Darryl Roberts
Subscriber
Please recommend a tripod head for my 5x7 Sinar Norma. The Majestic is just too heavy for me.
Thank you
Thank you
Do you imply that it’s not only for studio but also for landscape/architecture or outdoor portraits?
Thank youWood tripods tend to be a little lighter than equivalent aluminum ones. OTH, I’m really liking the carbon fiber one I bought used a couple of months ago, Even lighter than my wood tripod.
A lighter (tripod) head, might be the difference for you, for example, the Arca P0 ball head weighs just a few ounces, but supports 40 pounds.
Please recommend a tripod head for my 5x7 Sinar Norma. The Majestic is just too heavy for me.
Thank you
My approach : No head needed. The rail clamp itself is sufficient. But if I did want a head, it would be the dedicated Sinar one. I went "headless" in the mountains for decades with Sinar cameras, even on steep Class 3 terrain. Just redundant extra weight, problematic unwanted wobble and vibration potential, especially given the strong torque vectors of long rail extensions - and Sinars do excel at long focal length lens usage. For day hike usage, I shoot my Norma atop a Ries mid-weight wooden tripod. For long-haul backpacking, I used an early Gitzo carbon fiber tripod, minus the center column and otherwise modified a bit, and better made than their current equivalent. Alas, now in my 70's, I've resorted to a light Ebony 4x5 folder for long distance backpacking instead of the Sinar system, though the Sinar is more versatile and much faster to use, and I find the Norma the most practical of the series for dependable field use.
How about a Sinar Pan/Tilt head and your choice of tripod?
You're probably going to have to look for a used one on Ebay. They're around, but without a bit of patience on your part, they won't come cheap. Option two that I would recommend would be a Gitzo 12xx low-profile magnesium pan-tilt head. I have one that I use on my carbon fiber Induro legs that supports anything I have that's 8x10 or smaller. I have my Norma on it right now.Cannot find that head.
Cannot find that head.
The Norma Rail Clamp has two slots in it, which integrate with two spring loaded pins on the Norma Pan/Tilt Head. So in the dark with your eyes closed, if it clicks together tightly, all you need to do is screw it down. You can feel when it is right, If you are in a hurry this can make a difference.
I had a black pan/tilt head and they made some changes for the modern Sinars............ I bought it cheaply but then I sold the black one on. Original Norma is the only way to go in my book
I bought a couple more of these last year. In decent shape around $200 I could use another.
5x7 Norma Ready to Go Norma 165 Sup Ang by Nokton48, on Flickr
Here's my 90% restored 5x7 Sinar Norma. Notice the Norma Tilt Head, it is an integral part of the Norma overall design. In other words it completes the camera.
I bought three more of the Manfrotto legs at the end of the year, they can be found around $100 if you just need the legs.
Also also recently bought a FOBA that sells for $1700 at B&H, I got a very low price for a brand new tripod never used. That works really sweetly on the Norma. It can be infinitely extended with FOBA Combitubes. And surprisingly light in weight. Several levels above Gitzo or Manfrotto
Be patient... Took me a few months to find a Sinar Pan/Tilt head up for auction. I had wanted one in excellent condition, and before I found mine passed over on a few in way lesser condition. Use the head with my 4x5 and 8x10 Normas. "Newer" black ones command higher prices but as far as I. can tell differ little is any from an older Norma series head. I have used one since the late 1970s and it has never let me down nor had to be adjusted... it just always worked and functioned 100%.
Cannot find that head.
They show up on Photrio, Large Format Photography Forum, KEH and eBay from time to time. You could advertise you are looking for one here on Photrio or Large Format Photography Forum. You just have to keep watching and be patient. I've seen a lot of them sell on eBay.
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