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- Sep 4, 2003
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Hi, those interested in wooden tripods prob know that I bought a two section 4002 for my 10x8. It was great, but not suitable for international travel due to length or smaller cameras (bigger than needed). As part of my kit sell off/re-org, I went for another lighter tripod for my inbound 5x7 Walker. I bought a 3 section 9003 Berlebach and would post images if my digi camera (third replacement) was not also broken....It would show the sizes of the two tripods compared to camera etc.
The 9003 is IMHO even better. It has a kilo less balast than the 4002, esp lower in the legs as being a 3 section, the lower sections are thinner. It is supermely rigid, but as it is lighter and with less mass at the bottom, it is less stable with the 10x8. It is still VERY stable (with 1570 gitzo head) and will be used for travel, but not as ridiculously stable as the 4002. I would say that this 9003 is about as perfect as one could get for a 5x4/5x7/light10x8 for general use where one would need to take it into planes etc. Nice and light (about 2.2kg), extends about 6 inches above what is comfortable for me (6'2") which means fine for forward slopees too! It also (like the others ) goes flat. All in all, If I owned a view camera less than 10x8, this would be my only tripod and I cannot think of any reason for ever replacing it unless it broke (after its 5 year guarantee). Absolutely superb and for anyone who is on a budget and thinks the Ries would be much better in performance, think again. These are amongst the most stable tripods I have ever laid hands on. The wood is very rigid and light and the locks wonderfully secure with the lightest tightening. They also look gorgeous. It seems strange that I have a synthetic camera on the way, but a wooden tripod for it. As daft as it seems, I am certain that this is the right way round! I toyed with the idea of black so that it would match the camera (dark grey) but went for the lovely nutwood again.
Tom
The 9003 is IMHO even better. It has a kilo less balast than the 4002, esp lower in the legs as being a 3 section, the lower sections are thinner. It is supermely rigid, but as it is lighter and with less mass at the bottom, it is less stable with the 10x8. It is still VERY stable (with 1570 gitzo head) and will be used for travel, but not as ridiculously stable as the 4002. I would say that this 9003 is about as perfect as one could get for a 5x4/5x7/light10x8 for general use where one would need to take it into planes etc. Nice and light (about 2.2kg), extends about 6 inches above what is comfortable for me (6'2") which means fine for forward slopees too! It also (like the others ) goes flat. All in all, If I owned a view camera less than 10x8, this would be my only tripod and I cannot think of any reason for ever replacing it unless it broke (after its 5 year guarantee). Absolutely superb and for anyone who is on a budget and thinks the Ries would be much better in performance, think again. These are amongst the most stable tripods I have ever laid hands on. The wood is very rigid and light and the locks wonderfully secure with the lightest tightening. They also look gorgeous. It seems strange that I have a synthetic camera on the way, but a wooden tripod for it. As daft as it seems, I am certain that this is the right way round! I toyed with the idea of black so that it would match the camera (dark grey) but went for the lovely nutwood again.
Tom
