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Thread: Best way to convert Berlebach tripod from 1/4 to 3/8 (for Sinar equipment)

  1. #1
    lharby's Avatar
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    Best way to convert Berlebach tripod from 1/4 to 3/8 (for Sinar equipment)

    Hi

    I just bought a Berlabach tripod (bargain), as well as a Sinar pan/tilt head (small fortune).

    It looks as though the Sinar is 3/8 thread which I would expect, but the Berlebach seems to have a 1/4 thread.

    My question is, would it be better/simpler/cheaper etc to buy a small convertor (only what depth should it be).

    Or is it possible to buy a new component part from Berlebach?

    Click image for larger version. 

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    I don't know the model, but the base plate has a longish pin running through it, so not sure of that whole thing has to be replaced. This is from the listing:

    Click image for larger version. 

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    Everything should be tried once, except incest and folk dancing.

  2. #2
    Jac@stafford.net's Avatar
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    Re: Best way to convert Berlebach tripod from 1/4 to 3/8 (for Sinar equipment)

    The solution is elementary. All you you need is a 1/4" to 3/8" bushing, widely available, very inexpensive.

    Buy a bunch, and be happy.

  3. #3

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    Re: Best way to convert Berlebach tripod from 1/4 to 3/8 (for Sinar equipment)

    The Best way is to buy the Berlebach center base plate with the 3/8" thread. They are not interchangeable and come with the size you order. You can order it from the US distributor, or B&H may also carry it.

    https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...er_Column.html

  4. #4

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    Re: Best way to convert Berlebach tripod from 1/4 to 3/8 (for Sinar equipment)

    Am not familiar with the Berlabach tripod, but first check that the tripod screw isn't reversible to a 3/8"... lot of tripods are. Get the best 1/4" to 3/8" adapter that you can find. The couple of extra dollars well spent to insure that the adapter doesn't break. A friend once used a very cheap shallow adapter and it broke with the camera falling off the tripod.

  5. #5

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    Re: Best way to convert Berlebach tripod from 1/4 to 3/8 (for Sinar equipment)

    Second problem could be, that the Sinar thread is too short ( to deep) for the Berlebach bolt.
    Exactly this happened to another photographer, some days ago.
    In this case, Berlebach seems to sell not so expensive parts.

    In this case, feel free to contact me, if you need some language support.

    Ritchie

  6. #6

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    Re: Best way to convert Berlebach tripod from 1/4 to 3/8 (for Sinar equipment)

    Click image for larger version. 

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    As Jac said, all you need is such a bushing. This is what it looks like. i use this to mount a Sinar F on a Berlebach and it works fine.

  7. #7

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    Re: Best way to convert Berlebach tripod from 1/4 to 3/8 (for Sinar equipment)

    Quote Originally Posted by Greg View Post
    Am not familiar with the Berlabach tripod, but first check that the tripod screw isn't reversible to a 3/8"... lot of tripods are. Get the best 1/4" to 3/8" adapter that you can find. The couple of extra dollars well spent to insure that the adapter doesn't break. A friend once used a very cheap shallow adapter and it broke with the camera falling off the tripod.
    It isn't reversible. It comes with whatever size thread it was ordered with. Best just get a professional quality ¼ to ⅜" adapter like a Linhof or a Sinar one that has adequate thread length and is not made from aluminum. The Linhof one is about ⅝" long and is made of brass.

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    Re: Best way to convert Berlebach tripod from 1/4 to 3/8 (for Sinar equipment)


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    Re: Best way to convert Berlebach tripod from 1/4 to 3/8 (for Sinar equipment)

    Thanks, I think I will invest in the Sinar or Linhof's. The thought of the camera snapping off is nightmarish.
    Everything should be tried once, except incest and folk dancing.

  10. #10

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    Re: Best way to convert Berlebach tripod from 1/4 to 3/8 (for Sinar equipment)

    Good decision!
    Just one more thing to watch: is the (round) base plate of your Berlebach tripod the same size as the (round) base of the Sinar?
    If the tripod base plate is the same size or larger than the Sinar base, you're fine.
    If the Sinar base is larger than the tripod base, the setup will be unstable. That's the situation I had. To fix that, I insert a simple round piece of mat board between the tripod and the camera to ensure a stable connection.
    See photo's:
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