Gitzo for Hasselblad 500cm

mporter012 · Dec 26, 2012

A few weeks ago I was inquiring about tripods for medium format. After some additional research, I've concluded that I might as well just spend the money on a Gitzo since they are essentially un-contended in quality and longevity. I really do wish there was a cheaper competitor, but there doesn't seem to be. So now I'd like some input on which Gitzo I should specifically go for. Currently I'm mainly using a Nikon FE2, but will be buying a Hasselblad 500cm with lenses up to 150mm ASAP. Should I go with the Mountaineer GT-2531? Or something more sturdy in the 3531?

Thanks!

Vaughn · Dec 26, 2012

Even the Mountaineer GT-2531 sounds like over-kill to me. It has a load limit of 26 pounds! That is more of a LF tripod.

I am not familiar with the new numbering system, but something along the lines of the old Reporter series is plenty! I have a friend that got along fine with one for her Hassy. Something more along the lines of the:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/759477-REG/Gitzo_GT1542T_Series_1_Traveler_6x.html

or better yet, the lighter:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/569082-REG/Gitzo_GT0531_GT0531_Mountaineer_6X_Carbon.html

Also, if you are using a waist level finder, one does not need much height compared to an eye-level finder. So the lighter pod will not to have its legs extended all the way for the Blad (thus more steady), but can be for the lighter 35mm camera.

PS...just realized that I own a Reporter (old 200 series), and use it for my Rolleiflex all the time...and it is more pod than I need for it. I also use it for my light 4x5 (2.5 pound, with lens, Gowland). The next size up, the Studex (old 300 series) is over-kill and I had one I used for the 5x7 -- steady!

Richard S. (rich815) · Dec 26, 2012

If you are interested in a non-carbon fiber one I have a great Gitzo G224 Reporter/Industrial legs I can part with. I'm the second owner and its in good shape and perfect working condition, and in original box. John Shaw used to use and recommend this one. Ive been using it with an Arca-Swiss ballhead with my Nikon amd Contax SLRs, and Hasselblad and Rollei SL66 setups for about 5-6 years. PM me if interested.

henry finley · Dec 26, 2012

Camera equpment and me have been on speaking terms since probably I was 9 in 1966. In my opinion, anybody who has anything more fancy that a Tiltall has more money in a tripod than he has sense. Perfect tripod. Not a reason in the world for considering anything else. Just my 2 cents.

Peter Schrager · Dec 27, 2012

Henry...as long as it holds up the camera right?? been through quite a few tripods...using a cheapo slik carbon knockoff which works fine...aleady lost one in really cold weather; the legs just snapped off!! buy a ries tripod and never worry again!!
happy holidays everyone!!
Peter

fmajor · Dec 27, 2012

henry finley said:
Camera equpment and me have been on speaking terms since probably I was 9 in 1966. In my opinion, anybody who has anything more fancy that a Tiltall has more money in a tripod than he has sense. Perfect tripod. Not a reason in the world for considering anything else. Just my 2 cents.

I'm sure you're a fine photographer, but to offer another presentation of the importance of a good, solid tripod i'd also read what Thom Hogan (just some professional photographer) says about tripods:

Dead Link Removed

If i had profoundly deep pockets, i suppose i'd buy a Really Right Stuff TVC-33. However, i use a Mamiya RB67 Pro-S which is a bit heavier than a Hassy so my needs are different.... Otherwise, i'm perfectly satisfied with my Feisol CT-3342 carbon-fiber tripod and it holds my RB67 just fine....

Slixtiesix · Dec 27, 2012

I have a GT4330LS which is really on the safe side for my SL66. I would recommend a 3 series Systematic, though a 2 series would suffice (used a 2 series carbon fibre borrowed from a friend once and pictures were sharp). If you don´t need carbon fibre the GT3330LS may fit you well. Have also a look on the G2270m head, its buttery smooth and the best 3-way head I´ve seen so far.

Jim Rice · Dec 29, 2012

A Ries J-100 was the best tripod I have ever owned. I used it reliably with a Calumet C-1 8x10 (mg). It would be way overkill for any 'blad. For 35, 2 1/4 and light 4x5 I am leaning toward the Tiltall.

rbender · Dec 30, 2012

I picked up a Gitzo G1228 used and have a Really Right Stuff ballhead. Works great up up to a 250mm without a strong wind. I think that is called a Mountaineer Reporter (series 2). Not sure what it's called today.

andrew.roos · Dec 30, 2012

I use a GT2540LVL (leveling base) with a Really Right Stuff BH-40 head with my Bronica ETRSi. It's a perfect match - light enough for hiking, but good and stable. Any of the 2-series CF tripods (GT25xx) should work well with your 500CM.

For cheaper options, you could consider Benro and Feisol.

Noble · Dec 30, 2012

fmajor said:
I'm sure you're a fine photographer, but to offer another presentation of the importance of a good, solid tripod i'd also read what Thom Hogan (just some professional photographer) says about tripods:

Dead Link Removed

If i had profoundly deep pockets, i suppose i'd buy a Really Right Stuff TVC-33. However, i use a Mamiya RB67 Pro-S which is a bit heavier than a Hassy so my needs are different.... Otherwise, i'm perfectly satisfied with my Feisol CT-3342 carbon-fiber tripod and it holds my RB67 just fine....

I read that link some time ago... and bought a Tiltall. I agree with the photographer's basic philosophy. I have actually posted that very same link on this forum before. I purchased a VINTAGE Tiltall in very nice condition off of an auction site for something like $80. The beauty of it is even if it doesn't meet your needs you can easily resell it without losing anymore than the cost of half a tank of gas (US gas of course). It's not a bad way to go in the beginning. I totally agree with the author of that article about avoiding buying multiple tripods. A Tiltall is the minimum I would buy and you can get into one of the old school aluminum and brass models for $80 with some patience. I would then skip a bunch of stuff in the mushy middle and go for something top of the line. In the middle is where you pay money and make compromises.

Gitzo for Hasselblad 500cm

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