This tripod is absolutely solid. The full picture shows an 18 pound 8x10 metal Calumet camera on it. It easily handles that and much larger cameras. This tripod is beautifully made of rosewood, and the knobs are bronze. Tripod weighs 12 pounds. The head weighs about 4-1/2 pounds. This is an older single tilt head - the knob is easier to turn, the action is smoother. You don't need a double tilt head with a view camera. Radial adjustments are made with the lock knob under the yoke; simple, strong, and fast.
The legs have rubber tips for interior use on one end, spike feet for outdoor use on the other. This tripod has 2 locks on each leg - with pins and lanyards. I bought the tripod and head about 4 years ago. I used it quite a bit, but gently. Signs of wear are very slight. I don't even let the cat near my equipment.
The major problem with view camera use is using a lousy tripod. Just like having a sharp blade is the most important element in any saw, the tripod is the major factor in using a view camera - especially 8x10 and up.
*
A few notes about this particular tripod - -
If you buy a new Ries tripod, the leg spread angle lock assemblies use axle pins which were "staked" - punched at the ends. They work their way loose and fall out. I replaced these with shoulder pins and lock nuts. I've had no trouble since. Leg locks are especially helpful on a slick surface. I told Ries about that flaw in their leg locks and how to fix it - they didn't want to hear it. Typical American manufacturer - slow to learn from their mistakes.
Another irritating feature with Ries tripods - the spike feet modules. They're held on with screws and they loosen over time. Keep a Phillips head screwdriver with you in the field. I suggested an improvement to Ries here also - taper the tenon and make the spike foot assembly slightly cone shaped - like a Japanese butt chisel; with slots for the screws instead of holes. They didn't want to hear about this either.
*
Those of you experienced with large format tripods know this is an excellent piece of equipment at a good price. My asking price is low. New - without a head - this tripod will cost upwards of $1,200 My price is $950 with the head plus shipping. I'll also include 1/4" and 3/8" camera screws.
So - serious only please. I'm having Fedex pack and ship it - please don't nickel and dime me on the shipping. It will get to you safe and sound - unpack it, load the car, and go photographing.
$950 plus shipping.
The legs have rubber tips for interior use on one end, spike feet for outdoor use on the other. This tripod has 2 locks on each leg - with pins and lanyards. I bought the tripod and head about 4 years ago. I used it quite a bit, but gently. Signs of wear are very slight. I don't even let the cat near my equipment.
The major problem with view camera use is using a lousy tripod. Just like having a sharp blade is the most important element in any saw, the tripod is the major factor in using a view camera - especially 8x10 and up.
*
A few notes about this particular tripod - -
If you buy a new Ries tripod, the leg spread angle lock assemblies use axle pins which were "staked" - punched at the ends. They work their way loose and fall out. I replaced these with shoulder pins and lock nuts. I've had no trouble since. Leg locks are especially helpful on a slick surface. I told Ries about that flaw in their leg locks and how to fix it - they didn't want to hear it. Typical American manufacturer - slow to learn from their mistakes.
Another irritating feature with Ries tripods - the spike feet modules. They're held on with screws and they loosen over time. Keep a Phillips head screwdriver with you in the field. I suggested an improvement to Ries here also - taper the tenon and make the spike foot assembly slightly cone shaped - like a Japanese butt chisel; with slots for the screws instead of holes. They didn't want to hear about this either.
*
Those of you experienced with large format tripods know this is an excellent piece of equipment at a good price. My asking price is low. New - without a head - this tripod will cost upwards of $1,200 My price is $950 with the head plus shipping. I'll also include 1/4" and 3/8" camera screws.
So - serious only please. I'm having Fedex pack and ship it - please don't nickel and dime me on the shipping. It will get to you safe and sound - unpack it, load the car, and go photographing.
$950 plus shipping.
