Tripod Head Recommendations for 4x5

[r.e.]

I have one of these [Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared Head] coming to try out tomorrow actually -- Was just raising my eyebrow at the 11lb capacity. My heaviest camera is just under 7lbs so I guess that'd be fine.

So you got it yesterday. What's the verdict?

If you decide that you're interested in tripod heads that aren't geared, it would be a good idea to say so because it opens up the possibilities quite a bit, especially given your preferred budget.

I have a Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared Head, but I hate the thing and I only use it if I need very precise movements of the camera; but I'll admit that when needed it's what the doctor ordered

[otto.f]

I own Arca Swiss P0 Hybrid and the RSS BH-55. I use the Arca when going lightweight. With both I'm not very happy. I do not see the big deal in ball-heads under a 4x5" camera's actually. For me it's too unstable a balance, second best in that perspective would be a leveler from Arca, which is more stable when moving up and down with less gravity pressure. These levelers are quite expensive, especially if you want the Cube, and the swing down doesn't reach that far as a ball-head. So, if I'd start now, I'd go for a concept like the Manfrotto 410, didn't try it for the space it offers for your hands to move effectively, but I would buy the small disadvantage of volume for the stability of the principle: for every direction a separate lever. It carries the LF camera much more stable.

[Tin Can]

I vastly prefer 100mm 1/2 Ball leveling, lightweight yet very heavy duty

I use FLM https://www.flmcanada.com/product/flm-hb-100-half-ball/

Waiting for the new Upside Down!

[r.e.]

I vastly prefer 100mm 1/2 Ball leveling, lightweight yet very heavy duty

I use FLM https://www.flmcanada.com/product/flm-hb-100-half-ball/

More stable and less expensive than other options he's considering. However, his tripod has a centre column; a levelling base won't work unless it can be removed.

[Tin Can]

Not my problem

I also have ancient Sachtler Movie sticks that needs a 150 mm ball, I made it work with a 130mm 1/2 ball

$15 with matching dolly 1983, bought at garage sale

Nobody has ONE tripod, do they?

More stable and less expensive than other options he's considering. However, his tripod has a centre column; a levelling base won't work unless it can be removed.

[EBJohnson]

More stable and less expensive than other options he's considering. However, his tripod has a centre column; a levelling base won't work unless it can be removed.

3 Legged Thing has a leveling base that can mount to 3/8’s


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[r.e.]

3 Legged Thing has a leveling base that can mount to 3/8’s

So it does, apparently a new product (US$160):

[Tin Can]

https://www.amazon.com/CAVIX-Leveler...jaz10cnVl&th=1

I have this in my hand

[pendennis]

...
I have a Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared Head, but I hate the thing and I only use it if I need very precise movements of the camera; but I'll admit that when needed it's what the doctor ordered

And here I thought I was the only one who thought the 410 and thought it wasn't the be-all, end-all! And like you, I only used the fine adjustments, but thought large adjustments were very clumsy. Now, don't get me started on ball heads.

[Kiwi7475]

I think at this point we’ve heard all opinions and their opposites.

Personally I find a ball head such as a RSS BH-55 or similar perfect for a wooden 4x5 and even a light 8x10 (Chamonix etc). Plenty of flexibility when the 15-20 deg of a leveling head are not sufficient. Just be mindful of the friction when you loosen it and keep a hand on the camera. I’ve managed hundreds of sharp shots so I don’t think it has fundamental stability issues, on a good tripod.

I find the non-arca support of the manfrotto 410 and the volume it takes a non starter, tbh. I don’t want to be changing adapters. YMMV.

Geared is really a luxury that comes at a cost — literally. Not needed IMO except in a few cases.