FLM: The Ultimate Travel Tripod on Indiegogo

[Ari]

Hi everyone,

FLM has just launched an Indiegogo campaign for the new CP-Travel tripod.
By getting it now, you can save a couple hundred dollars when the tripod hits the stores in the fall.

The prototype tripod I tested was pretty sweet, the actual finished product should be great to use.
Using 10 layers of carbon fibre makes it very sturdy and lightweight.

I, of course, tested it with a 4x5, the venerable Toyo d45M, a monorail weighing 4,2kg (9.25 lbs).
You'll be pleased to know the tripod passed with flying colours.

Here's the link to the campaign page: Dead Link Removed

Please feel free to ask me any questions you might have.
Thank you

 

[Ari]

Update:

We've reached 34% of our goal in the first week, and look forward to continued success in the remaining 29 days of the Indiegogo campaign.

There are only 6 tripods left at the low price of $425, which includes our tripod strap and our 10-year warranty.

When it comes to tripods, I often read here (and elsewhere) that it's impossible to find a lightweight, compact, high-quality tripod at a good price.

I would urge anyone who's bemoaned that fact to have a serious look at the new CP-Travel campaign; it has all of the above features, and then some.

Perfect for those shooting with a 4x5 field camera or anything smaller.

Thanks!

Dead Link Removed

 

[Ari]

Update:

We're now getting close to reaching 50% of our goal, and there are very few tripods remaining at the low price of $425 + shipping.
Once these are gone, the price only goes up by $25. You're still getting a great travel tripod for an incredible price.
I've also added some other perks, including a full kit of tripod, ball head, QR clamp and strap, all for $575 + shipping.

Here's the link: Dead Link Removed

If you have any questions, please contact me anytime.

Thank you

 

[Ari]

Update:

We've now passed the 66% mark, and we've also extended our low price of $425 to the next 26 campaign supporters.

Dead Link Removed

Thanks

 

[Ari]

Now 79% funded, and a new video is up:

Thanks

 

[Ari]

We're now fully funded, but the campaign has 17 days remaining.
You can still buy our CP-Travel tripod for our special low price until 100 units are sold.
Thank you

 

[shashinzukuri]

The IndieGoGo has been over for quite a while, but for those of us who missed it, is it possible to preorder? Should we just wait for tripods to show up at B&H?

 

[Ari]

Hi,
Pre-ordering is over, but the tripods should be in stores by early December.
Our first priority is to our Indiegogo backers, who will receive their tripods by early/mid-November, after that we will supply our retailers in time for the holiday season.
Thank you

 

[Ari]

Just wanted to let everyone know that the CP26-Travel has now shipped to all Indiegogo supporters; the campaign was a great success, thank you to all who supported us by not only buying the tripod, but by encouraging us with your good wishes.

Initial reviews and impressions are extremely positive.

The tripod's maximum load came out to 12kg, or 26.4 pounds, about 2kg (4.4 pounds) more than predicted.

It's a precise, very stable and very beautiful travel tripod.

The CP26-Travel tripod will be available through our retailers as of January 24, and MSRP is ~$525.00, though dealers may sell for less.

Thank you

 

[Roger Thoms]

Ari, just curious, how do they determine the load capacity of the tripod?

Roger

 

[Ari]

Hi Roger,
Thank you for supporting our campaign.
I don't know precise details for determining load capacity, but I do know that several tests are carried out with the tripod at full extension to see at what point a certain level of bend or twist occurs.
There is a threshold for these values, and various calculations determine that "X" amount of bend/twist/sag corresponds to "Y" amount of load capacity.
The testing can't be accurate unless it's done on the final product, so while the computer projections for load capacity predicted a maximum of 10kg, the finished product was more stable than anticipated, and was measured at 12kg.
Let us know how you like the tripod!

 

[Roger Thoms]

Thanks for the info. My tripod is scheduled for delivery today, I'll definitely let you know how I like it.

Roger

 

[Ari]

Thanks, Roger; feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive, and we've already sold out of our first run of 200 CP26-Travel tripods.

 

[Ari]

In response to a PM, Adorama lists two FLM tripods with designation CP26.
CP26-Compact ($571): Dead Link Removed
CP26-Travel ($535): Dead Link Removed

The Compact is a 4-section tripod with 8x layers of CF, previously it was called CP26-S4S. It's not that different from the Travel tripod in many ways.
The Travel uses 5-section legs, 10x layers of CF, and folds down to 15", about 3" shorter than the Compact. The Travel has rubber-covered grips, improved one-piece leg shims and a twist-stop built into each grip.
It uses removable spikes and rubber feet, and it also benefits from an improved apex design more suited to a travel tripod, while increasing rigidity and stability. Oh, and it has a built-in bubble level.
Both are roughly the same height when extended.

Let me know if anyone has any other questions; thank you.

 

[rajiv]

Thanks a lot for the info.

The CP26-Travel looks like a great tripod. It would be great if you could notify us via this forum when the next batch is ready for sale.

 

[Ari]

Hi Rajiv,
Thank you; the next production run is slated to be available in March, and I'll notify everyone here when the time comes.
Meantime, I should have 1-2 tripods remaining by Tuesday, after I fill existing orders; you can contact me by PM or by email through FLM Canada dot com.
Thanks

 

[Ari]

Good news for those that have been waiting for this tripod: more inventory is coming this week.
I expect delivery of the CP26-Travel to start by the end of this week, and more to come next week.
Prices have actually dropped, and the tripod now sells for $424.00 USD at most FLM retailers.

Please contact me if you have any questions.
Thank you!

 

[Ari]

Mark Morris has just published a mini-review of the FLM CP26-Travel and the CB-38FTR ball head.

 

[Ari]

Another video review, this time from noted Hudson Valley photographer Robert Rodriguez, Jr.:

 

[Ari]

And another review just popped up, this one from Nick Page:

 

[Richard Man]

I have been using the CP26 Travel tripod for 2-3 months now, after my Benro finally died after almost 10 years of service.

Hands down, the Benro is a good tripod, will serve most people's needs well, but CP26 is a great tripod. It's easy to extend and collapse. It holds my 4x5, including the heavier Gibellini well. Hasselblad etc. are easy.

Not much more I can say except that if you want a high quality tripod, consider the CP26 Travel. I don't think you will be disappointed.