Field Cam Tripod Suggestions

SteveH

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All,
Any suggestions on a compact tripod that will support a 4x5 field camera ? I'm seriously looking to purchase a Shen Hao 4x5, and I don't want to lug around my bogen (3021) if I don't have to...I also don't think that the Shen Hao would need something that stout.
Im not really looking for something huge. Its more important for me that it will collapse into a compact manor, as I would really prefer to fit it into a carry-on bag. Also, as far as weight goes, obviously I don't want a brick, but metal will be fine.

Thanks !
 

tom_micklin

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I've been using a Giottos (head and legs) with my Shen 4x5 and it is working great. I'd have to check on the model number, but whole thing cost under $200, is no problem to carry around (light and compact) and is very stable - Really Right Stuff clamp helps too.
I felt the Ries tripod (smaller version) was overkill and I didn't feel like spending big bucks for a Gitzo.
Tom
 

reellis67

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I've used a Bogen 3001 leg set with a 3-way head for the entire time I've had my 4x5 Korona and it never failed me. I suppose that It's not any lighter than the 3021 though...

- Randy
 

jovo

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I schlepp my 4x5 around on a 3021 'pod with a 3047 head. It's solid and stable and an excellent (and ubiquitous) choice. However, if I could afford it, I'd love to get a carbon fiber 'pod of similar dimensions with a Bogen 405 (I think it is) geared head. The CF pods are unbelievably light and, with a comparale head, would be a joy to use. I went shooting with a friend who used his Arca Swiss F 4x5 with an Arca Swiss ball head in rather strong wind and it didn't budge.
 

Mark_S

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I use the 3001BPRO, with a 3047 head to support a 4x5 field camera (Walker Titan). It is plenty solid - my two complaints with this are:

1) Heavy - would love to replace this with something lighter.

2) The 3047 head is physically tall - I often find that I want to set up the camera very close to ground level, and the height of the head interferes with this..
 

removed account4

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hi steve

i don't know if this fits with what you are looking for, but you might look into a tiltall tripod. i used it with a graphic view II and even though i always heard people teling me " i would never use a dinky tiltall with a 4x5 camera" i never had any trouble with it ( and still use it all the time with my speed graphic + graflex slr ) ... they are usually about 100$ and you can remove one leg and use it as a monopod

good luck!
john
 
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SteveH

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Thanks !
The reason why I don't want to take the 3021 is simple - I really don't need something that hefty. I have the 3047 head, and it is super solid with my Sinar F2; even with a big brass lens on it.
Also, I agree that the 3047 head is bulky to pack. If they made something like the 3021 that was say, 3/4 of its size that would be excellent (in other words, have some head and tripod the length of just the 3021's legs).
 

TheFlyingCamera

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Steve- look around for a used Bogen/Manfrotto 3444 D carbon fiber. I have one that I use with both my Shen Hao and my Canham 5x7. I've paired it up with a Gitzo 1275M head with Q/R plate for the 4x5, which has been a great combination. I've since switched to a 1270M low-profile 3-way head as it fits the 5x7 better. Both those Gitzo heads can be found new for under $200, and the legset will probably run you used about the same. I'll tell you though that the 3444 legset can actually support my old C-1 8x10 if you're careful. The 3444 is a 4-section legset which folds up neatly and fits inside even a medium-size suitcase with the head removed.
 

Capocheny

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Steve,

Take a look at the Berlebach wooden tripods... beautiful, light, and relatively inexpensive when you compare it to some of the other pods.

A Gitzo 1325 is also pretty light but it's quite pricey at about US$500!

Cheers
 

fpjohn

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Hello: A Wolf 8023 goes small to tall and is about $300US as is the Gitzo 2220 which remains stable when contorted.

I suppose it is possible to spend more.

yours
Frank
 
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Mark Pope

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I've just bought a Manfrotto 055MF3 tripod to use with my Shen Hao and I'm very pleased with it.
There is a four section version called the 055MF4, which might suit your needs better.
I currently use the 029 head but Santa is bringing me a 410 geared head
 
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naturephoto1

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I would think that any of the Gitzo 1200 series (carbon fiber or basalt series) 3 or 4 section tripods would work well as a light weight travel and backpacking tripod. I am particularly partial to my new Gitzo 1257LVL tripod. I have substituted the regular column with the short column. I use the tripod with Markins M20 Ball head and a Kirk 2 1/2" Arca Type QR. I know that the Gitzos are not inexpensive, but I like their Carbon Fiber Tripods. If you want something a little heavier look at the 3 or 4 section Gitzo 1300 series Carbon Fiber tripods (I also have an older General purpose 3 section tripod in this series as well).

Rich
 
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Roger Hicks

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Dear Steve,

You probably can't find one in the US but MPP made a lovely crutch-style tripod with wooden uppers and a tubular alloy lower leg. Weighs about 1 kg / 2.2 lb (without head) and will support even (very light) 8x10 cameras -- I was using mine for this last week-end. No centre column, which always saves a LOT of weight. Only problem from your point of view is that it won't go in carry-on, being 2-section only.

Many LF users will try to persuade you that you need something much bigger and heavier than you do, especially with 4x5. Personally I wouldn't consider a modern big, heavy wooden tripod for most 4x5 cameras. My 12x15 Gandolfi Universal, well now, that's another matter...

Cheers,

R.
 

eric

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SteveH said:
Thanks !
The reason why I don't want to take the 3021 is simple - I really don't need something that hefty. I have the 3047 head, and it is super solid with my Sinar F2; even with a big brass lens on it.
Click to expand...
I'm really glad to see that the 3021, in your opinion, is too big for 4x5 use. I just got me a 4x5 and I *thought* my 3021 would be too light! I've been playing with it at home and I haven't taken it out yet. I have the Jr. head so that might be the reason why I think the 3021 would be too small. Perhaps I should get a regular pan head.
 
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SteveH

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Eric,
Well, it all depends. Honestly for my Sinar, I wouldn't use anything less than the 3021; especially with some hefty glass on it.
For a field camera however, I feel that the tripod/head combo is overkill.
 

Kirk Gittings

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My recomendation for a lightweight tripod and head is this combo. Manfroto 055MF3 and 410 COMPACT GEARED HEAD or 329RC4 threeway P/T head.

I bought this combo for my last trip to England and have used it extensively since. It is very adequate for a 4x5 field camera, quick, easy, and solid to set up. One of the best investments I have ever made.
 

jeroldharter

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I use a Berlebach with an Acratech ball head and I am pleased with that. Not sure it would save you much weight, though. Of course, using 4x5 and then trying to go light with the tripod might defeat the purpose. If you don't plan on using long focal length lenses (e.g. 300 mm) then you could go lighter because you would not need much bellows extension.

I was always intrigued bt Benbo tripods but seems that few people use them.
 

ben-s

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I use a Manfrotto 055CL and 141RC head for everything from a digital compact to my Arca-swiss 5x4.
It's not too heavy, but pretty strong.
I'm not sure what the Bogen part numbers for these are though.
 

Ahab

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Gitzo G410. Sturdy and tall enough to bring in foreground interest from a high angle. Bring a ladder or a box to stand on.
 
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