Berlebach Report 8023 tripod

Curt · May 16, 2008

I have this model tripod and I have been using a Slik tripod head but would like to use it with a large format camera and the head is only good for medium format. What's a good suggestion for a head on this model? Up until now I've used my Mamiya 7507 for 4x5 and 5x7 and a Gitzo Studex for 8x10 but they are too heavy to take outside. I would like to start using my Berlebach with 4x5 and 5x7 when I can get going again. I would get a Ries head if I could afford one.

Thanks,

Curt

jp80874 · May 16, 2008

Search on "Gitzo magnesium head" at B&H Photo and you will find four variations of strong, light, long lasting heads with pictures and good descriptions. I have used a 1570 for several years under my Technikardan 45, but it is designed for heavier loads. They turn up used on eBay frequently. I think you can get a 1570 for about $150 now.

John Powers

Deleted member 19578 · May 17, 2008

I've used my Berlebach Report 3042 & an older Bogen Hexagonal quick release plate & head (no movements, just the flat quick release receptor) with a bunch of different 4x5 cameras, from a very light Tachihara Wood Field (under 4 lbs) to a Graflex Speed Graphic (just under 10 lbs with the Wollensak 15" telephoto!)... I looked up the specs for both tripods (3042 & 8023) on the Berlebach site and they list the load capacities as the same.

I would think that you could just add a flat quick release plate adapter & then buy some extra plates for the other cameras that you have. I leave a hex plate on most of the cameras I use, and have a couple extra for new toys.

Dan Fromm · May 17, 2008

JL, your 3042 has an integral levelling ball, the 8023 the OP inquired about doesn't. Revisit www.berlebach.de if you think I'm mistaken. There's more to tripods than load capacity.

Oh, and by the way, I have an 8023. It agrees with the catalog, doesn't have an integral leveler.

Curt, I use a Bogen 3047 head on mine. The assembly supports my tandem 2x3 Graphic (Pacemaker Speed and Century on a rail, connected front to back) with no problems.

photomc · May 17, 2008

Use a much older Berlebach - much like the 3022, just a center column - no levelling ball and one leg extension with a Manfrotto 808RC4 head (the one that replace the 3047).

Mount everything from a 4x5 Crown to a 16+ lb Eastman No 2 7x11 on it with no issue. The 808RC is a nice 3 way pan head.

TheFlyingCamera · May 17, 2008

Look around for the smaller version of the Gitzo 1570 head - they made it in a 1270 and I think a 1370 size - I have the 1270 on my Bogen CF tripod and it is just fine for anything up to my Canham 5x12/5x7. It would probably even be adequate to handle my Zone VI ultralight 8x10 (10lbs no lens).

Curt · May 18, 2008

Curt, I use a Bogen 3047 head on mine. The assembly supports my tandem 2x3 Graphic (Pacemaker Speed and Century on a rail, connected front to back) with no problems.

I found a Bogen 3047 with the new handles on the KEH site and went ahead with it. Some day I'll get a Ries tripod and head, or not.
I didn't think $72.00 was too bad after looking at eBeg.

Keiske · May 18, 2008

I have a 8023 but hated to add a head as I am short and the added head seems to reduce stability.
I ordered a ball/socket (levelling head) from Berlebach and replaced 8023's center column. That means I modified 8023 to 8033. It handles 8lbs 4x5 CAMBO SC with enough stability.

Berlebach Report 8023 tripod

Curt

jp80874

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