Tripod for Chamonix 4x5 Camera

Soeren · Oct 15, 2014

I've promissed myself I'd buy a carbonfiber tripod when my old sturdy but heavy Mannfrotto 055 CLB(I think) with Benro B3 ballhead is worn out.
Seems like I never get to buy a carbonfiber tripod.

appletree · Oct 15, 2014

Ha, most old sturdy stuff seems to hold up over time.

Still researching the different options on my end, hopefully I'll know what I want soon enough.

mopar_guy · Oct 15, 2014

You could take a look here:

http://www.riestripod.com/products/tripods

appletree · Oct 15, 2014

Thank you for the link, but unless I am missing part of their products it seems like none of them match any of my criteria...lightweight, compact, price range, etc.

They are however made in the USA which is a HUGE plus in my book, but yeah I don't think any of those pass what I am looking for.

Alan Gales · Oct 15, 2014

appletree said:
Ok, thanks again everyone. Bumping this for a few more questions...sorry for the length, I get carried away.

1) I don't understand the FLM ballheads and what exactly people are referring to independent axes. I see some models have more than one knob and I assume allowing you to rotate the camera on the horizontal/x-plane without needing to mess with the ball itself or moving the tripod each time? Maybe those with three knobs allow you to move across the y-plane.

With a pan/tilt head you control the vertical axis or the horizontal axis independently. Let's say you are shooting a scene with a mountain in the background. You can tilt your camera up and down (vertical axis) to include more or less foreground or sky in the frame. You can pan your camera left to right (horizontal axis) to position the mountain more to the left or right of the frame.

With most ball heads the camera will move in both axis at once. Some people like this (especially on smaller cameras) and find it faster. I find it aggravating (especially on larger cameras).

With the FLM it has a way of locking one axis so you can move the other independently like you do on a pan/tilt head. I have never handled an FLM so if you want better instructions just pm Ari. He will be happy to answer your questions.

Alan Gales · Oct 15, 2014

I like a tripod that is tall enough that I can use the ground glass without bending my knees. Of course I can lower it if I want to. Some prefer tripods that are tall enough to get above it all when needed and use ladders with them. Here is a photo of Ansel's solution. http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2011/06/ansel-adams-and-his-woody.html

I wouldn't worry about the few seconds longer it takes to set up a tripod with more sections. They do allow the tripod to fold up to a shorter length but are more expensive.

Some absolutely hate center columns and others like them. They add weight to the tripod (especially the geared ones) and they are prone to vibration when extended. The usual advice about center columns is if you have one then only use it when absolutely necessary.

appletree · Oct 15, 2014

Exactly the information and advice I was looking for. Great explanation, helps me in deciding the one right for me, as opposed to going through a year trying different ones. Although as with many things I can research and toil over the details, but only using it out and about for a while will I develop things I like/dislike. That said, it is always wise to at least get a baseline from those already doing this many years and have gone through the trials before.

Two minds are better than one.

Appreciate the time Alan, thanks a lot.

Alan Gales · Oct 15, 2014

You are very welcome, Johnathon.

Here is a link to Large Format Photographer's Forum: http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/
A lot of us APUG members who shoot large format are members there as well. You can do an advanced search to read discussions on tripods and tripod heads as well as ask questions in the gear section.

appletree · Oct 17, 2014

Thanks again Alan. Created an account there. Will look through at various tripod discussions, as well as other accessories (trying to get an idea of my investment)...such as bag, case organizer, film holders vs quickloaders, loupe, dark cloth, etc. I guess a lens will be sort of important as well, . Although I am leaning toward starting with a 135mm or 150mm.

Any final advice from anyone on any of these (or the brands themselves)?

Links (in no particular order...although the Sirui brand seems nice, light, well reviewed):
Giottos Classic Series 8284
Oben CT-2461
Induro CT114
Manfrotto 0055CX3
Sirui T-1205X
Sirui T-2205X
Sirui N-1205X
Feisol CT-3401

Trail Images · Oct 17, 2014

Although I have the 3301 instead of the 3401 Feisol, I cannot say enough about it. Using mine weekly with either my Mamiya RB67 or Wista DXIII 4x5, it is the only piece of gear that seems to require little or no attention beyond using the heck out of it. I bought mine through Really Big Cameras with excellent help from Kerry on any dealings I've had over time.
The later unit like I bought have the non-rotating legs and the steel sleeved twist leg locks.........all good stuff IMO.

PKM-25 · Oct 17, 2014

I use my Chamonix on about 4 different tripods depending if I am working from my car, doing macro, need height, hiking or skiing. I only use ball heads too as that is how I am wired.

appletree · Oct 17, 2014

Yeah I can imagine having more is better, but for now I will try and find one that is a good go to all arounder. Main use would be during hiking or in the studio, although indoor stuff, I am not too worried about weight/carbon fiber.

The more I read about the ballheads similar to FLM, I really like the idea of being able to independently move various axes around. Still lets you use the ballhead function when wanted or the added ability to lock certain planes and move about.

Trail Images · Oct 17, 2014

I only use ball heads too as that is how I am wired.

Me too........I thought it was just me using a LF that way......

PKM-25 · Oct 17, 2014

My go to is a 4 pound CF Gitzo 1228, good height, rigid and fairly light. I use it with an Acratech GP head. On down the line would be my Manfrotto 190-4 CX Pro at 3.5 pounds and less than half the price, my favorite ski and macro tripod.

1228 and Acratech pictured....

Alan Gales · Oct 17, 2014

appletree said:
Thanks again Alan. Created an account there. Will look through at various tripod discussions, as well as other accessories (trying to get an idea of my investment)...such as bag, case organizer, film holders vs quickloaders, loupe, dark cloth, etc. I guess a lens will be sort of important as well, . Although I am leaning toward starting with a 135mm or 150mm.

Welcome to LFPF. Wait, can I say that on APUG? Well, they are both great forums!

Most people prefer backpacks for carrying around field cameras. I use a wheeled Cordura tool bag but I have a bad back.

Forget about Fuji quickloads or Kodak readyloads. The film is no longer made so you can only get out of date film on Ebay. If buying new I recommend the Toyo film holders. Starting out though it's silly to buy new. Used 4x5 plastic holders by Riteway, Fidelity, Lisco Regal, and of course Toyo, are just fine and cheap. I'd stay away from wooden holders if buying sight unseen because they may be warped.

You can use a black oversized T shirt or sweat shirt for a dark cloth. The BTZS hoods are really nice if you want a hood.

Don't spend a lot of money on a loupe. A Peak 4x to 6x loupe is fine. Some use cheap readers (reading glasses) from the local drug store.

For a first lens I would recommend a "normal" lens from Rodenstock, Schneider, Nikon, Fujinon or Caltar in a modern Copal shutter. They are all very similar so let price and condition be your guide, not brand. Normal is considered 135mm to 150mm or 210mm. A 210 is actually considered a long normal but is a very versatile focal length for 4x5. If choosing between 135 and 150 and only having one lens, I would prefer the 150 because it will have more coverage. A 135 and 210 make a great two lens kit though.

Get a used tripod if you can. The Tiltall like I mentioned earlier is a bargain. I own one. My main tripod is a wooden Ries. I also like Gitzo's a lot. Bogen Manfrotto's can be a good bang for your buck. The other tripods that you mention I have never used but I have heard great things about the Feisols from people whom I trust.

If money is tight like it is with most of us, try to buy used gear when possible to save money. Film is your best investment!

appletree · Oct 20, 2014

Thanks for all the advice Alan.

-Yes buying used will be the plan for most stuff. I don't need anything extremely high end, but also don't want to skimp only to upgrade every 6 months. For a lens I was thinking abotu starting out with a 150mm. Specifically the Rodenstock APO-Sironar S. Although the table I have printed and noted on is from 2002...not sure if anything has changed much since.

-I will do some research in order to know which are in a modern Copal shutter.

-And I was leaning towards the BTZS hood.

-Yeah I have a 10x loupe for my lightbox, but will pick up a basic 4x or 6x.

-Also plan on grabbing a wrench to install lens to the lensboards. Plus buying lens boards.

-For the film holders, I just want some in good shape, lightweight, and I guess will have to test em for light leaks.

-I will look into the Tiltall like you mentioned. Can't recall if it was a smaller sized graphite tripod or not. Regardless I am sure given a month or two I can track down a used one.

Alan Gales · Oct 20, 2014

The Sironar-S is in a Copal. You might also look at the Sironar-N. Almost as sharp, plenty of coverage for 4x5 and a whole lot cheaper. People who own the S's swear by them though! If you plan on printing really large then then the S version is really nice and probably the sharpest 4x5 lens there is.

The Tiltall is aluminum. You want an old used Marchiani or Leitz. The new versions made in China are not that great. I paid $75.00 for my Leitz version locally. Try to pay $100.00 or less on Ebay.

appletree · Oct 21, 2014

Thanks for the advice. If I splurge on one lens I imagine it would be for a 150mm. I think it will be on the camera more than a 210mm or 90mm. I find on both my Leica and Hasselblad I generally always keep one lens on them. Maybe I am doing it wrong though!

I will/just did look into the N. On the bay, about 1/3 of the price it seems of an S.

And I love US made goods...I will look into the Marchiani or Leitz. I like the carbon fiber ones I posted and was comparing them the other day on weight vs max height, etc. I think I will try and pin down 2-3 models total (both current and old) that I like and keep my eyes peeled for a good deal on one of the 2-3.

I think it will be worth it to invest in the ballhead...but this could also be had used. I like the idea of having multiple independent axes.

Alan Gales · Oct 21, 2014

I know of a professional photographer I admire that only owns a 150mm lens. He predominantly shoots women, mostly clothed, some nudity. He is quite talented.

My 14" Commercial Ektar lens is my favorite. It's a "normal" lens on 8x10. You are not doing anything wrong.

The Tiltall comes with a built in pan/tilt head. I couldn't get by with a ball head unless I could control my axis' independently like the FLM but everyone is different.

appletree · Oct 22, 2014

Good to know. And yes I think I will end up with three lenses but just start at the 150mm..then maybe look at the 90mm/210mm next.

Alan do you have a portfolio or website? I would love to check out your work.

Alan Gales · Oct 22, 2014

A 90, 150, 210 three lens kit is really popular among 4x5 shooters. It's a real nice (perfect) spacing.

I don't have a portfolio or website. The only thing I have on the internet is a recent corporate shot of my wife on her bosses' company website which I shot with a D300 and studio strobes.

I'm a 53 year old amateur photographer. I bought my first 35mm camera when I was twenty. I've shot 35mm, medium format (645, 6x6, 6x7), large format (4x5, 8x10) and DX format digital. I've been shooting large format for about five years now. I have shot a couple weddings and have done a little paid work here and there in the past but I made my living as a union sheet metal worker until I had my back fusion back in Dec. 1994. I have sold quite a bit of used photographic gear (mostly medium and large format) on Ebay so I have been able to try out a lot of cameras and lenses.

I have a lot of down time with my bad back so I enjoy talking photography on the forums. I received help when I started large format so I try to pay it forward.

Tripod for Chamonix 4x5 Camera

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