Ball or Three-way for MF

[SodaAnt]

I understand the issue with the Bogen/Manfrotto heads...unlike other QR systems that have to have the lever move a large amount before the QR plate is released at all from the locking mechanism (like the Linhof Profi), the Manfrotto QR systems released the plate even with a relatively small movement of the release lever. Not sure if that flaw unlimately was finally designed out on later Manfrotto QR systems (or if they simply added a safety lock for the lever arm)

Manfrotto quick releases scare me. Arca Swiss is a much better system, IMO. Unfortunately, the only heads I have on hand at the moment use the Manfrotto quick releases.

 

[neilt3]

General question: Any of you guys carry your camera around in the field with the camera attached to the tripod and the tripod slung over your shoulder? I cringe every time I see someone doing that. Looks like an accident waiting to happen.

I'll carry a camera attached to a tripod under my arm , holding onto the cameras neck strap if it's a short distance , say 10-15 feet .
Any further and I'll carry them separate .
This assumes that the surface is good to walk on . A loose or slippy surface , or climbing up hill , and I'd prpbably put the camera back in my bag before setting off .

Manfrotto quick releases scare me. Arca Swiss is a much better system, IMO. Unfortunately, the only heads I have on hand at the moment use the Manfrotto quick releases.

I've always used Manfrotto quick releases and never once had a problem .

 

[DREW WILEY]

With those Bogen/Manfrotto hex plates, you need to be certain the locking lever is pushed all the way back in. It can feel secure halfway, but it isn't. They're actually quite secure when properly used. You also need to be aware of the correct orientation. The plates are labeled as per front end.

 

[SodaAnt]

With those Bogen/Manfrotto hex plates, you need to be certain the locking lever is pushed all the way back in. It can feel secure halfway, but it isn't. They're actually quite secure when properly used. You also need to be aware of the correct orientation. The plates are labeled as per front end.

I always make sure to engage the lock on a Manfrotto QR right after I attach a camera to the head. Even then I don’t trust it fully.

 

[joe bosak]

I always try to check any QR plate is properly attached to the camera and fully engaged on the tripod head. Even arca-swiss style plates can be incorrectly attached quite easily.

 

[MattKing]

I've never had problems with the small Manfrotto QR plates releasing unexpectedly, and that includes with an RB67. Most likely because I have an ingrained habit to push the lever closed after the camera and plate are mounted.
I have had problems with them becoming looser on the camera - allowing the camera to twist. I have one of the architectural versions of the plate, which solves that problem, but it doesn't fit on every camera.

 

[DREW WILEY]

Well, yeah, the tendency to twist is annoying. I rarely use the Bogen system anymore in the field, and then only in terms of a low-profile adapter to the hex plate for certain special applications. The big ole clunky pan-tilt head itself remains in studio service.

 

[SodaAnt]

I have one of the architectural versions of the plate, which solves that problem, but it doesn't fit on every camera.

Would you happen to know the Manfrotto part number of the architectural version of the plate?

 

[abruzzi]

I have had problems with them becoming looser on the camera - allowing the camera to twist.

I've never seen the smaller ones, but every Bogen/Manfrotto hex plate should have 3 set screws that allow you to set the plate to the camera in a way that won't move.

I looked for a long time be I could never find a arca-swiss style plate that had set screws. Less of an issue on medium format, but the length of a large format camera creates a lot of leverage to twist the plate. On an A-S camers itself, it isn't issue because the entire rail is the plate. On some cameras like my Technikardan, there are two 3/8-16 holes, so with a long plate and an extra screw you can mount it firmly. Some cameras like a Toyo 810Mii only have a single mount, but they do have a flat edge so some plates are available with a raised edge which helps. But other cameras have a circular base, like a Sinar, and those would be a pain for a a-s plate.

 

[MattKing]

Here is the listing at B&H:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...14_Architectural_Anti_Twist_Quick.html?sts=pi

That may give you a link that is customized for customers in Canada.
Here is a link at Adorama to the version with a 3/8" tripod thread - my preference for the cameras that offer that option:
https://www.adorama.com/bg3157anr.html

 

[Pieter12]

Not MF, but note the somewhat flimsy ball head and the clever leveling/stabilization device under the tripod leg.

 

[itsdoable]

Manfrotto quick releases scare me. Arca Swiss is a much better system, IMO....<snip>

The original Arca Swiss QR system scared me - nice wedge and good clamping pressure with the exposed thumb screw, which when bumped could lossen, and then the shoe just slides out (!!). I remember a number of incidents where the shoe came off while people were carrying the tripod with equipment across their shoulders. The extra safety pins have helped. A nice system, never-the-less.

 

[JPD]

Most post-war Rolleiflexes can use the Rolleifix quick release.

 

[Arthurwg]

I've used a ball head for most of my work for years. For heavier stuff I've been using an old Linhof Profil 3, now selling new for $1000. It's is beautifully made and designed. But with my RB I'm finding it awkward and I'm now considering a 3-Way head. I'm looking at the Manfrotto XPRO, which is supposedly good for 26.5 lbs, but I've encountered mixed reviews. Still, at $200 it seems like a bargain.

 

[SodaAnt]

Linhof Profil 3, now selling new for $1000.

I think Linhof is the German word for expensive. ;-)

 

[Pieter12]

I think Linhof is the German word for expensive. ;-)

In fact, all German words translate as expensive!

 

[DREW WILEY]

Not photo gear, but I specialized in distributing German woodworking etc equipment here on the W Coast before I retired. Probably the biggest selection actually in stock in the Western Hemisphere. Expensive is relative. The initial cost was high, but many of those power tools would pay for themselves within days; and if you amortize their expense over the long haul, combined with their much higher productivity, they were by far the least expensive option around. Even a silly little screwdriver tip that costs $4 instead of 50 cents was drastically cheaper in the long run because it would last hundreds of times longer. But someone charging $75 for an official Leica logo lens cap is just plain silly - it doesn't do anything better than an ordinary one.

 

[reddesert]

Not MF, but note the somewhat flimsy ball head and the clever leveling/stabilization device under the tripod leg.
View attachment 344966

Every photographer needs a 5 pound ball head with a 3" diameter ball, and a carbon fiber tripod. It's a miracle that anyone even managed to take a photograph in the old days.

In seriousness, I think that may be an old Linhof small ball head and possibly a Linhof tripod (guessing from the shape of the casting). I have a ball head like that, it is pretty small but actually fairly sturdy. Still, a little bit of thought and patience will help one take a steady photo with modest equipment. (Unless you have a big camera and there's wind - patience won't help steady that.)

I don't think the criticism of some QR systems that they can let go if you put the tripod and camera slung on your shoulder and walk around with it is that well motivated. I understand it sucks if that happens, but if you want to do that, don't use a QR. The QR allows you to take the camera off when you walk around with the tripod slung.

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

Every photographer needs a 5 pound ball head with a 3" diameter ball, and a carbon fiber tripod. It's a miracle that anyone even managed to take a photograph in the old days.

In seriousness, I think that may be an old Linhof small ball head and possibly a Linhof tripod (guessing from the shape of the casting). I have a ball head like that, it is pretty small but actually fairly sturdy. Still, a little bit of thought and patience will help one take a steady photo with modest equipment. (Unless you have a big camera and there's wind - patience won't help steady that.)

I don't think the criticism of some QR systems that they can let go if you put the tripod and camera slung on your shoulder and walk around with it is that well motivated. I understand it sucks if that happens, but if you want to do that, don't use a QR. The QR allows you to take the camera off when you walk around with the tripod slung.

That's a good point.

 

[itsdoable]

<snip>

I don't think the criticism of some QR systems that they can let go if you put the tripod and camera slung on your shoulder and walk around with it is that well motivated. I understand it sucks if that happens, but if you want to do that, don't use a QR. The QR allows you to take the camera off when you walk around with the tripod slung.

I wouldn't dismiss carrying a QR'ed heavy camera on a tripod, either over you shoulders or under your arm, until you do it. QRs hold the camera better than a 1/4" or 3/8" screw - if you've ever carry that around, there is a tendency for the screw mount to loosen with a long lens or heavy camera. If you need to move 100 meters over, it's much easier to pick the whole thing up than dismantle. And even if we think one should not be carrying a tripod QR mounted cameras around, the fact is, people do. Pros do. And the QR sets up much faster - which was the point.

Most current Arca Swiss QR mounts have a safety now, it was added for a reason. It's a good system. As it the Manfroto.

And dispite how they improve thing, we still manage to drop cameras.

 

[BryanFlnt]

I mostly use ball heads from Leofoto and RRS. Buy the largest model. A good ball head will have a friction knob that can be adjusted so the camera moves with little effort but does not flop around. Be prepared to spend $400 or so for a RRS ball head, one of the best.

I will add that it really depends on the situation. For studio and architectural work (or at least where I want precise control) I will use something like an Arca Swiss P0 geared ball head. If the camera is suspended above a still-life set-up, I might use a 3-way locking geared head like a Manfrotto 410 or Leofoto GW-01.

As an alternative, try a two way. I love the Leofoto VH-30

VH-30 - Leofoto

Leofoto was founded at the beginning of 2014. It is located in Zhongshan, beautiful Pearl River Delta area in China. Leofoto team has been designing and manufacturing series of camera support systems by comparing and studying the high-end photographic accessories made in China and abroad and...

www.leofoto.com

More compact than a lot of 3-way. Since you have a rotating back you won’t miss the 3rd axis. Fine, smooth movements. Well made and reasonably priced.

 

[Pieter12]

Not MF, but pretty secure with a Linhof, a moderately heavy camera.

 

[DREW WILEY]

Now let's see you carry that over your shoulder with one hand, while using an ice axe in the other hand. I needed both hands free the many many times I carried a Sinar and Gitzo up into the mountains. Studios don't count, although that big reflector in the background might be convertible into a hang-glider or parachute for going back down.

But just for fun in the mountains, you might want to switch to a 5X7 Technika instead of a 4X5 - better cardio exercise.

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

As an alternative, try a two way. I love the Leofoto VH-30

VH-30 - Leofoto

Leofoto was founded at the beginning of 2014. It is located in Zhongshan, beautiful Pearl River Delta area in China. Leofoto team has been designing and manufacturing series of camera support systems by comparing and studying the high-end photographic accessories made in China and abroad and...

www.leofoto.com

More compact than a lot of 3-way. Since you have a rotating back you won’t miss the 3rd axis. Fine, smooth movements. Well made and reasonably priced.

What if you have to level the horizon?

 

[dave olson]

I have a Gitzo G 1372 M high pan and tilt, a Gitzo G 1270 low pan and tilt, and Gitzo G 1276 ball. I have used these for years in the field. The 1270 has a large platform and built-in level. I use it when I'm using my Pentax 67, which is a heavy weight with attached lens. There is no "creep" when it's adjusted down. "Creep" is the term for tripod heads that allow the camera and lens to slide, when other than in a horizontal.