Tripod Head for RB67

removed-user-1

• May 31, 2009

• #1

I hope this is the right place to post this. I am trying to decide on a tripod head to support my Mamiya RB67. Currently I have the Bogen 322 pistol-grip ball head (this one - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...aging_322RC2_322RC2_Grip_Action_Ballhead.html), which I bought for 35mm/DSLR use years ago. It is supposed to support 11 pounds, but... I'm tired of the camera flopping over when I try to use a high or low angle or lots of bellows extension! The tripod legs are the Bogen 3021 model, and I know they will hold the weight because they used to support a Calumet 4x5 monorail. Any suggestions? I have a bunch of RC2 quick release plates so I'd like to stay with Bogen but if someone has any other ideas, let me know. Thanks!

 

Jeff Kubach

Member

Joined

Sep 29, 2007

Messages

6,912

Location

Richmond VA.

Format

Multi Format

• May 31, 2009

• #2

I have the same one myself. It seems to work ok for me. I use the same tripod equipment. I never had the camera flopping over. I guess just don't know!

Jeff

 

OP

OP

removed-user-1

• May 31, 2009

• #3

Jeff,
Maybe I need to make some adjustments, then. About how tight do you have the friction knob set?

 

epatsellis

Member

Joined

Jan 1, 2006

Messages

928

Format

Multi Format

• May 31, 2009

• #4

I use three different heads with my RB's, in the studio, I use a Cambo geared head on a UST studio stand, in the field, either a majestic geared head on a D&S Prolift tripod (heavy, but available cheaply on ebay) or a Graf Studioball on an old Gitzo 5 series without a column, nice for low level shots. The Graf has the advantage of accepting Arca style plates, and I use it frequently with the Sinar 4x5 as well. I have a Bogen 3051/3047 combo that works well, but it's a bit heavy and awkward for me in the field

 

archphoto

Member

Joined

Dec 14, 2008

Messages

960

Location

Holland and

Format

4x5 Format

• May 31, 2009

• #5

Forget a ball-head and a RB !

I have the Manfrotto 410 geared head: very presize movements, fast to set-up, a realy great joy !
Don't de mislead by Manfrotto, that calls it a "Junior" head: it is as large as a Rolleiflex 2.8F and weighs in at a bit more than a kilo !
I use the 410 with anything upto my Shen Hao 4x5" (including my RB and Rolleiflex SL66 ), still have to give my Wista M450 monorail a try on it. (in July when I am back in Holland)

For my Sinar P2 8x10 outfit I use a Linhof super heavy 3 way-head with dual panorama (on at the bottom, one on top).
The one I have was made for 2 years only and is rare.

Peter

 

OP

OP

removed-user-1

• May 31, 2009

• #6

Peter,
I do like the Manfrotto 410, I might have to get that one. It doesn't look like I'll get to use the same QR plates, c'est la vie!.

 

OP

OP

removed-user-1

• May 31, 2009

• #7

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone.

 

xtolsniffer

Member

Joined

Mar 27, 2008

Messages

677

Location

Yorkshire, U

Format

Multi Format

• Jun 1, 2009

• #8

with most heads you can change the quick release platform. I use an FLM ball head for my RB67 and have the RC2 adaptor mounted on it so I can use RC2 plates with it.