tripods and quality

[monochromeFan]

4x5 and smaller

6'-2" fellow here. I need a tripod that can work with a 4x5 camera, ive seen some claims that press cameras can have tripod sockets too.

what are the options in affordable, reliable tripods that a person can aim a camaera at a doorknob, and come back in an hour and the camera will still be aimed exactly as you left it?

[Greg]

Definitely a Tiltall Camera Tripod would do. I believe that the ones offered new now are not as well made as the Tiltall Model 4602 Pro Tripod by E.Leitz, but that's a personal opinion.

People modify the platform atop the tripod to be a little more "heavy duty". Never thought my Tiltall needed this modification till I modified mine... big difference IMO and well worth doing.

[Pieter]

Depends on your definition of affordable.

[Peter De Smidt]

https://leofotousa.com/products/leofoto-usa-dealer-leofoto-lm-324cl-long-tripod-with-video-bowl-and-case

[John Layton]

...but what if someone comes in through that door:confused: Seriously, a little breeze could also move that door - so don't use a doorknob for this test!

Depends on the camera and how/where you will use it. For my "super light" 4x5 (Calumet/Gowland) and "minimalist" (primitive diy'd) 5x7 cameras, my Feisol "Tall Traveller" works great, is very lightweight (and less pricey than some other models), and as its name implies, great for us somewhat taller folk (I was also 6'2" back in the day, but have since lost an inch!).

Someone mentioned the Leitz Tiltall - which is a bit heavier but more solid...and these are fairly often found used at very reasonable cost. They also last forever...mine has been with me for nearly half a century and looks like its been used as a sled in a gravel pit - but still works great for anything up to mid-weight 4x5 and 5x7 cameras.

If you want something sturdier and don't mind the extra weight, an old aluminum Gitzo might be just the ticket, with their Carbon Fiber offerings being lighter but a but pricier. But again, deals can be found if you look for something used.

While I used to recommend to those of my students in the market for a tripod that they should try to find one that's at least as heavy as whatever (camera) they will have attached to it, I think that the design of a tripod is about as important as its sheer mass. Tripods with larger leg diameters, and large "spider" dimensions (or whatever they call the top assembly where the tripod legs attach), and a reasonably large top plate to take advantage of whatever contact surface (surrounding the tripod socket) is available on the camera itself - can all make up for a bit less mass. But if you do not mind carrying the weight (or are setting up close to your car or house)...mass is king!

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52296993295_23e3f5bb89_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nFiL7c)SONY DSC (https://flic.kr/p/2nFiL7c) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

This is my 4x5 location Architectural Camera. I can lift and carry it one-handed, quick to set up. Add a small soft bag for a few lenses and holders, and I'm set. Less is better at this stage for me.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51484462408_fe658d2fbd_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2mrvjYY)8x10 Sinar Norma Julius Shulman Titlall Setup 1 (https://flic.kr/p/2mrvjYY) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

This is my 8x10 location Architectural Camera. As long as you don't bump it, it's fine and works well.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51539500790_157ceae31e_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2mwnpYA)Hacked Tiltall Tripod No 2 (https://flic.kr/p/2mwnpYA) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Olde Leitz Tiltall, not the black modern one. Modified by me with heavier mounting plate. Not really necessary with wooden cameras, but yes worth doing! Around $100 usually. Leica quality! Inspect beforehand, some have lived hard lives.

[Tin Can]

I always use spikes if field usage

Bought nice ones from China

I don't know how many tripods I have

I know I have 3 LINHOF Heavy Duty and extensions to over 10 feet with huge dolly

and need them

[Joshua Dunn]

I used to tell my students (who were always on a budget) that tripods were worth investing in. I can't tell you the number of times they would buy a tripod for cheap and then have it not meet their needs or break on them in less than a year. I only mention this as you asked for affordable options and that will vary from person to person. Look at this as a "buy once cry once" investment. If you buy the right tripod now, it will serve you for years and years. Buy the wrong one and you'll end up buying one on another couple of years.

Features on tripods vary wildly, what type of leg locks it has, how many sections (more sections mean it can pack smaller but adds cost), maximum height, center column or not, etc. I would spend the time to figure out what features are important to you and then find tripod legs that meet all of your requirements. Then do the same for the tripod head. They do not need to be the same brand. For example I use Gitzo tripod legs and use (depending on the format) use a Sinar head, Linhof or Really Right Stuff.

Depending on where you live you may want to travel to a large store like Samy's Camera in L.A. or B&H in New York. They have (at least the last time I was there) dozens of tripods on display to sample and people to talk to that actually know what they are talking about.

-Joshua

[pendennis]

An earlier post mentioned the Tiltall, and I can recommend it still. I have one and it's as rock solid as any I've used. I also have two others which merit mentioning. The first is an old Vivitar 1321. It's as sturdy as my Tiltall, but a bit heavier to carry. The second is a Slik Master67 prototype. I modified it to accept tripod heads, and added a set of Manfrotto spiked feet.

There are several others which have been sold. One of the most solid is the Manfrotto 475B, and the old Bogen 3036. Both weigh a lot, but are rock solid.

[esearing]

The old aluminum Bogen/Manfrotto 3081 legs. Probably the most robust set of legs I ever purchased and they can be found used. My only problem was weight since I tend to hike to my locations.

I like the FLM LF CP34-L4 I now use for its height for my wooden field cameras. Being 6'2" you will eventually want something at eye level, and there are few tall stable tripods at that height. Save your pennies.

[Jim Jones]

MonochromeFan -- The top of my Tiltall is only 58 inches above the ground with the legs fully extended, but the very rigid center column provides 12 more inches. The four Tiltalls that I've owned have been the best of the many more brands that I used over the past 70+ years.

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52610962301_4909b2748f_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oa3W9V)Fuji GX680 50mm f5.6 Seiko Shutter (https://flic.kr/p/2oa3W9V) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

If $100 is out of your price range, consider the lowly Star-D, which is a Tiltall Copy. Lighter in weight than the Leitz, with lesser build quality. Useful? You bet! It'll hold a 4x5 Speedy, I attach a vintage "Hippy" Guitar strap, and it carries very well that way. Usually about $30 and worth every penny. Again, check everything, some of these are worn out. Just make sure you get a good one. Like it so much (I'm sentimental!) that I bought a second one, to use with my Plaubel 6.5x9cm Peco Juniors. I tried to attach a heavy aluminum plate on the StarD, but the metal is flexy and not suitable for modification. So I set it back the way it was, very lightweight.

[jp]

How tall you are is largely irrelevant to what is the best height for a camera to be positioned for a photo.

Budget end, but very high quality is the tiltall. I used on for many years with my 4x5 speed till sand and salt did in the twist leg locks fine threads.
more recently I bought a Manfrotto MT055XPRO3 Aluminum Tripod because of lever locks on the legs. I use a 3025 head with it. Some people would pay more for a CF version and that's OK too.
I also have a Ries Jr tripod with 3025 head for 4x5 and DSLR work.
And a Ries A series with a Ries head for 8x10 and larger.

[Chuck Pere]

A good cheap option is a Bogen 3021 with a 3047 head. Should be easy to find used.

[Jim Jones]

I agree with Daniel Unkefer's comments about the Star D branded Tiltall. The plastic on one handle on mine broke, but a wooden substitute can be improvised and epoxied to the aluminum shaft.

[BrianShaw]

A good cheap option is a Bogen 3021 with a 3047 head. Should be easy to find used.

inexpensive, not cheap (as in poor quality). :)

[nolindan]

I had a Star-D Tiltall that served for some years. Then the aluminum castings making up the tilt-head cracked in several places and it was retired.

I have several Gitzos, a Benbo and a Reis (from the days when they were beautifully made). However, I keep reaching for my Slik tripods.

[DannL-USA]

I've been using a Manfrotto 3011 with a newer INNOREL F60 fluid video head. It supports a very large video outfit, up to a full-plate Okuhara. I've been tempted a number of times to buy another just to have it nearby.

[Alan Klein]

Are you hiking with it? If not, get an old Gitzo metal type will last forever and very solid.

[monochromeFan]

Are you hiking with it? If not, get an old Gitzo metal type will last forever and very solid.

That depends on the camera i end up with.

The basic idea is that the head will be able to support a big ass weight on it, and will stay locked until i unlock it.

The tripod i have NOW... the knobs, etc stay locked, but once i let go of the handle the lens can drop up to 5 inches. I mean if i lock it with the lens center axis at a 45* UP angle... once i let go of the handle, the lenses center of axis assumes a -45* angle .

[Per Madsen]

Are you hiking with it? If not, get an old Gitzo metal type will last forever and very solid.

I have a Gitzo tripod made of metal and it have currently lasted 30 years. Rock solid and very well build.

[esearing]

That depends on the camera i end up with.

The basic idea is that the head will be able to support a big ass weight on it, and will stay locked until i unlock it.

The tripod i have NOW... the knobs, etc stay locked, but once i let go of the handle the lens can drop up to 5 inches. I mean if i lock it with the lens center axis at a 45* UP angle... once i let go of the handle, the lenses center of axis assumes a -45* angle .

Is your problem the tripod legs not staying locked or your head not supporting the weight? There are a variety of heavy duty 3 way heads that will support heavy cameras.

[jnantz]

a black tiltall (I think a 4062) can be purchased for about 100-125$, it can be used for everything from a 35mm to a lightweight 8x10 and everything in between. a leg can be removed and column plug screwed in to be used as a monopod, which can be helpful doing street work with a 4x5. knobs stay locked.

[Alan Klein]

That depends on the camera i end up with.

The basic idea is that the head will be able to support a big ass weight on it, and will stay locked until i unlock it.

The tripod i have NOW... the knobs, etc stay locked, but once i let go of the handle the lens can drop up to 5 inches. I mean if i lock it with the lens center axis at a 45* UP angle... once i let go of the handle, the lenses center of axis assumes a -45* angle .

My metal Gitzo has a heavy-duty three-way head on it. No center yet will extend to 6 feet which is higher than I need.

[Tin Can]

Perhaps some do not balance the load

[BrianShaw]

That depends on the camera i end up with.

The basic idea is that the head will be able to support a big ass weight on it, and will stay locked until i unlock it.

The tripod i have NOW... the knobs, etc stay locked, but once i let go of the handle the lens can drop up to 5 inches. I mean if i lock it with the lens center axis at a 45* UP angle... once i let go of the handle, the lenses center of axis assumes a -45* angle .

What are you curently using? Is it older? If so, it might just need a bit of maintenance. The Bogen/Manfrotto 3047 head I've been using sine the 1980's started doing that unless gorrilla-like strength was used to tighten the handles. It was relatively easy to disassemble, clean and re-lube with damping grease to restore to original functionality. Most difficult part was sourcing the damping grease at an affordable price and small quantity. Total repair time was about 64 minutes.

[Peter De Smidt]

I greatly prefer my Leofoto CF tripod to any of my 4 aluminum Gitzo models. In particular, the locking collars on the legs are much easier to use. The quick release plate, which can be easily removed without any xtra tools, is also nice. Finally, the various feet options are very useful. And it's much lower weight (despite the tripod going significantly higher than my Gitzos) is very welcome outside of the studio. In the studio, none of that matters much.

[monochromeFan]

Is your problem the tripod legs not staying locked or your head not supporting the weight? There are a variety of heavy duty 3 way heads that will support heavy cameras.

the problem is the pan head on it.. for reference useage i can mount the following lense combinations

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/885033-REG/Vivitar_v_650_1300_650_1300mm_f_8_Telephoto_Zoom.html

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1082155-REG/sigma_150_600mm_f_5_6_3_dg_os.html

I can adjust the lens so that its 100% level, tighten down the plastic knobs, let go and it will just drop the front of the lens down. Its embarressing... as i still have to UNLOCK the knobs in order to raise the lens up again. its rated for 20# video camera gear.. Have had it in the corner with my macro bellows and a tiny 1 pound SLR on it, and its not moved a mm in that time..


I think macro bellows usage made it an easier sell to do an omega view

[esearing]

So the title of this thread should be Tripod Heads and quality so that you get recommendations for better locking heads. You also likely will want something with Quick Release that allows you to balance the load of those long heavy lenses rather than supporting at the body. there are long QR plates that allow you to move the camera backward or attach under the lens. Else a monopod in front of the tripod can be used for additional support.

[Tin Can]

DIY

For Studio, Tow it or Rickshaw

Dear dont 8X10 with slider, Also converts to 45 and 57

USA Portrait 405 mm Lens with Packard and flash sync

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52996310384_6d0b83f133_b.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/tincancollege/73c3EtSp6b)New stuff (https://www.flickr.com/gp/tincancollege/73c3EtSp6b) by TIN CAN COLLEGE (https://www.flickr.com/photos/tincancollege/), on Flickr

[BrianShaw]

Interesting assistant. Does she ever do much more than stand there looking cute? :)

[Tin Can]

She has a sister, they plot whilst I sleep

Very handy in studio

Never argue

They do want new costume

I am working on hair and new shoes

They are very demanding

off set

ever see The After Hours?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_After_Hours




Interesting assistant. Does she ever do much more than stand there looking cute? :)

[monochromeFan]

never admit to playing with dolls in public... especially life size ones... tends to be considered creepy.

[Tin Can]

Artist ARE WIERDOS BY PROFESSION

and damn proud of it

I need to show my wearable PET PLANTS

I EXIST IN THE NEXT AND LAST DECADE

after sky falls


never admit to playing with dolls in public... especially life size ones... tends to be considered creepy.

[dpn]

+1 for the Tiltall recommendation. I've owned a couple over the years, and they're awesome.

I finally found a camera/lens combination that my Tiltall couldn't handle, however -- a Kodak 2D 8x10 and a ~6lb Voigtlander from 1866. I decided to splurge and get a Ries A-series. It's a fantastically stable but heavy beast. The great quality of the tripod makes up for the *atrocious* quality of the Ries customer service I experienced.

[monochromeFan]

Been a lot of things in the way, finally went with the tiltall TE Original series tripod.. great reviews on it..

I killed my tripod.. the omega 45 proved to be too heavy for it. The leg locks dont work now... and the locking system in the head itself seems to have had internal plastic parts cracking away.

[djdister]

Gitzo 1570 or Manfrotto 410 Geared head on legs of your choice

247222 247223

[cowanw]

Been a lot of things in the way, finally went with the tiltall TE Original series tripod.. great reviews on it..

I killed my tripod.. the omega 45 proved to be too heavy for it. The leg locks dont work now... and the locking system in the head itself seems to have had internal plastic parts cracking away.
When the Tiltall is recommended, it is generally the 40-60 year old version, not the new version - sadly.

[monochromeFan]

When the Tiltall is recommended, it is generally the 40-60 year old version, not the new version - sadly.

newer one has a warranty out of the box.. And not everyone is selling the onld ones in good condition.

Its a judgement call, 189$ new made item with a warranty and factor repair or a 50 year old one for 150$ that has neither warranty, factory repair service, and often times is not actually usable as is.

[Drew Wiley]

Means nothing. How many manufacturers will still be in business for another 50 years. And generally all bets are off once a company is bought out. I've even seen "Lifetime" warranty service denied for items less than 6 months old; in fact, deceptive warranties are almost routine in certain product categories. No need to go into detail here.

Good ole Tiltalls were almost legendary for their durability, especially for an aluminum tripod. Alas, the one I inherited had experienced too many battle-scarred reincarnations already to survive yet another round.

[PRJ]

Tiltalls are great. I have a mint old Leitz one I lucked out finding years ago. One downside though is they can't get low but they are one of the best options out there. I chopped off the head and put a Kirk ballhead on mine, plus some foam leg wraps. I only use it up to medium format though. For 4x5 I prefer my carbon Gitzo.

[Jim Jones]

I agree with Drew and PRJ. The original head works perfectly for me, and is more versatile than a ballhead. Tiltall appears to be designed and built by engineer/photographers for photographer/engineers. However, I would much prefer buying an old original Tiltall than any recent import imitation version.

[monochromeFan]

I agree with Drew and PRJ. The original head works perfectly for me, and is more versatile than a ballhead. Tiltall appears to be designed and built by engineer/photographers for photographer/engineers. However, I would much prefer buying an old original Tiltall than any recent import imitation version.

An original would be nice but,, Its like buying any old piece of equipment.. if it doesnt work you are screwed out of cash. If you buy it new from B&H, and it doesnt work in the 90 day return period, you send it back