Speed Graphic and F100 Tripod

[dcelfving]

I'm certain this has been addressed here before, but a quick search didn't reveal any answers.

I'd like to invest in a decent tripod and head that will work with my Speed Graphic as well as with my Nikon F100. The threads beneath each camera are a bit different - is there a head out there that will allow the use of both cameras? A quick release plate of some kind?

My budget is far from unlimited. I'd like to find something serviceable for about $250 tops. Is this possible?

 

[paul ewins]

The Nikon should have the standard 1/4" socket, while the Speed Graphic should either be a 3/8" scoket or a 1/4". I've got 3 Speed Graphics and they all came with a 1/4" adapter screwed into the 3/8" socket. In any case I happily use Manfrotto/Bogen hex QR plates and I'm sure the rectangular plates would work just as well. I've never used them but RRS and Acra should be just fine too.

A Speed Graphic is light enough that it won't put any more stress on the tripod head than a Pro SLR or MF camera. The issue will be to get legs that are sturdy enough to prevent unwanted movement due to wind and camera induced vibrations.

 

[removed account4]

get a "tiltall" tripod.

i have had mine since 1988, use it with my speed graphic, graphic slr, nikons and pentax cameras, without any problems. it is built like a tank. i think i paid 95$ shipped from b&h when i got mine, and they look like they are the same price at adoramma ... not bad for almost 20 years later!
hopefully it is built in the same way ( quality wise ) ...

Dead Link Removed


good luck!

-john

 

[Jim Jones]

I agree with jnanian. I bought my second-hand Tiltall in 1972, and still use it in preference to two heavier tripods for cameras up to 5x7, and with lenses up to 500mm on 35mm cameras. The new Tiltalls, unlike mine, are made overseas. This may affect construction quality, but the design is certainly excellent. All of my Speed Graphics use the standard 1/4" tripod screw. If you have one with the 3/8" socket, a small adaptor is available from full-line camera stores or major online photo stores. A good machinist or mechanic can make one.

 

[JLMoore3]

Berlebach Report

I use the Berlebach Report 3042 for everything from my Crown Graphic to my Tachihara 8x10... I added a Bogen hex plate adapter & keep plates on each of my cameras (Crown Graphic 2x3 & 4x5, Tachihara 4x5 & 8x10). The ball-swivel main column replaces the need for a tilting head.

Here's a couple of places to look over the specs:

Berlebach's website
FingerLake Books
Amazon.com
And, of course, B&H

 

[bob01721]

Wow! I thought I was the only one who (still) uses a Tiltall. Mine is a Marchioni brothers' version from the 50's—given to me by an old friend when he retired from photography in the 80's. I added a Bogen hex set-up.

Folks in most forums recommend Bogen/Manfrotto, Gitzo, and all the expensive high-speed, low-drag stuff. Nice to see people recommending these venerable old designs. I use mine for 35mm, though. When I got into LF, people at other forums told me it wouldn't adequately support a 4x5, so I ended up getting and modifying a surveyor's tripod.

 

[Dave Parker]

Wow! I thought I was the only one who (still) uses a Tiltall. Mine is a Marchioni brothers' version from the 50's—given to me by an old friend when he retired from photography in the 80's. I added a Bogen hex set-up.

Nope, I have three Tiltall tripods and love them all, I picked up all mine on the used market and have been using them for years, they are a great design and work with just about anything you want to put on them, I like the tallness of them, fits me to a T...

Dave

 

[bob01721]

Nope, I have three Tiltall tripods and love them all, I picked up all mine on the used market and have been using them for years, they are a great design and work with just about anything you want to put on them, I like the tallness of them, fits me to a T...

Dave

You're preaching to the choir, Dave—I love mine. I also noticed that, in St. Ansel's book The Camera, all the photos of 35mm and MF cameras show them perched on a Tiltall. Apparently, he liked them too.

As I said, it's nice to see folks here giving props to stuff because it works, and not just cuz it's expensive and/or glamorous. Few of us need (or can afford) "the best"—what we all need is... what's "good enough." I always thought the Tiltall was a real sleeper in that regard.

 

[rossb]

Another vote for wood!

I second the Berlebach suggestion. I regularly use a reporter 3032 for an Ebony 4x5 and at a pinch have put a Sinar F2 on one. The inbuilt ball mount often obviates the need for another head. I have used with 35mm and 6x6
ross

 

[dcelfving]

Thank you all for the advice. After a bit of searching I decided to go with a Manfrotto and their compact ball head. I got a decent deal on it, and the compact head has a special thread that will accept both 3/8 and 1/4 inch mounts. It really meets my needs well.

You can see it in action here:
http://flickr.com/photos/dce/133577100/