Tripods

[steve_p]

Does anybody use a Manfrotto 055 for LF photography? I've just bought a Toyo 45G and am looking for something to support it. I will not be using heavy lenses and want to keep weight down as much as possible. The next size up in the Manfrotto catalogue is a bit heavier than I would like. Anyone a happy user of the 055?
Cheers.
Stephen

[Lachlan 717]

There are so many new tripod brands that I believe are significantly more compelling than Manfrotto.

Companies like Feisol, Leofoto, Fotopro, FLM, Three Legged Thing etc all seem to put a lot of technology/R&D into products that were enough for me to leave Manfrotto behind.

Especially if you’re considering CF…

[Ulophot]

I am, albeit I have the Bogen precursor, i.e., the model number changed from Bogen 3221, the black version. I chose it to replace my 3051, which was great but simply too much to lug around, especially since I was switching from studio to field camera (4x5 Tachihara). I found a display model for $100. I also exchanged my 3047 head for a more compact 3025. The latter is not ideal, but with some alteration, it works well enough for me.

Manfrotto still carries parts for the tripod; at least, a company that is a subsidiary or related somehow does, and I bought the retractable spike feet for mine. I can't afford carbon fiber but have found the tripod very portable, vert flexible, and very solid. The height is adequate for my purposes; I'm about 5'6 and at near full extension, the GG is at eye level. I think it's a very good choice.

[Vaidotas]

Manfrotto 055 is my main tripod on studio work with FF DSLR for more than 10 years. It’ll easily hold your camera properly (depending on your head choice). Easy to use, simple maintenance and accesible spare parts. However my choice for the field is Gitzo series 1 carbon tripod due to smaller weight.

[Eric Woodbury]

I used one for a long time. It was fine.

[pendennis]

I sold off my aluminum 055, but kept my CF 055. The CF is a great tripod, and I prefer the Bogen 3047 head.

That stated, it's now relegated to secondary status. I bought an Induro CT-303, and I added a Manfrotto 808-RC4 tripod head. The Induro has a rated capacity of 55lbs, has three sections, spike leg conversion kit, and two columns. OTD it ran around $500 for the legs, and I found the head at Used Photo Pro for < $65. The rig weighs in at just over 6 lbs.

I mentioned in an earlier thread that I had Bogen 3035, 3251, 055, 3046, 3033; Manfrotto 475B; Gitzo G1220 Studex. They're all gone in favor of CF. The only aluminum left are a Leitz Tiltall, a Vivitar 1321, and a Slik Master 67 prototype, mostly for sentimental reasons.

I've used the Induro for equipment from DSLR up to my Cambo 4x5. Completely steady.

[ic-racer]

I used one for a long time. It was fine.

Field camera or monorail?

[esearing]

Tripods, heads, lenses, and backpacks - Save up and spend more than you are currently comfortable with and live without regrets - most of the time. Gear acquisition syndrome makes us think we have to have something now, but often the impulse buy can disappoint. With low and mid price gear it easier to buy than to sell/upgrade so you end up with a bunch of stuff.

[Corran]

I have two aluminum 055 tripods. It will work fine for most typical 4x5 cameras and even most 8x10 cameras. They are heavier than more expensive carbon fiber options.

[steve_p]

Thanks for the advice guys. i have just ordered a 055 and want to get a 229 head for it. At some point in the future I would like to get a 075 tripod for use in the sudio, but a more portable model is the major need at the moment.

[Peter De Smidt]

I have way too many tripods, mostly older Gitzos. I've found that the better current tripods tend to have much better locks, easier to turn, less likely to not really be locked....I'm getting a little feed up with my 3025 CF MKII, and, yes, I regularly perform maintenance on it. Lately, though, I've had a number of occasions where I thought all of the collars were tightened enough only to realize that they weren't. This is not only annoying, but it puts the other camera equipment at risk. I haven't used a current Manfrotto...Anyway, I hope you get great use out of it!

[esearing]

KEH has some nice used models currently. Including the FLM CP26 Travel CF tripod and a few Gitzos.

[Tin Can]

FLM is the only Tripod designed and contracted by a popular LFPF member

I like to think I had some input

I bought a big FLM with 100mm bowl

[neil poulsen]

The tripod/head world changed for me in two phases:

PHASE I:

For decades, I used a Bogen 3036 tripod (or its derivatives) tripod. It was the right height for me an my cameras. It could handle large cameras. And it had independent legs could be adjusted to any angle. This last feature was really helpful in the field. Like many of us I suspect, I didn't "realize" how heavy this tripod was until I bought carbon fiber. (Especially in combination with my tripod head.)

I purchased a Feisol 3372 tripod that weighs less than 4 lbs. Yet with it's beefy legs, it has a maximum weight capacity of 66 lbs. So many other CF tripods, even from Gitzo, have spindly legs. You can read about this tripod at www.feisol.com.

PHASE II:

Along with my Bogen 3036 tripod, I used a Manfrotto 3039 tripod head with it's hexagonal, quick release plates. This head is the professional version of a 3947 head. Very smooth, three way head. The hexagonal plates were strong enough to hold my 4x5 cameras. For larger cameras, I had a 4"x4" plate that worked with a 3039 head. And, there's the Bogen "Universal" quick release plate that works with these heads.

But after purchasing my Feisol 3372 CF tripod, my tripod head weighed more than my tripod. I finally succumbed, and I purchased an Arca Swiss D4 head that weighs about 2.5 lbs. Expensive, but sweet! It's sleek and beautifully designed. It's light-weight, and it uses the Arca Swiss, quick release plates. It's also a gear driven, three-way head, which makes it particularly easy to use with LF cameras. This light weight, gear driven tripod head can handle cameras that weigh up to 60 lbs! By releasing the two gears, it operates as a veritable ball head.

Life is better now.

That said, I still have my 3039 head that I use with a heavy, Gitzo Giant 5 tripod I bought used for when I need heights on the order of 12 feet or so. I have an adapter I use to accommodate my new Arca Swiss quick release plates.

Most of the time, my 3372/D4 combination works just fine. But on those rare occasions when I need real height, I decided not to let weight intervene.

[Bernice Loui]

FYI, used a Bogen 3021 with varied heads on it for decades. This combo has been use with all sorts of cameras from digital to a 5x7 Wisner field folder. This Bogen tripod has held up remarkably good. Kinda beat up now, still fully functional.

Bernice

[Tin Can]

I have many used and good tripods, KEH a good source

A Benbo #1 I bought new 30 years ago https://www.patersonphotographic.com/product/classic-benbo-tripod-no-1/

and the FLM 2 years ago

now waiting for a bargain on eBay, tonight

[esearing]

FYI, used a Bogen 3021 with varied heads on it for decades. This combo has been use with all sorts of cameras from digital to a 5x7 Wisner field folder. This Bogen tripod has held up remarkably good. Kinda beat up now, still fully functional.

Bernice

3021 with a Giottos MH3000 was my birding setup for heavy DSLR and long lenses, but it weighed about 10 pounds. I got tired of hiking with it and went to CF tripods ultimately landing on the FLM CP34 L4II and use a lightweight 3way head but am even thinking of switching to a halfball for the bowl with a simple QR system. Seems the desires never end.

[linhofbiker]

I use a giant Linhof tripod from the 1960's with 90mm base for a levelling head. Very stable and very heavy with geared center post. Hoping to mount a 50+lb refractor telescope on it too. Another project!!

[Tin Can]

I bought a Sachtler Wood Tripod with 150mm 1/2 bowl, no head for $15, 30 years ago

I had no idea what it was, garage sale

It came with matching metal folding dolly with big wheels, big spikes

Finally I found an affordable 130mm male bowl at B&H, $60, best I could do

I made an aluminum height spacer to get it out of the hole and Majestic Head if needed

and now I am getting closer to using it!!!

I truly love my FLM 100 mm bowl and would not have liked the 75mm

[esearing]

I have many used and good tripods, KEH a good source

A Benbo #1 I bought new 30 years ago https://www.patersonphotographic.com/product/classic-benbo-tripod-no-1/

and the FLM 2 years ago

now waiting for a bargain on eBay, tonight

Can I come clean out your house when you pass away? - I bet its a treasure trove of photographic gear.

[BrianShaw]

Can I come clean out your house when you pass away? - I bet its a treasure trove of photographic gear.

Go now and take stuff while he’s still here to see you enjoy it.

[Tin Can]

Nope

I find your quip very rude



Perhaps we come pick your home....


Can I come clean out your house when you pass away? - I bet its a treasure trove of photographic gear.

[esearing]

I wasn't trying to be rude - you just always seem to have some cool photographic stuff. Sorry if I offended.

[Tin Can]

Apology accepted




I wasn't trying to be rude - you just always seem to have some cool photographic stuff. Sorry if I offended.

[padre yak]

Steve, If you have an opportunity to try the Arca Swiss D4 mentioned by Neil, I would suggest giving it a "test drive". My experience is probably limited compared to others on this forum but I very much appreciate its geared adjustments and easy to read levels. I got an extra collar to put on a second tripod and switch back and forth easily when using a 4x5 field camera and an 8x10. It was painful to purchase but what others say about spending once to get what works well the first time is true. I cried the day I bought it, but have never looked back and find it a pleasure to work with.
Good luck.