Ries tripod for 8x10?

[Robert Skeoch]

For those using Ries Tripods. Which one do you like for 8x10.
Why?
Which head?
-Rob Skeoch

[William Mortensen]

Rob- mine is the old standard Ries that, as far as I can tell, is the one used by the Westons and many others back in the day... It's a "Ries Model A Tri-Lok Tripod", (Serial #1509), and the head is a "Ries Model A Photoplane Tilt Head". It handles my 8x10 easily, and could go substantially larger. Reis has several other models out now, but I don't think any are a great improvement. Wouldn't part with mine.

[Peter Galea]

I use the J-100 with a FOBA Superball for my V8. On the Ries website the J-100 is rated for up to 5x7, but I have no problem with the 8x10 even with the bellows racked all the way out.

[Oren Grad]

I have the A100/A250 combination for my ULF cameras, but that would be way overkill for all but the heaviest 8x10s. So assuming you have a field camera no heavier than a Deardorff, I imagine one of the J series will indeed be what you're looking for.

[John Kasaian]

Rob,

I've got both the A and the J equivalents, and I think the A is better platform, but the J is a lot handier when skiing, long hikes etc...but if I had one tripod, it would be the A. YMMV of course. I think you probably couldn't go wrong with either on a relatively light 8x10 like a 'dorff but any heavier and the A is the way.

[Tom Micklin]

Rob,
I use a J-100 with the J-250 head for my 8x10 Deardorff and have no problems. It's stable and the weight is reasonable.
Tom

[Daniel Grenier]

"Rob, I use a J-100 with the J-250 head for my 8x10". Ditto here, Rob.

I originally thought it would be a weak set up but it is perfectly fine for 8x10. It is, however,often time inadequate for my 7x17 where a heavier tripod is more appropriate (in case you are planning to get that 7x17).

[William Blunt]

Rob,
You might want to consider the J-100-2 tripod and J-250 head. The J-100-2 is the same crown as the J-100 but with heavier legs. I used one with a heavy Zone VI 8x10 for several years with no problems.

[Jim Rhoades]

I use a J100 and J250 head. That's with a Deardorff and up to a 25" lens converted. At that extension it's the camera that has to settle down not the tripod.

[Walt Calahan]

A100 with a A250 head. It's over kill, but in windy situations, it's solid as a rock.

Also have a J100 w/a J250 for 4x5. Works will with my 8x10.

I have leg extenders for both tripods, too.

[Herb Cunningham]

I like the j100-2 with the double clamp heavier legs.

[CXC]

If at all possible, try out a Ries before purchase. The lack of stops on the legs makes it a very fussy operation to set it up squarely. Unless you may eventually go ULF, there are other options that are more than adequate and easier to manipulate, such as Gitzo. As I learned the hard, expensive way.

[Robert MacKimmie]

I use an A100/250 for the 8x10 Deardorff and a J-100 with a vintage single-direction tilt head for the 5x7 Deardorff. I can't imagine a finer experience than using a Deardorff with a Ries Tripod. May I also comment that the current owners of Ries Tripod treated me remarkably well. More than twenty-five years ago, I was lucky to find the J-100 used for just over $40, and purchased the new A-100 around 1981. There was a bit of poor manufacturing in the early 1980s, but the current owners of Ries Tripod solved every problem I faced with the big Ries and I am a huge fan of their very favorable treatment of customers. Both tripods are remarkable and the new Ries Tripods kept the old charm and usefulness, while adding remarkable new engineering and specifications. I would take one nice Ries over a boatload of Gitzos! Perfect for 8x10.