Which tripod head for large format photography

[Dwarak Calayampundi]

Hi

Just wanted to know what tripod heads people use for large format cameras. I own a chamonix 4x5 and will soon move to 8x10 as I only do contact printing I own only a ball hear and find it very hard to make adjustments. I know a three way pan head will solve my issues.

Just wanted to start the discussion on which brand is better I am looking for smooth controls and precision. What do you guys use.

[Alan Gales]

The Majestic heads are geared for precision.

I like the Ries double tilt heads myself but they are not geared.

Either style head you will want the corresponding tripod.

[Leigh]

Majestic tripods are excellent, rated to support 39 pounds (18 kg). The have geared forward/back rotation using a worm gear.

I have two of these, slightly different styles, both with 6"x9" (150x225mm) platforms. They work fine for my 8x10 Tachihara field camera.

- Leigh

[Kimberly Anderson]

Miller cine fluid head on bowl mount.

[Kirk Fry]

My Majestic tripod and head weighs 19 lb. Perfect for backpacking! Be perfect for holding up your tent. K

[Leigh]

Majestic tripods also work great for supporting your car if you need to change a flat or change the oil.

- Leigh

[Peter De Smidt]

I like the Gitzo Series 5 low profile pan/tilt head for use with 8x10 field cameras. They have a good-sized plate, are smooth to use, aren't super heavy, and can be found used for a reasonable amount.

[ImSoNegative]

I shoot 4x5 and I use the bogen 3021 with a 3047 pan tilt head, works great

[Vaughn]

Majestic tripods are excellent, rated to support 39 pounds (18 kg). The have geared forward/back rotation using a worm gear.

I have two of these, slightly different styles, both with 6"x9" (150x225mm) platforms. They work fine for my 8x10 Tachihara field camera.

- Leigh

They are nice -- but I found it better using the geared movement for side tilt rather than forward/back. YMMD

[Tin Can]

I use a Majestic head on a Bogen 3051 leg set, but I want a Berlebach 8043 Wood Tripod Legs with Levelling Center Column - Supports 17.6 lb (8.0 kg) Real nice, lightweight and actually cheap. High quality made in Germany.

Traditional and vibration free.

I believe in very sturdy tripods. I am converting a garage sale Cine Sachtler & Wolf wood leg set and Saltzman head to work together. Very HD with big leg spikes, that dig into the dirt, and a dolly for studio. Makes a Majestic look tiny.

Majestic's are very cheap used, but are reliable and will not drop a camera. The worm drive tilt is self locking and sideways is limited by built in stops to 15 degrees either side, so you won't have a big camera get away from you.

I find ballhead and 3 ways to be aggravating. I have never used a gear head, but in a camera store they seem slow to adjust.

I think it is also a big plus that Majestics are made in Chicago and cost under $300, new. Parts easily available and the 6x7 plate Leigh refers to is gentle on your camera.

I got my used, 4 Majestic tripods for well under $100.

I use the same Bogen leg set with 35mm and digital. I shoot out of my van or condo front door. No mountain climbing for me. Those days are long gone.