Berlebach leg locks -How good

[Tom Stanworth]

I was poised to order a Report series 4002 tripod for my lightweight 8x10 field. Without seeing one in the flesh, I thought that this would be stable enough (rated to 10kg) for my 4kg camera and light lenses. Am I right?

I then remembered about leg locks - anyone know what they are like on the report tripods. The website is not that clear really about how angles are set and locked. I ask as I have heard some cursing the lack of locks on the Zone V1 tripod when their wooden beauty nose dives into tarmac! I saw tehm selling chains on the site too, which made me suspect that the legs do not lock nicely. Any comments regarding likelihood of my camera hitting the deck?

( I was also going to get a gitzo 1570M head, but seeing a used 1370M makes me wonder is this would be up to the job??)

Tks,
Tom

 

[bmac]

You won't have any problems with the leg locks on it. They are very strong.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

The G1570M head is fine with my 11x14". It's very substantial and steady.

 

[Mongo]

The Berlebach leg locks hold my magnesium Calumet C-1 with Nikkor APO 480mm, 8x10 back, Packard shutter, and 8x10 film holder without any trouble at all. I've loaded all of this up onto the tripod before and then leaned on the head to try to get the leg locks to slip...they just won't.

 

[galyons]

The Berlebach leg logs function identically to the Ries leg locks. That being said, they work great. I use mine for all formats, including 8x10.

Cheers,
Geary

 

[Timothy]

Berelbach and Gitzo

Tom, I am confused (I mean, a little more than usual ....) Are you saying that you can use the magnesium low profile Gitzo head on the Berelbach tripod ?
If this is the case, I will be ordering the same thing immediately.

Thanks,

Tim R

 

[Tom Stanworth]

Unless I am the one confused, yes!?? As far as I am aware it just screws on....someone please correct me if I am wrong!!

I think these things have std threads 1/4", 3/8" etc. The head should screw straight onto the tripod with one of these two threads being used. I have ordered a 1/4" to 3/8" thread increaser which I know I will need somewhere along the line, if only to connect the head to camera, which has a 3/8" hole.

You've got me worried now...