Let's talk tripods

[CraigK]

Hi All,

What are "the" period tripods that would go best with restored LF and ULF cameras? I've seen some interesting looking ones on ebay from time to time and figure that they too would make a good restoration project.

You see, it seems as though I am developing quite an addiction to restoring old cameras. Last winter I restored a Kodak 2D. Currently I am working on an old FS 8x20 and I have a Deardorf 8x10 waiting in the wings. My preference for these projects is an old fashioned look and to use vintage materials as much as I can (vintage lenses, holders, shellac or old fashioned varnishes to refinish etc.). Currently the cameras are perched upon a variety of modern tripods such as Berlebach (nice, but a bit "modern"), Manfrotto (not pretty) and Slick (yikes!) but I can't help feeling that my precious pieces are suffering from a lack of "proper" support.

Any advice as to what tripods I should be looking for? Is there a tripod equivalent of the Kodak 2D? Deardorf 8x10 or FS 8x20?

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Ries--

http://www.riestripod.com/

 

[Jeremy]

Ries

From my research, it's usually pronounced: Rie$

--Wow, what a helpful comment :rolleyes:

 

[Aggie]

Star camera company makes period tripods. For one that would hold a full plate up to a 8x10 they are $150 USD.

 

[Jeremy]

Star camera company makes period tripods. For one that would hold a full plate up to a 8x10 they are $150 USD.

Aggie, do you have any contact info for this company (telephone/website)? I tried googling it, but came up with a bunch of crap. I'm looking for a more "period" tripod to use with my 5x7" after this summer if I can get enough time to refinish it.

 

[Aggie]

http://www.geocities.com/starcameracompany/index2.htm

some of the cameras in the photos are on the tirpods. the price list for everything has it listed but you have to hunt for it.

 

[isaacc7]

Gandolfi

There is currently a Gandolfi tripod on ebay. No idea what those things go for, but they have the look and could seemingly hold up an elephant. There is also one listed on the Gandolfi homepage under the second hand tab. I own a Ries and I love it, but I don't think they look all that vintage. The head and locking stuff looks too modern. You could look for an old O'Conner tripod as well.

Isaac

 

[Ole]

Stabil? That's what I use - for everything from 35mm up to an 18x24cm plate camera. See www.stabil.nu

 

[John Kasaian]

FWIW, My Ries looks like it grew on the 8x10 'dorff and the 12x20 F&S.

 

[Jeremy]

Dead Link Removed

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Ries tripods aren't cheap, but he did ask for "the" period tripod.

 

[Jeremy]

Ries tripods aren't cheap, but he did ask for "the" period tripod.

David, I was just tweaking your nose a little as I have been tripod searching also and anytime I found a Ries it was just way out of my price range--found another dollar at work so I'll buy a lottery ticket and if I win I'll buy each of us in this thread a Ries

 

[lee]

jeremy,
pls buy one for me also.


lee\c

 

[raucousimages]

I saw a guy with a broken ground glass in death valley. I now carry a spare in case I ever need it along with a small too kit in the jeep. A day can be ruined by a loose screw if you cant fix it.

 

[raucousimages]

that was suposed to post in another thread. dont know what happened?????

 

[Mongo]

Ries

I'll have to respectfully disagree, but only because of the question that was asked. There is no doubt that Reis manufactures world class tripods, but the "vintage look" of a new Ries is not much better than that of a Berlebach. Vintage tripods tended to be very simple devices; basically nothing more than three legs with a platform for holding the camera, without niceities like angle-limiters for the legs.

Check eBay for items like this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=30094&item=3855052688&rd=1

You'll eventually find enough vintage tripods to hold up as many cameras as you can restore.

 

[John Koehrer]

I found an old surveyors tripod at a resale shop for $5. Brass hardware, bronze leveling ball, & what appear to be ash legs. Needed refinishing & changing of the head attachment screw, but definitely has that antique appearance.

 

[lee]

the problem with those older wooden (read simple) tripods, IMO, is they look neat but are terribly shaky. I would prefer function over image for me and my work. I use a smaller Zone VI that I would trade for a Ries in a heart beat.

lee\c

 

[wfwhitaker]

If you buy a new Ries, it will look new. If you buy a vintage Ries, it will look vintage. Production began for them in the '30's.

Many camera manufacturers marketed tripods under their own name. Look for names like Agfa, Korona, Burke & James, Graflex, etc... I agree that they're usually better for display, however.

For practicality, look at some of the old photographs of earlier photographers at work: Ansel atop his car platform with a Ries; Morley with his Agfa and Strand under the darkcloth, both with adapted cine tripods.

 

[Loose Gravel]

You didn't say what period, but if you are using a Deardorff, then you might look for a Miller tripod. There are made for movie cameras and are very strong and nice to use. [I've always found the Reis to be uncomfortable to when on my shoulder.] They were made in Hollywood, but I can't find the company there any more. All I find is the Australian Miller. Anyway, they are made of wood and you see them in the movies when they are doing period for the 30s through 50s. They have movie cameras on them in the movies, but I use mine for 8x10 and it is great. It is a good looking combo, but I just don't know if it is the right period.