Tripod for Chamonix 4x5 Camera

[appletree]

Hi there,
Lots of information out there. Some from a few years back and some very recent. Currently shoot primarily on my Hasselblad or Rollei and have been way over due to owning a tripod. I plan to eventually purchase a Chamonix 4x5 (at least what I am leaning towards). With that in mind and wanting to primarily shoot outside (and occasionally in the home or a studio) I was curious about some suggestions for tripods. Most outside stuff would be either walking to/from the vehicle or occasionally long hikes/traveling abroad. Thus something lightweight is preferred, but also very stable if using say a 150mm lens (probably my first lens) or a 210mm lens (I can't imagine ever owning anything larger). It doesn't need to be the lightest tripod on the market, but even lugging around MF equipment and Leica for two weeks became heavy. I hate to think of having a 4x5 set up instead will weigh.

I see very commonly the Gitzo and Feisol tripods suggested. The carbon fiber models. Seems like the Feisol CT-3442 and Gitzo 3-Series both get love...depends on what you want to spend?
I am in absolutely no rush, so will try purchasing used.

I was also mainly curious if there would be an issue with using this tripod with my medium format cameras.

Not familiar with tripods (used a handful of times...my dad has a gitzo), so I assume I need a ball as well. I also heard mention of a quick release plate suggested.

Thanks for any advice and help. Sorry this has been covered a few times, just wanted to make sure both models are still suggested and if any issues using with smaller format setups.

 

[Ulrich Drolshagen]

I have a Chamonix and a Feisol 3401. I can recommend the combination. The Feisol has a hook underneath the hinge plate (or what this is called in English). I use to hang the photo backpack on it to make the whole arrangement steady enough. Otherwise the advantage in weight while carrying it would become a drawback in using it.

 

[Old-N-Feeble]

I have an old Velbon Carmagne 640 carbon fiber tripod and Smith Victor BH8 ball head. It's a sturdy lightweight combo though the head is a bit heavy. I also have the smaller/lighter Smith Victor BH2 ball head which would work fine but prefer the rock solid overkill of the BH8.

 

[Ari]

Jonathon,
I sent you a PM for a tripod you might consider.
For 4x5, make sure to get the steadiest, most solid tripod you can. Heavier often means more stable, but not always.
I've had a few heavy Manfrotto aluminum tripods that rattled around and were very clunky to set up/take down.
Not all carbon fibre is the same either; look for the thickest tubes; the norm is 4x-6x layer of CF, others go to 8x.

Low price, low weight, excellent quality: pick two of those, having all three is not possible.

 

[Alan Gales]

You can buy a nice old aluminum Leitz Tiltall (with attached pan/tilt head) for less than $100.00. It weighs around six pounds with the head and will work fine for the Chamonix or medium format cameras.

If you want the lighter weight of the carbon fiber then RRS (Really Right Stuff) is considered by many to be the best (but very expensive), followed by Gitzo. Feisol is a nice less expensive alternative. All three brands can work with medium format cameras. Just make sure the model you are looking at can hold the weight of your camera.

Many people (not me) like the ball heads but there are other alternatives out there. Pick what you like.

 

[Alan Gales]

I don't like ball heads because when loose they flop all over the place. I like to change my Axis's separately.

Ari sells new FLM ball heads which you can control both axis's independently. If I were to purchase a ball head, FLM would be the one. Click on FLM Canada Website at the bottom of Ari's post #4 for information if you are interested. Or you can pm Ari. He's a real nice fellow and can explain them better than I can.

 

[Ari]

Why thank you, Alan; nice to see you here.

 

[winger]

I have a 10 year old mag fiber Manfrotto with a ball head that I use for 35mm, MF, and my Chamonix. I haven't had any issues with stability. I also have a Berlebach (wooden) tripod with a VERY sturdy head that each axis adjusts separately. I bought that to use with my Cambo monorail, but it's overkill for the Chamonix.
I used to have a fairly sturdy Slik that would work well, but it was heavy so I never carried it out. Whatever you get, make sure you have a way of carrying it or it'll just become a chore to use.

 

[appletree]

Oh wow. Thank you all for the great information. I will look into all of this tonight. I will probably refrain from purchasing anything until around the same time as my 4x5 (whenever that ends up happening). Although that said, I have been needing a tripod of my own rather than borrowing every so often I need one. I had been wanting to take macro shots last weekend and a tripod is something I am way way way over due for.

Thanks again.

 

[Old-N-Feeble]

Yeah, I can attest to that Berlebach head being rock-solid. I have the Stativkopf 3D and it's excellent. Sometimes I consider trading it out for the ball head.

 

[MattKing]

A Chamonix 4x5 may end up being lighter than a Hasselblad with several lenses.

 

[Trail Images]

As a long time Mamiya RB67 and Wista 4x5 user, I find the Feisol 3301 with the long center column well suited for my hiking and roving type photography. I do also use a ballhead with quick release plates, although I know many LF users do not like that combination. However, my usage is very fleeting and it all works well for my personal needs.

 

[Two23]

I've been using a Gitzo 1325 CF tripod for the past ten years with my Chamonix, and everything else. It is bullet proof. It's likely the last tripod I'll ever buy.


Kent in SD

 

[Idaho_Photoist]

For my two bits, I seem to be over loaded with tripods, I would trade weight for stability, I have a nice carbon German Cullmann I use for SLR and medium format, it would support my Cambo mono, but is a little light, I do not care for ball heads I like to control angles separately, for absolutly tough I have (2) Husky Big Boy IV now that is heavy duty, it will extend to over 8 feet and I think I could set on it, One was my dad's he would carry a small step ladder when He needed to get up above for a shot, The other tripod he used was a Graflex, and I found one, it is aluminum but a solid standard pod, he used his for his Graflex 4x5, fine. and the other heavy is the old Star D.

 

[appletree]

Wowzer. So many options. Thank you again everyone. I will have a lot of research on all these different models and options. Not even familiar with ball heads, separate angles, center columns, etc etc.

One would assume that the center column is the singular "pole" that you can raise the camera higher without adjusting the legs.

 

[Alan Gales]

Wowzer. So many options. Thank you again everyone. I will have a lot of research on all these different models and options. Not even familiar with ball heads, separate angles, center columns, etc etc.

One would assume that the center column is the singular "pole" that you can raise the camera higher without adjusting the legs.

Yes, you are correct about the center column.

Some tripods have center columns and some don't. I don't like them because the higher you raise your camera using the center column the more prone you are to camera movement or vibration. I prefer tripods that are tall enough extending just the legs.

The Tiltall I recommended and own has a center column but I never need to use it. My two Ries tripods don't have center columns.

 

[E. von Hoegh]

Alan's right about the Tiltall. Get the original Marchioni or the Leitz, in that order.

http://tiltalltripod.com/Aboutus.html

 

[winger]

Yes, you are correct about the center column.

Some tripods have center columns and some don't. I don't like them because the higher you raise your camera using the center column the more prone you are to camera movement or vibration. I prefer tripods that are tall enough extending just the legs.

The Tiltall I recommended and own has a center column but I never need to use it. My two Ries tripods don't have center columns.

I don't usually extend my center column, but mine can also come out and go through the top of the legs sideways. I'd never do it with the 4x5, but it can be useful for objects on the ground with lighter cameras. You do need to weight the opposite leg well when you do it.

 

[Alan Gales]

I don't usually extend my center column, but mine can also come out and go through the top of the legs sideways. I'd never do it with the 4x5, but it can be useful for objects on the ground with lighter cameras. You do need to weight the opposite leg well when you do it.

I belong to a nature/environmental photography club. Some of the members are involved in shooting macro shots of bees and butterflies on flowers and such. I can see where your tripod would come in handy sometimes.

I saw a video of George Tice. He extended the center column of his tripod a little when he was shooting his 810 Deardorff. I wouldn't do it but it didn't seem to bother George at all.

 

[Richard Man]

Benro is the good quality knockoff of the Manfrotto. I have the 2980CF and the B2 ballhead for 5+ years. It goes with me to high desert and to the sea coast. Several times I had to drop the tripod down a small cliff (I don't hang it off my bag) before I jumped down. Scratched up a bit but still works great!

Don't use the center column unless you absolutely have to.

 

[Jim Peterson]

I use a Manfrotto 055CX3 with the Chamonix045n2. Nice compromise with weight and stability. I was in your shoes and did a lot of research and this is what I came up with. No regrets.

 

[Rolfe Tessem]

Look at the Induro line. I use a 214 for everything from 35mm through the light 4x5 cameras such as the Chamonix.

For years, Gitzo had a monopoly on the carbon fiber legs, but now that the Chinese are in the game, there are several quality options out there. The Induros come with a tool kit and a case that is actually good.

Rolfe

 

[appletree]

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?

2) And do the "multiple ballhead options" that exist all work with [most] tripods?

3) Lastly, quick release plates. I assume this connects directly to my camera? Say I am traveling with my Leica and 4x5 (for example) then I would have one on each camera?

Thanks for any additional help/advice.


My plan is to buy used by the end of the year and looking at these...around the $300 range. I would be nice to stay under $500 for the tripod/ballhead (or independent axis one).
---I am 5'8" so not sure if that matters.
---I like lightweight. Doesn't need to be lightest option, but do like 2lbs better than 4lb options.
---Not sure (for the most part) the difference in a lot of models other than number of sections, length when folded, supported weight, tripod weight. Maybe some have warranties or can only use certain ballheads, etc. Maybe some have limitations or different applications...just soooo many options.
---I think having a center column is nice to allow moving up/down without messing with the legs again.
---Is 4 sections slower than 3 sections. It seems they fold up smaller which I like as well. Having this strapped to the outside of my backpack people on the airplane weren't too happy with the 20"+ Gitzo I borrowed from my dad last year when traveling.
---Used for macro shots in the home/studio area, portraits, and outside would be mainly for landscapes, low light situations. So I will have time/patience.

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

 

[MattKing]

In no particular order:

3) You are correct. I like to have one quick release for each camera body, plus a spare on the head itself. The different styles of quick connect may reflect different camera weights and twist resistance - look at the variety offered by Manfrotto to see what I am talking about.

2) Yes, all heads will work on many different tripods. There are two main connection systems - a 3/8" and a 1/4" thread - but most use the 3/8". Some heads can be poorly matched to some tripods, due to differences in the size of the connecting surfaces (think large studio tripod and small travel tripod head, or vice versa) but usually you can make each function with the other.

1) The extra knobs help separate out the functions, which can be useful. I use a Manfrotto 054 head, which has separate "pan", "tension adjustment" and "ballhead release/tighten" controls. This allows me to quickly and easily adjust settings for, as an example, my RB67 vs my OM2n. The fact that the three controls have distinctly different sizes, shapes and placements makes it easy to make adjustments without looking at the controls - a real plus in my mind.

Hope this helps.

 

[appletree]

Yes that does help a lot. Thanks Matt. Much much much appreciated brother.