large platform Majestic head which matches the C1 base.

The large base is nearly 6X7 inches. The C1 needs this much support. I think they were designed for each other.

Also, make sure the head has the 3/8x16 OE screw, it is spring loaded. Hard to find separately. I bought the last new ones...

Another caveat, buy the head and tripod together as there are mismatches.

Lastly, check the head for smooth tilt in both directions. Some have been damaged. Somehow!

[Jac@stafford.net]

How about this: https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-Aluminum-Quick-Tripod-BT160/dp/B004EIL4R2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1535488796&sr=8-2&keywords=surveyor+tripod

Very cool idea!

[ericantonio]

How about this: https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-Aluminum-Quick-Tripod-BT160/dp/B004EIL4R2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1535488796&sr=8-2&keywords=surveyor+tripod

Plus:

https://www.amazon.com/Stabila-07510-Compact-Attachment-Tripods/dp/B01AY0VX9M/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1535488876&sr=8-3-fkmr0&keywords=surveyor+tripod+5%2F8%22+to+3%2F8%22

Yes, there are better tripods.

So these 2 pieces, the tripod and 1/4-20, will work? Does these tripods go down low? I didn't see a min height on it on the specs. I'm guessing to level it its just playing around with the legs?

[Greg]

These are indeed serviceable tripods. However, they have peculiarities. The 1/4x20 screw extends about 3/8 inch above the platform. That was fine for some B&J cameras that had a tripod screw socket recessed instead of being flush or nearly flush with a camera's bottom as specified by ASA long ago. Many modern cameras have tripod screw sockets that aren't deep enough for the B&J tripod. The solution is simple enough. Carry appropriate shims to place between the camera bottom and tripod platform, or place an appropriate bushing on the tripod screw below the platform. The almost 7 inch wide platform is better for many cameras than the itsy-bitsy platform (or worse yet, tiny quick change adaptors) that plague some otherwise good tripods. To bring a large camera almost up to eye level for tall photographers, the B&J lower leg sections have to be completely extended, reducing stability.

I filed down the 1/4x20 screws it extends less than 3/8" above the platform. Also the lower metal leg sections could be ordered from B&J in almost any length (not mentioned in the catalogue) back then. Mine are actually quite longer that the ones pictured in the catalogue. George Tice used this same tripod under his Deardorff 8x10.