Tim Stapp
Member
I made my first two exposures with a Deardorff V8 on a Tiltall, it definitely is not adequate, even without the legs extended.The original Tiltall design was fine for the CC400 as long as there was not a lot of wind in outdoor use. I've heard the Chinese versions are not as good. I suspect it would not be good for an 8x10. I owned one of the originals many years ago and used it with my CC400.
A well designed and built tripod is a lifetime investment. Why upgrade later when you can do it right the first time?
Jim, that's fantastic advice that many amateur photographers don't take. Years ago when I started shooting 35mm I purchased an el cheapo tripod to start with. I ended up giving it away to a friend not long after I bought it. I almost felt sorry for the friend that I gave it to but I guess it was better than not having a tripod.
We freely spend a lot on cameras and lenses but for some reason tripods are just not that exciting so we cheap out. Cameras and lenses may come and go but a great tripod is something to hold on to.
Good advice. My father let me use a Tiltall until I bought my own ca. 1977. Then in the late 80s. I bought a heavy old newsreel tripod for 8x10. The only tripods I'll ever need, both will outlast me by a good long margin.
It's a "Camera Equipment Co." fitted with a "Pro Jr Spring Head", also CECo, you see them pretty often in photos of newsreel photographers.Wood legs, 15.8 pounds, and it's tall enough that I can put the gg at eyelevel. I've been saying I'll make a lightweight clamshell head (cut the weight in half, that pan/tilt head weighs just under 9lbs) for oh, about 30 years now.I had an old Leitz Tiltall which I bought a few years ago for $75 at a local Camera Show. It's still here in the house but my daughter confiscated it for her OM-1.I mostly use my Ries J100 with double tilt head which I bought used off Ebay. I've also got the larger Ries A100. It was a fluke. I was the only bidder in an auction on Ebay and got it dirt cheap. I love the A100 but I only use it around the house or next to my Jeep. It's too hard on my bad back to carry it any distance. I bet your old newsreel tripod is nice!
I have one of these made by Leitz and it holds all the cameras that I own which includes 2 4x5s, 2 MF and several 35mms. I would think it might be a little light for most 8x10 cameras. When you get your 8 x 10 camera, get a good wooden tripod. 8 x 10 cameras look like they "mean business" when mounted on a wooden tripod. The wood also helps absorb vibrations. I use one with my 4x5s and even my MF cameras. I don't think I will go back to metal for those. Haven't tried a fiberglass tripod yet.......Regards!
It's a "Camera Equipment Co." fitted with a "Pro Jr Spring Head", also CECo, you see them pretty often in photos of newsreel photographers.Wood legs, 15.8 pounds, and it's tall enough that I can put the gg at eyelevel. I've been saying I'll make a lightweight clamshell head (cut the weight in half, that pan/tilt head weighs just under 9lbs) for oh, about 30 years now.
Marchioni Tiltall weighs 5.5 pounds, I have an old "Fairfax Elevator", actually a quik-set iirc that weighs about 2lbs, great for smaller rf 35s and does well with a Rollei Automat, I use it hiking (as distinguished from photographic outings), it works ok with slrs & normal/wa lenses if you hang a couple rocks from the centerpost & don't crank it up.Sounds great but heavy like my A100 with double tilt head (16.75 lbs). My J100 with double tilt head is only 9.5 lbs. Of course the carbon fiber crowd probably thinks 9.5 lbs is heavy.
Oh yeah, what's "carbon fiber"?![]()
I'm with Johnielvis. An American made Tiltall has worked for me with a Kodak 2D 8x10 in favorable conditions, but not for everyday use. A well designed and built tripod is a lifetime investment. Why upgrade later when you can do it right the first time?
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