Trunk tripod- 4x5 field camera

[Dan Daniel]

Setting up a kit to keep a wood 4x5 field camera- under 4 pounds- in the trunk of the car. This would rarely mean hiking far; I'd bring a regular kit if that's the plan. Roadside grab shots, etc. Camera, lens, a few holders, a simple meter, dark clothe. And...

A tripod. Wondering if people have a suggestion.

So... aluminum (carbon seems overkill and overpriced). Head not necessary but fine if included. 3-way head is my default preference but open. ~65 inch or so height.

A Tilt-All 4602 (or Leitz version) comes to mind.

Budget- cheap. Used Gitzo aluminum is about the maximum.

Thanks.

 

[xkaes]

Since it's a 4x5 wooden field camera, there are lots of options -- and cheap. I normally use a Gitzo Reporter Performance with a ball head, but I was at the local camera shop the other day and picked up a more stable, USED (but in perfect condition), old, STAR-D tripod with 4-way head for $25. Three-level legs, like the Gitzo, and heavier. Goes up to seven feet high. The feet even have retractable spikes!!! Great for a trunk. I bought it for my Toyo 45C studio camera.

Last I heard they still had camera shops in New York with lots of used gear.

 

[Besk]

Numerous suitable tripods are available used.
Reporter series Gitzo should work with a very lightweight camera. Also, Bogen 3001 series.

BTW, I keep my tripods in cut off pants legs - preferablY jeans. Also use an adjustable strap designed to carry shotguns in the field.

 

[Alan9940]

No idea what you would call cheap for a tripod, but I've been very happy with a SmallRig AP-10 tripod under my Tachihara wooden field camera. I, too, prefer a 3-way head when working with LF, but the ballhead on this tripod is pretty good. I really like the lever leg locks--easy and quick to deploy. And, at about 2.5lbs it's easily carried anywhere. Comes with a case, too, for tumbling around in your trunk.

 

[blee1996]

The bigger aluminum Manfrotto/Bogen tripods with braces for video seem to be plentiful and cheap on the local Craigslist and Facebook markets. They typically come with 3-way head, might even be geared.

They can support 8x10, in case you want to go that route in the future.

 

[callsign_BULL]

If you want wood, an ash Berelebach (https://www.berlebach.de/en/) would be my choice. Less expensive and lighter than the heavy, maple Ries. More options and accessories too. Mine, from the time that Berelebach was still stuck in the GDR, is still solid though beaten up.

Bull sends

 

[xkaes]

I guess we all have different definitions of "cheap".

 

[AnselMortensen]

The Star-D is a re-branding /copy of the Tiltall design.

Marchioni Bros. ---> Leitz---> Star-D

 

[BHuij]

I've actually been really happy with my K&F Concept legs as my primary 4x5 tripod for the last several years. Mine has a Benro geared head on it now, but I used an inexpensive 3-way pan head for a long time before I upgraded. Never been a fan of ball heads for 4x5 work.

 

[Dr. no]

The Star-D is a re-branding /copy of the Tiltall design.

Marchioni Bros. ---> Leitz---> Star-D

I have an essentially identical "Vivitar" Tripod. I use it on the 17"x17" when it comes out of the closet to see if my arthritis can manage it anymore.
A no-name CF ($87) or Bogen 3021 ($22) live in the car now for MF/LF use. Those were prices with heads, though I did upgrade the Bogen to a newer one with matching Manfrotto plates. Those fit within my definition of "cheap enough to use". Save the money to buy name-brand lenses.

 

[blee1996]

Too bad @Dan Daniel you don't live near SF Bay area, a guy is selling a Tiltall tripod with head for $5 on Craigslist. $5 can't even buy me a double double burger or a large coffee these days.

 

[Dan Daniel]

Thanks for all the suggestions.

I live in a place with a small population so tripods are not very common.

I wonder if that Tiltall is the one I gave to Glass Key when I moved out of SF?

 

[Patrick Robert James]

Can't go wrong with a Tiltall especially the Leitz version. I have a few tripods and one of them is a Leitz Tiltall. I ended up lopping off the head and installing a Kirk ballhead but they are great tripods. If you used to own one then it is a no brainer if even just for nostalgia.

Another option that shouldn't cost much is a Bogen 3021. I have one of those too which I keep in the car....

 

[xkaes]

I live in a place with a small population so tripods are not very common.

ROAD TRIP!!!! Always a good reason to take pictures!!!

 

[ChuckP]

Bogen 3021 with 3047 head. Both of those are pretty common items.

 

[DREW WILEY]

My advice - toss the ball head. If you can still find an old Tiltall in good condition with its integral pan/tilt head, those were just about the best bang for the buck for a bargain tripod as one could get. I don't know if these newer Chinese clones are any good or not. When it comes to survey tripod, they're definitely not. But lighter weight US mfg CST fiberglass-clad tripods are quite solid, cost little, and can easily be converted to view camera use; they just don't collapse down as much as typical camera tripods, and are somewhat heavier (but extra mass can be a real advantage if you aren't walking very far).

The problem with metal tripods is handling them in very cold weather.