Tripod for the big boys

razocaine_07 · Dec 4, 2010

Hi there,

Im a user of a Bronica SQA and upgrading to a Fuji GX690 shortly and am aware that my puney tripod that struggles under the bronica has no chance with the Fuji.
With the sheer amount of tripods on the market, i dont know where to start looking. I wanna ask if anyone recommends a solid tripod that can support the sheer weight of a camera like the GX690.
As a student, i dont have huge amounts to spend but would rather invest in a tripod that will last rather than a quick fix.

1banjo · Dec 4, 2010

hey razocaine_07

you should look at it like this a $2000.00 camera on a $75.00
tripod ! NO!! but a $2000.00 camera on a tripod that CAN SAVE
your $2000.00 camera! BUT if you look at Zone VI Wood Tripod
you can then go look at a STURDY SURVEY ALUMINUM TRIPOD
LASER AUTO LEVEL TRANSIT that you can buy for $85.00 you
put a plate on top of it and get a good Bogen head for not to
much money have some thing about as good as a Zone VI !

Bogen // Manfrotto 3221
Manfrotto Tripod 3238
Davis and Sanford
Gitzo 341
Zone VI Large Wood Tripod Bogen head

Christopher Walrath · Dec 4, 2010

I have a Transit tripod as well but I got ASSIA APGL3 with a three axis head that I may upgrade soon. But it is more than stable enough for a 4x5 Press Camera. I would say it's another good suggestion to go with those above.

415km · Dec 4, 2010

I have a bogen 3221 with 3047 head and it's more than enough tripod for all my medium format cameras.
I felt the same way when shopping for a tripod, a lot of numbers and choices.
I'd recommend what I have if you are concerned more with stability than weight, it is heavier than other setups that would work but they might be a little less solid.
My set up is rock solid, I like it a lot, and I spent well under $150 used.

Vaughn · Dec 4, 2010

415km said:
I have a bogen 3221 with 3047 head and it's more than enough tripod for all my medium format cameras.
...

A nice compromise of weight and sturdiness.

razocaine_07 · Dec 5, 2010

thanks guys,
i will definately have a look at these

Q.G. · Dec 5, 2010

A big Gitzo is unbeatable, both in stability and durability.

Jim Jones · Dec 5, 2010

My old Tiltall has lasted for decades, and should last several more. It seems steady enough for camras from pocket size up to 5x7.

David A. Goldfarb · Dec 5, 2010

I agree. An older Leitz or Marchioni Tiltall is the best bang for the buck, and was originally designed for 4x5" press cameras. They're usually around 100 USD on eBay. It's about 6 lbs. including the head, which is not designed to be removed.

CGW · Dec 5, 2010

razocaine_07 said:
Hi there,

Im a user of a Bronica SQA and upgrading to a Fuji GX690 shortly and am aware that my puney tripod that struggles under the bronica has no chance with the Fuji.
With the sheer amount of tripods on the market, i dont know where to start looking. I wanna ask if anyone recommends a solid tripod that can support the sheer weight of a camera like the GX690.
As a student, i dont have huge amounts to spend but would rather invest in a tripod that will last rather than a quick fix.

Not sure about the Fuji but the Bronica doesn't exactly require a forklift to shift it around. Something like the Manfrotto 055 and a medium weight Manfrotto ballhead or 3-way should hit a sweet spot on the price/stability grid. I use the 055 for all my MF including a Mamiya RB67 with no problems.

ChipMcD · Dec 5, 2010

If you don't mind spending more than a few bucks, look at wooden tripods. I splashed out for a Ries and an Arca Swiss ballhead many years ago. It handles different medium format rigs with aplomb and I appreciate its light weight more and more as I get older.

jgjbowen · Dec 5, 2010

Tripod for the big boys????

I thought this thread was for someone looking for a tripod for a ULF 20x24, not some puny little 120 film job

I was going to point out that Ries makes a model that will support 60 pounds, but that sounds like a bit of overkill for such a tiny little camera LOL

OK, I've had my fun. Good Luck with your search!

John (who shoots a 8x10 & 7x17 ULF cameras and uses Ries tripods)

Rick A · Dec 5, 2010

Even the new incarnations of the Tiltall is more than adaquate for your purpose. I have one each of the Tiltall, Marchioni Bros., Leitz, and a new mfg, all are hefty enough and hold my Calumet 4x5's rock solid.

macrorie · Dec 19, 2010

I'd rather use a three-way panhead than any kind of ballhead for most medium format cameras other than rangefinders or folders. Although, I have not had the chance to use the bigger and best ballheads. For me, the combination of the weight and shapes of many MF cameras make the panheads easier to control. Beyond that point, the next choice focus is whether to fiddle with locking collars, screwlocks or camlocks on the legs. My frame of reference on this is using an RB67.

BrianL · Dec 20, 2010

I did not see you mention the type of photography you intend to use it for. I like the feel of a heavier tripod with gearing than the more common knurled nut and compression tripods and something that in the wind will not shake so for years have hauled around a Majestic tripod. I think it will hold up a house if needed and though a migh on the heavy side it has never been a problem. The company makes a series of tripods and heads plus additional arms, etc. for things like macro-photography; a pretty complete system. I've tried a few others over the years but they've come and gone while the Majestic seems to be a staple. Yes, it looks a bit odd when I mount something like the Leica CL on it.

Tripod for the big boys

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