Guide price for Gandolfi tripod?

wiseowl · Aug 22, 2006

I've been offered a Gandolfi tripod. It looks to be the genuine article, it follows the same pattern as a modern one, but is painted black. He bought it along with a Taylor Hobson 1/4 plate camera and is thought to be from about the same era.

Any ideas as to a fair price? or how I could confirm it's authenticity?

Thanks

Martin

alexphoto · Aug 22, 2006

Hi Martin
I bought 2 black (ebony & nickel) Gandolfi tripods on eBay about 3 years ago. I think they cost me £50 for the pair. They are a Major and a Minor. The Major is ok and I use it, the Minor is a bit grubby, both are well used. Neither of them had the Gandolfi white plastic nameplate although the Minor had the name stamped on the wood. I phoned Ed at Gandolfi and he told me that they were usually made for the Police or armed forces and they often left the factory without nameplates.
I hope this is of use
Alex

Roger Hicks · Aug 22, 2006

wiseowl said:
I've been offered a Gandolfi tripod. It looks to be the genuine article, it follows the same pattern as a modern one, but is painted black. He bought it along with a Taylor Hobson 1/4 plate camera and is thought to be from about the same era.

Any ideas as to a fair price? or how I could confirm it's authenticity?

Thanks

Martin

Astonishingly little. Twenty or thirty quid, unless it's in perfect condition or has a maker's plate. Gandolfi also made these for many other companies. I have one I was given by a friendly shop because it was missing a butterfly nut and looked ratty.

Cheers,

R (www.rogerandfrances.com)

Lachlan Young · Aug 22, 2006

Roger Hicks said:
Astonishingly little. Twenty or thirty quid, unless it's in perfect condition or has a maker's plate. Gandolfi also made these for many other companies. I have one I was given by a friendly shop because it was missing a butterfly nut and looked ratty.

Cheers,

R (www.rogerandfrances.com)

What sort of weight will the Minor and Major support?

Thanks

Lachlan

Roger Hicks · Aug 22, 2006

Lachlan Young said:
What sort of weight will the Minor and Major support?

Thanks

Lachlan

Well, my first Major (30+ years ago) allowed me to sit my then fiancee on it and wind it up with her sitting on it. I wasn't too concerned about vibration, obviously. My current Major will just about hold my 12x15 inch Universal tailboard, though it's at the limit. It's not a weight limit, just vibration. I'd say, realistically, if you're worried about vibration, 15-20 lb., but a lot depends on the camera design.

Minors, dunno. Never owned one.

Cheers,

Roger

Lachlan Young · Aug 22, 2006

Roger Hicks said:
Well, my first Major (30+ years ago) allowed me to sit my then fiancee on it and wind it up with her sitting on it. I wasn't too concerned about vibration, obviously. My current Major will just about hold my 12x15 inch Universal tailboard, though it's at the limit. It's not a weight limit, just vibration. I'd say, realistically, if you're worried about vibration, 15-20 lb., but a lot depends on the camera design.

Minors, dunno. Never owned one.

Cheers,

Roger

Thanks for the information - it seems like not many tripods could come close in the secondhand price/weight supported ratio!

Lachlan

df cardwell · Aug 22, 2006

The Minor is a neat tripod. Also good for a 4x5 SLR.

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

wiseowl · Aug 22, 2006

Thanks for the info.

Martin

Lee Hamiel · Aug 22, 2006

Over the darkslide of the moon of Roger's then fiance

Lee Hamiel · Aug 22, 2006

Oh and sorry - Regards to you Roger

Ole · Aug 23, 2006

I've got a really, really old Minor which I bought for £20 (plus £30 shipping). It holds my 24x30cm plate camera safely and steadily, but has a little more difficulties with the big Russian FK 30x40cm plate camera. Then again - so do I. The Minor is a great tripod!

Guide price for Gandolfi tripod?

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