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Thread: New FLM Ultralight Tripod for 8x10 and smaller

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  1. #1
    Unwitting Thread Killer Ari's Avatar
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    New FLM Ultralight Tripod for 8x10 and smaller

    I'm currently using an 8.5-pound field camera (8x10) and I have some heavy lenses, between 2 and 4.5 pounds.
    I've been trying to find the smallest (thinnest tube) and lightest tripod that can be reliably used with my 8x10 for when I take my gear on a walk or bicycle ride.
    With the input of one of our forum members here, I've enlisted the services of the FLM factory to make a new tripod - in very small quantities at first.
    This will test if it's a viable solution not just for our purposes, but if it could be an ultralight solution for any photographer.

    The new tripod is the CP22-M2.
    This means that the carbon tubes are 22mm in diameter, and it's a 2-section tripod.
    The CP22-M2 will be 55.12" tall when fully extended, and 33.85" tall when folded.

    While I wait for the new tripod, I've been doing my testing with the CP22-S4, which also uses 22mm tubes at the top, but is a 4-section tripod. I use a 38mm ball head with the tripod for my testing.
    The 4-section should be slightly less stable overall than a 2-section, but that remains to be seen given that each leg section is longer on the M2.
    Still, if a lot of the vibration comes from those skinny leg sections at the bottom of the tripod, then this could prove a winner.
    The 2-section will certainly be easier to open and close quickly.

    Nonetheless, I've had good success thus far with my 8x10 and regular-sized lenses (210 Plasmat, 300mm Tessar), and it's been successful with a Fuji GX680 system as well.
    So I look forward to trying the new 2-section ultralight.

    Price will be $299.00 USD, including shipping to US and Canada. Contact me and I'll send you some images of it next week when it comes in.
    Thanks

  2. #2
    Peter De Smidt's Avatar
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    Re: New FLM Ultralight Tripod for 8x10 and smaller

    That sounds like a great option, Ari! Please send me some pictures when you get them.
    “You often feel tired, not because you've done too much, but because you've done too little of what sparks a light in you.”
    ― Alexander Den Heijer, Nothing You Don't Already Know

  3. #3
    Tin Can's Avatar
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    Re: New FLM Ultralight Tripod for 8x10 and smaller

    Shorten

    I prefer full height to be below center of GG

    I am North American average, 69 to 70"
    Tin Can

  4. #4
    Unwitting Thread Killer Ari's Avatar
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    Re: New FLM Ultralight Tripod for 8x10 and smaller

    Will do, Peter. Thanks!

  5. #5
    Tin Can's Avatar
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    Re: New FLM Ultralight Tripod for 8x10 and smaller

    Agree
    Tin Can

  6. #6
    Do or do not. There is no try.
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    Re: New FLM Ultralight Tripod for 8x10 and smaller

    Ari, do you know how much does the CP22-M2 weighs by itself?

  7. #7
    Unwitting Thread Killer Ari's Avatar
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    Re: New FLM Ultralight Tripod for 8x10 and smaller

    Not yet, Steve. I'll have the exact figures late next week when the tripod arrives.
    The current CP22-S4 weighs 1.94 pounds, or 881g, so I'd expect the M2 to be in that neighborhood.
    Fewer leg grips, but longer carbon tubes.
    My fingers are crossed that we chose the right tube diameter for this.

  8. #8

    Re: New FLM Ultralight Tripod for 8x10 and smaller

    Wow, I would be very curious, at 22mm that is thinner than a typical 2 series Gitzo, and with two sections only, I wonder if flex might become an issue.

  9. #9
    Tin Can's Avatar
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    Re: New FLM Ultralight Tripod for 8x10 and smaller

    Congratulations!
    Tin Can

  10. #10
    Unwitting Thread Killer Ari's Avatar
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    Re: New FLM Ultralight Tripod for 8x10 and smaller

    Quote Originally Posted by Tin Can View Post
    Congratulations!
    Thank you!
    This means the L2 is not far off, hopefully just a couple more weeks.

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