Travel tripod for Pentax 6x7 MLU?

skylight1b · Jan 17, 2023

Let me preface by saying that I tried to search the forums thoroughly for this, but I came up short for what I'm looking for. Also, let me know if this is better suited for a more tripod specific forum.

Anyway, last time I bought a tripod was almost 20 years ago. I was dirt poor then and my purchase reflected that. I honestly don't even remember what I had. I feel like the tripod market has expanded/changed a lot since then, and I'm wondering if any of the travel tripods out there could handle a Pentax 6x7 MLU. It would likely be outfitted with the metered prism, wood grip, and 105mm lens if that helps in terms of weight capacity and movement.

As far as the "travel" part goes. The weight is less important to me than the collapsed form factor. I'm strong, but I can be clumsy with bulky items, so anything of significant size would be likely to accidentally inflict blunt force trauma on someone traveling with me. I don't have super high expectations but would like to glean some knowledge from your experiences.

Dennis-B · Jan 18, 2023

It's going to be a compromise.

I gave up all my aluminum tripods, except for three "sentimental" models - Vivitar 1321, Slik Master 67 Prototype, Leitz Tiltall.

I own a Manfrotto Manfrotto MT055XPRO3, an Induro CT-303, and a Gitzo GT1540G, all carbon fiber. The Manfrotto has a load capacity of @ 20lbs, and the Induro has a load capacity of @ 44lbs. I haven't had any problems with vibration, even in high winds.

All the tripods, except the Gitzo, are 3-section models, because they're the most rigid when fully extended. There's a "rule of thumb" which says that the minimum diameter of the largest leg section should be at least 32mm

For your Pentax 67 MLU, I'd weigh all the components, and the head you want, and ensure that the tripod you select has about 2x the capacity of the load. If you're buying new, I'd suggest calling B&H and talking to their tripod folks.

Carbon fiber tripods also will have fewer vibration issues over aluminum, although there are a lot of little things which can help dampen vibration.

Sal Santamaura · Jan 18, 2023

Critical questions: how tall are you? At what height do you need the prism's eyepiece to be when you're standing in whatever footwear you commonly use when traveling? What head / clamp / quick release system will you use? These things determine the minimum height of the tripod when fully extended. In my case, they also establish the exact height it should be when fully extended, since I very much dislike having to fuss with partial leg section extension. Loosen the locks and extend all sections fully is my goal.

skylight1b · Jan 18, 2023

Sal Santamaura said:
Critical questions: how tall are you? At what height do you need the prism's eyepiece to be when you're standing in whatever footwear you commonly use when traveling? What head / clamp / quick release system will you use? These things determine the minimum height of the tripod when fully extended. In my case, they also establish the exact height it should be when fully extended, since I very much dislike having to fuss with partial leg section extension. Loosen the locks and extend all sections fully is my goal.

Good questions, and I also hate partial leg extension. Sneakers will put me at about 5'8"-5'9". I would have to whip out the measuring tape later for eye height, but one could assume 3-4" less than the top of my head.

As far as head, clamp, etc. I don't have anything to work with. Hopefully that can be part of the recommendations. I'm starting fresh here.

skylight1b · Jan 18, 2023

Dennis-B said:
It's going to be a compromise.

I gave up all my aluminum tripods, except for three "sentimental" models - Vivitar 1321, Slik Master 67 Prototype, Leitz Tiltall.

I own a Manfrotto Manfrotto MT055XPRO3, an Induro CT-303, and a Gitzo GT1540G, all carbon fiber. The Manfrotto has a load capacity of @ 20lbs, and the Induro has a load capacity of @ 44lbs. I haven't had any problems with vibration, even in high winds.

All the tripods, except the Gitzo, are 3-section models, because they're the most rigid when fully extended. There's a "rule of thumb" which says that the minimum diameter of the largest leg section should be at least 32mm

For your Pentax 67 MLU, I'd weigh all the components, and the head you want, and ensure that the tripod you select has about 2x the capacity of the load. If you're buying new, I'd suggest calling B&H and talking to their tripod folks.

Carbon fiber tripods also will have fewer vibration issues over aluminum, although there are a lot of little things which can help dampen vibration.

I used to bike (casually) in the past, and I always remember the carbon fiber bikes being so fragile. The bike falls over once, the frame cracks, and then your $10,000 bike is useless. Are there any fragility issues to worry about with the carbon fiber tripods?

Dennis-B · Jan 18, 2023

skylight1b said:
I used to bike (casually) in the past, and I always remember the carbon fiber bikes being so fragile. The bike falls over once, the frame cracks, and then your $10,000 bike is useless. Are there any fragility issues to worry about with the carbon fiber tripods?

I was very hesitant about buying my first CF tripod (Manfrotto 055). Like you, I'd read of the fragility of carbon fiber to stress. However, more modern CF uses a lot more layers, probably each layer a bit thinner, but more layers, so you get the benefit of more laminar strength.

I tend not to "throw" my equipment around. I'm never in so big a hurry that I toss my equipment in the back of my Escape without casing it, or nesting it in a storage bin.

I mentioned that I only kept a few aluminum models for sentimentality. When I lightened my load earlier this year, I got rid of a boatload of really sturdy aluminum models, Bogen 3035, 3046, 3051, 3021, Gitzo heavy duty, etc. My favorite set up was a model 3036 (Bogen 3035 legs, Bogen 3047 head).

GregY · Jan 18, 2023

Unless you're carrying your tripod a long way, I can't see any real advantage to a CF tripod if you've settled on a camera like the Pentax 67 or Mamiya RB67. Lots of tripods languishing in cupboards. I have a soft spot for Gitzo or the older Marchioni Tiltalls.

250swb · Jan 19, 2023

Nothing wrong with carbon tripods, I wouldn't go back to aluminium again, there're perfectly strong enough, they are lighter, they are stiffer, and they aren't nearly so cold to carry in the Winter. In terms of 'travel tripod' I think a four extension Gitzo (to get the Pentax 67 to eye level). The Gitzo twist locks are smooth and quick to use (unlike some) so setup is quick. You'll want a quick release head, I use Manfrotto heads but there are many others on the market.

abruzzi · Jan 19, 2023

I’d use a 2 series Gitzo with carbon legs, unless you’re using the big, long lenses like a 300mm. I have two 3 series Gitzos and they are huge and heavy and probably overkill for a P67 with a 165 or shorter. I use them on 4x5 through 8x10 (the 3 series is a bit flimsy on 8x10, but my camera is pretty light.)

EDIT: Oh, and I’d look the the lowest profile head. If you don’t mind 3-way, gitzo makes some nice low profile 3-way heads, but they don’t use common QR plates (new one may, but I buy old used.)

John Koehrer · Jan 19, 2023

I went through a jungle of tripod and eventually figured out that beyond a Bogen 3021 leg set and
a head you're comfortable with a the original Marchioni Tiltall, I was good.
I'm 6' and either one allowed comfortable height for me.

Derek Lofgreen · Jan 19, 2023

I was looking for a new tripod a few months ago. I didn't overthink it to much and looked for one that met my needs. Consider the weight of the camera you are going to be using on it. What type of head you would like (ball, pistol etc.). You said you wanted a travel tripod so consider the collapsed length and weight. Things like that will narrow down your choices.

I ended up with the K&F KF-SA284C1. I use it with my F4 and N90s with 300 and 400mm lenses without any troubles. I even use it with my Mama 645 brick of a camera with full confidence. I like it, it's lite, short and the head is strong when it needs to be.

Find one that ticks the boxes and fits the budget and don't overthink it.

Good luck,
D.

skylight1b · Jan 19, 2023

Derek Lofgreen said:
I was looking for a new tripod a few months ago. I didn't overthink it to much and looked for one that met my needs. Consider the weight of the camera you are going to be using on it. What type of head you would like (ball, pistol etc.). You said you wanted a travel tripod so consider the collapsed length and weight. Things like that will narrow down your choices.

I ended up with the K&F KF-SA284C1. I use it with my F4 and N90s with 300 and 400mm lenses without any troubles. I even use it with my Mama 645 brick of a camera with full confidence. I like it, it's lite, short and the head is strong when it needs to be.

Find one that ticks the boxes and fits the budget and don't overthink it.

Good luck,
D.

I'm definitely overthinking it, but I keep thinking I have found the one and then notice something I don't like. For instance, the one you bought has twist lock legs which I'm still not sold on. How have they worked out for you?

Derek Lofgreen · Jan 19, 2023

So far they have been great. I like them because you can grab all three twist locks at the same time with one hand and twist them all open and extend the legs with one motion. So far they have held up well, I will see if they last or not.

D.

Travel tripod for Pentax 6x7 MLU?

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