Weight limitations for a Zone VI Wooden Tripod with Bogen 3047 Head

[hackphotographer]

I have a Zone VI wooden tripod with the spiked legs and a Bogen 3047 head listed for sale. I acquired it in a lot of medium format gear I purchased and I don't know much about large format gear.

A potential buyer has just asked me the following question:

"Is this tripod and head good enough for 30-40 lbs cameras?"

I don't know the answer to his question so was hoping you guys might lend your knowledge.

I will be very grateful. If it's inappropriate to ask such a question here then I respect the moderators decision to delete this post.

Thanks in advance,
Ken

[rdenney]

In my opinion, yes.

Rick "not my favorite tripod, but not because it is weak" Denney

[Mark Sampson]

Based on my experience with two of them, I doubt that a 3047 head would support a 30lb. camera; the one I use for 4x5 didn't really like my 15lb. Kodak 8x10 Master, although it did work.

[E. von Hoegh]

The tripod, probably. The head, no.

[Gem Singer]

Fred Picker designed, manufactured, and marketed that particular tripod as his light weight version (I owned two of them). He also offered a sturdier heavier weight version.

Zone VI tripods were designed to support wooden folding flat bed cameras (4x5 and 8x10). Picker recommended the Bogen 3047 pan-tilt tripod head. He preferred to carry the camera, mounted on a tripod, over his shoulder. The Bogen hex plate quick release on the 3047 was strong enough to hold a light weight wooden camera.

A 30-40 lb. still camera? Your buyer should be looking for a huge metal tripod or a wooden tripod designed for a TV or movie camera.

[Peter De Smidt]

No, and I've owned both the same model tripod and head.

[ROL]

I dunno, looks like only a five dollar tripod to me.

[Keith Fleming]

I've tried that combination of tripod and head with my 8X10 Deardorff, and found the head wasn't sturdy enough for a camera of that size. I think the quick release mechanism wanted to flex a bit under the weight. With a sturdier head, I think the tripod would do fine for a heavier camera. But as has been pointed out above, it's always best to go with the biggest tripod, especially with something weighing 30-40 pounds.

Keith

[Thebes]

30-40 lbs? No for either, but the weak point is the head.
The 3047 I had with a B&J 8x10 was really being pushed with that camera at half that weight.

[RichardRitter]

The head will not.
The tripod will hold if the legs are put at the proper angle of use. I have in the past sat on one. Just make sure the legs are not cracked or damaged in any way.

You would be better off with the heaver weight tripod Zone VI sold.