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Thread: One Tripod to Rule Them All?

  1. #81
    Jac@stafford.net's Avatar
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    Re: One Tripod to Rule Them All?

    By far, the most stable tripod I have is a converted wooden surveyors tripod. They are very reasonably priced today, but largely replaced much lighter fiberglass equivalents. I will be converting this one in late July.

    I have these astronomers vibration dampeners but have yet to test them, but will post the results if there is interest. I use a vibration measuring instrument as part of the test. My confidence in their utility for photography is rather low, but we shall see.

    This is one of the vibration suppression pads disassembled. Close to actual size.
    Last edited by Jac@stafford.net; 22-Jun-2014 at 11:18.

  2. #82

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    Re: One Tripod to Rule Them All?

    Quote Originally Posted by Leigh View Post
    Yep, Majestic tripods are heavy. They're designed to really work, not to be wall flowers.

    Back seat solution... get a van like I have.

    I use my two Majestics for everything from 8x10 down to 35mm.
    They hold the camera in place, period. No cajoling or hand wringing.

    I also use the pair to support my car during an oil change.
    They don't realize they're supporting anything.

    - Leigh
    One hardly sees them though? ( I mean even on sale)
    How do they compare vis-a-vis a surveyor's tripod? (aluminium with metal shoe)

  3. #83
    8x10, 5x7, 4x5, et al Leigh's Avatar
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    Re: One Tripod to Rule Them All?

    They are likewise aluminum with metal shoes.

    I've never seen a surveyor's tripod, so I can't make a comparison. Perhaps others can.

    The Majestic is still being made. B&H shows 20 different tripod models plus accessories.

    I think they never had the advertising budget of the larger tripod manufacturers.

    - Leigh
    Last edited by Leigh; 29-Jun-2014 at 21:12.
    If you believe you can, or you believe you can't... you're right.

  4. #84

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    Re: One Tripod to Rule Them All?

    Quote Originally Posted by Jac@stafford.net View Post
    By far, the most stable tripod I have is a converted wooden surveyors tripod. They are very reasonably priced today, but largely replaced much lighter fiberglass equivalents. I will be converting this one in late July.
    Do you replace the center screw or adapt it in some way (to mount a head)? And do you leave the feet (spikes) as is?

  5. #85
    Tin Can's Avatar
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    Re: One Tripod to Rule Them All?

    Leigh,

    Word to wise. Order direct for Majestic. Some obscure parts are no longer available.

    Adorama and B&H listings are incorrect for stock of Majestic.

    Just call the factory on the phone, it's a ma and pa business. I plan to visit them soon.

    I really like the 'Chicago' cast emboss on the older heads.

    I buy anything old or new made in Chicago.


    Quote Originally Posted by Leigh View Post
    They are likewise aluminum with metal shoes.

    I've never seen a surveyor's tripod, so I can't make a comparison. Perhaps others can.

    The Majestic is still being made. B&H shows 20 different tripod models plus accessories.

    I think they never had the advertising budget of the larger tripod manufacturers.
    \
    - Leigh

  6. #86
    8x10, 5x7, 4x5, et al Leigh's Avatar
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    Re: One Tripod to Rule Them All?

    Thanks, Randy.

    I have two complete tripods plus accessories and replacement parts, so I doubt I'll need any more.

    But I do appreciate the suggestion. I too buy US-made when available, or do without.

    I was born just outside of Chicago.

    - Leigh
    If you believe you can, or you believe you can't... you're right.

  7. #87
    LF/ULF Carbon Printer Jim Fitzgerald's Avatar
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    Re: One Tripod to Rule Them All?

    I built two Walnut tripods. One with a Majestic head for the 8x20 and one with a 1570M Gitzo head for the 11x14 and 14x17! My 8x10 sits on a small Ries. Light weight? What is that?

  8. #88

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    Re: One Tripod to Rule Them All?

    Quote Originally Posted by HMG View Post
    Do you replace the center screw or adapt it in some way (to mount a head)? And do you leave the feet (spikes) as is?
    I met the manufacturer of the tripods here - family owned operation -and they said they'd just make an adapter to fit like the 1/4 or 3/8" screw.
    Quite ingenious actually. It allows wider placement of the camera /head.

  9. #89
    Jac@stafford.net's Avatar
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    Re: One Tripod to Rule Them All?

    Quote Originally Posted by HMG View Post
    Do you replace the center screw or adapt it in some way (to mount a head)? And do you leave the feet (spikes) as is?
    A machinist made a beautiful thick aluminum plate with 3/8" screw mount that fit the top. I should have a picture somewhere and will post it if found. Aluminum is not really necessary. It is a quick fabrication from wood for anyone with a saw.

    The spiked feet are 3/8" screw mounted. I later replaced them with simple short bolts with rubber caps available at Ace Hardware for a few dollars.
    .

  10. #90
    Jac@stafford.net's Avatar
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    Re: One Tripod to Rule Them All?

    Quote Originally Posted by mzurbano View Post
    Found a lot of affordable tripods here: https://engineerwarehouse.com/collec...vating-tripods
    A good start. Next point to the many conversions from survey tripods to our LF applications and it will be complete. I will try to photograph my own.

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