HEADS UP, LOTS OF SURVEYOR TRIPODS ON EBAY THIS WEEK

[bmac]

Dead Link Removed

 

[LFGuy]

If you're going to be using these for your cameras, you'll need a way to convert the 5/8" - 11 threads to 1/4" or 3/8" (or whatever your camera has).

I haven't seen a practical, off the shelf way of doing this (but if someone has, please let us know).

The photos of the tripods there are pretty poor, but I've used plenty of these type of tripods in the past for surveying, and they are generally solid. Tripods for lasers and levels are usually high quality (ones for theodolites and total stations usually more so), though the page doesn't mention the brand/maker.

 

[bmac]

Doesn't need to be off the shelf, it is totally easy to tap out an adapter plate for this.

 

[Jeremy]

thanks for the heads up... I have a friend who used to do surveying and he suggested I get one for my 4x5. I'll check back on the prices in a couple of days.

 

[Donald Miller]

I have been using one of these tripods for years. Initially with a Bogen 3047 head (mounted on my David White surveyors tripod by using a cross plate and 3/8 inch bolt). I have most recently mounted a Majestic geared head by having an adaptor machined (cost $20.00). The reason for the move to the Majestic head was my move into 12X20. The 3047 Bogen is not up to the task but the Majestic head is. The tripod handles 12X20 with no problem whatsoever. I figure my tripod in a comparable Reis would have set me back nearly $1,000 but doing it this way I have something less then $300.00 invested. (bought the surveyors tripod new).

 

[bmac]

I just "won" mine for under $30

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Cool. I might bid on one. Maybe if a few of us get them, we can get together and have S.K. Grimes or someone make a bunch of adapter plates.

 

[Aggie]

..

 

[Annie]

Adaptor Screw...5/8 11 to 1/4 20 at Master Wholesale $4.78

 

[Aggie]

..

 

[chrisl]

How big are these?

 

[bmac]

I am hoping that photo isn't actual size

 

[Donald Miller]

My surveyors tripod has one extension on each leg. I would guess the overall height at a moderate leg spread is something over 6 1/2 feet. Of course one can adjust the extension to what point is desired. The difference on a surveyors tripod (or at least mine) from a photo tripod is that in the upper leg attachment plate exists a round hole. The size of the hole is smaller then the lower mounting surface on a Bogen 3047 head. The only thing that is required is to take a 3/8 in all thread bolt and a nut and a small 3/4 in W by 3in L plate to mount the head to the tripod upper leg attachment plate.

In the case of a post mount Majestic head an adaptor is required from the post diameter to a 3/8 in female bolt thread. The adapter that I had made has a larger lower diameter to mount to the upper leg attachment plate on the surveyors tripod.

For those looking to shoot 8X10 on one of these contraptions, The Majestic geared head works out really well. I bought mine used on Ebay. Cost new $285.00 ...used $49.00

 

[chrisl]

Thanks Don for the specs. Might be worth a try at $30 appx for one of these over my reporter 200 series Gitzo.

 

[bmac]

mine shipped out on Thurs, I am expecting it on Mon or Tues. I'll let ya'll know what they are like.

 

[Prime]

Does anybody know how much these things weigh?

 

[bmac]

They typically weigh between 8-12 lbs. I'll let you know the actual as soon as mine arrives.

 

[Prime]

Do you think that would be enough to support my 4x5 Tachihara?

hehehe

 

[Donald Miller]

I can't speak for all surveyors tripods...but I use mine to hold a 12 X 20 Korona...(camera, lens, and film holder weigh in the neighborhood of 30 lbs.)

 

[LFGuy]

Do you think that would be enough to support my 4x5 Tachihara?

hehehe

I haven't seen one of these ones listed online in person, but the typical leveling tripod should be more than enough for a Tachi.

By the way, you can often find these at your local home improvement type stores. Home Depot or Lowe's (can't remember) usually have them.

 

[bewilson]

Has anyone gotten one of these tripods yet? I'm wondering what they are like.

 

[bmac]

JUst got mine 3 mins ago! It is 8lbs, goes up to about 5' and will be easily converted to 14/20 mount. It is built by Northwest it is ugly safety yellow and silver.

Brian

 

[bmac]

It is Model NAT 81, and is listed as 11lbs on this website, but shipped at a lighter weight, who knows... Dead Link Removed sells for $112, got mine for under $30.

 

[bmac]

I just posted a photo of the top section of the tripod to the gallery, it looks like it will be very eady to configure for my majestic head.

 

[Jeremy]

I've gotten back into the surveyor tripod game and upon following Brian's link the seller is now selling Aluminum surveyor tripods with a buy it now price of $30 with $10 shipping. How do the aluminums stack up against the woods? I have emailed the seller about the brand name and model number.