Help a beginner with the first LF setup

[jernejk]

Hello,

after some years of dreaming of LF I've finally pulled the trigger and purchased Plaubel Peco Profila 13x18 (the set I bought looks exactly like the one in the link). The camera is in process of being shipped to me, so in the mean time I have some time to collect other bits and pieces I need, without knowing what exactly is in the box, how much the whole thing weights etc.

What kind of photos will I make

Well, we'll see about that. I plan to start in a "home studio", doing some still lifes and maybe portraits. Then I imagine I would take a camera to a walk in a city (let's say I put the whole thing in a bag with wheels, than that's actually doable!). Then... we'll see. I probably won't go hiking with it though ;-)

Tripod

This is where I'm focusing at the moment as I can't even assemble the camera without it. Given that eventually I would like to go out, I should probably really limit myself to carbon ones. Some stuff I found browsing around:

- SIRUI N-2004X Universal, apparently should take up to 15kg loads, with quite good reviews
- B.I.G. TMC-1300, similar story

looking how much both of the above cost compared to their "studio" models, I fear they are cheap models for slr

- Coman Aluminium TG330AT (supports up to 20kg, has no center column which I heard was good, seems more sturdy than the above)

Maybe a stupid question: can the camera be attached directly to the tripod, without a head, for the time while I collect everything?

[Ari]

Yes, you can attach the camera directly to the tripod, some people do that as a preference. A head is not absolutely essential, but it does make adjustments easier and faster.
You get some increased stability as well by not using a head.

[jernejk]

Great, that helps a lot, thanks!

Any pointers as to what supported weight range I should be looking at? 10, 12, 15, 20 kilos?

[MAubrey]

A good alternative to a tripod head for large format is a leveling base. It doesn't give you the range of movement that a ball head does, but it's smaller and more stable and makes it easier for simple leveling adjustment from which you can then perform your front and rear standard movements.

[Ari]

Any pointers as to what supported weight range I should be looking at? 10, 12, 15, 20 kilos?

You should be just fine with a tripod rated for 10-12 kilos.

[Jerry Bodine]

...purchased Plaubel Peco Profila 13x18...

I'm not sure where you're located, U.S. or Europe?, but you should be aware of possible problems getting film in the 13x18 format. Check this 7yo link:
http://www.largeformatphotography.in...x18#post435307

If it's helpful, here is Ilford's Availability List:
http://www.ilfordphoto.com/Webfiles/...1113753457.pdf

[jernejk]

I'm in Europe, I should be able to get at least some Adox if nothing else...

[jernejk]

Found this Gitzo near me... the owner is not sure about the model, but it weights about 3kg.
Is that what I'm looking for?

[Sirius Glass]

Welcome to Large Format Photography Forum

For carbon fiber tripods that are almost as good as the big brands and a whole lot less checkout Induro http://www.indurogear.com/

[Jerry Bodine]

Found this Gitzo near me... the owner is not sure about the model, but it weights about 3kg.
Is that what I'm looking for?

I think it'd need a third leg for stability.