Tripod recommendations for Hasselblad 501CM

[Kodachromeguy]

Leofotos are very nice. And they offer an interesting option, an inverted tripod, where the lower leg is larger and totally sealed. Years ago, Gitzo offered a similar design in their Safari green model.

 

[Eff64]

If the friction setting is correct on a good ball head, the camera should float almost weightlessly and can easily be adjusted. For super-fine adjustments, you can use a pan-gear head like the Arca Swiss P0.

I’ve had a RRS and Markins, both bought new. Either too floppy, or too stiff. Nothing in between.

I completely respect that some folks like them, but unless you need to shoot really crazy angles (I do not), I think a level tripod with a pan/tilt head is much faster to compose and adjust.

 

[JerseyDoug]

I’ve had a RRS and Markins, both bought new. Either too floppy, or too stiff. Nothing in between.

That has been my experience too, with conventional ball heads. But my favorite tripod heads, by far, for my Hasselblads are the Gitzo off center ball heads (like the GH2750). The movement drag is very controllable regardless of the weight of the camera/lens combo. The only center ball head I have found that works as well is the Leitz KGOON that I use with a Gitzo series 0 tripod for my lighter cameras.

 

[plimsoll1]

I have a Bogen 3001 and a 3021. They've lasted forever. Since they're not CF, they are a little heavier. I mostly use the 3021 at home, but I used to drag it all over. They both also double as very sturdy light stands, in a pinch. You should be able to find these used (possibly even with a questionable head) for < 100.00. Since Manfrotto bought Bogen, the 3021 is, I think, also called the 055. The legs go out to the side for uneven terrain or getting close to the ground. I think there are also short center columns available for both models - I have the short center column for the 3021, and it works great for getting the camera almost to the ground. The 3021/055 is very sturdy and should be able to hold a lot of weight.

 

[GregY]

I’ve had a RRS and Markins, both bought new. Either too floppy, or too stiff. Nothing in between.

I completely respect that some folks like them, but unless you need to shoot really crazy angles (I do not), I think a level tripod with a pan/tilt head is much faster to compose and adjust.

Yes... i find them particularly frustrating w a 6x6.

 

[Taylor Nankervis]

The variations and choices of tripods are endless. Consider the tripod for the camera you have, but also if the tripod will be the right one for the cameras you no doubt will gather over the ensuing years!

I assume you got a long plate for the 500C/M, not a short one?
While I have long ago switched out of Hasselblad, I have used for 20+ years a Manfrotto 190CF CF 2 section tripod with an mg head, 3 axis levels and PTFE ball — reliably holding a Pentax 67 and the heaviest lens I have, a 165mm leaf shutter tele — no slip, drift, wobble, bobble or Nutbush. The other, a skinny CF tripod, is by Gitzo with one of their older style Arca Swiss ball heads and 2 axis spirit levels, probably also around 20+ years, and surprisingly stable with a heavy Canon EOS 1N and 70-200 tele!!

Buy with care. It's a 'No' from me when it comes to Chinese-made tripods.
We are seeing a disturbing (and upsetting!) number of failures of these products here in Australia.

 

[MTGseattle]

My first "serious" tripod was a bogen 3001 with a 3030 pan-tilt head. The 3001 had t-knob screw type locks. I quickly realized I needed more height and that I wanted a faster leg release mechanism. I then went to a used Bogen 3221 with the lever locks. I still have it but it's just gathering dust. What I run now is a used Gitzo 3342ls (I likely goofed the model number), but it's a systematic with no center column and get's every camera I have up to my eye level no problem.
I'm in the ball head camp but I do agree that they are not awesome for everything. I had the 8x10 going in the basement last weekend and while nothing happened, I did have a close call due to sloppiness on my part. Gitzo's stuff that is newer than mine has a revised twist lock mechanism that I think is supposed to be smoother. I haven't tried one out to compare.

 

[Hassasin]

Innorel RT90C

Innorel Low Profile N52 ball head

On Hasselblad side it will take all lenses with ease (I have up to 500 and the Variogon, but I will get fluid head for long ones for sure, even if big ball head has no trouble holding them up)

I also use it with Linhof Technika 70, which is as heavy as most 4x5 (it would take far more). I actually bought green version, I call it super cool.

Levelling platform makes it a blast for initial level off. Any head you like. A 52mm ball head would be optimal size, but fluid head might be better for some applications (my next purchase for this)

Also optional center column is great, installs in place of bowl adapter. It gives that extra height if needed, but it does add bulk to carry.

This tripod is sold under several brand names (in world wide sense), but built is great, locks are easy to grip and super tight. They also come in a smaller size, if overall size/weight is too much.

Some complain about leg angle locks not being spring loaded. I find it nonsense, but yes, you do have to push them back in.
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I'll add on Hass mounting plate not being Arca compatible. At this point I have one body switched to Arca plate, but otherwise use Hass quick mount on other bodies until I get them changed out (Arca replacement plates now appear to be available again from PRC)

 

[Inomoxo]

I am glad this discussion is happening! I am contemplating a new tripod for my 501CM with 80mm lens.
I currently have a Tiltall (8 lbs!) and attach the camera directly to the tripod or via the 45128 Quick Release. I hike up to 5 miles to photograph landscapes I'm looking for a lighter option.
Thecentercolumn has been a great resource and I'm considering RRS TFC-14 (3lbs) or GITZO 2547-T (3.4lbs) based on their reviews. Ming Thein likes the Arca-Swiss P0 Monoball (10oz) based on his review of the Monoball and in his article "Picking a Tripod." I like the looks of the P0 Monoball compared to the others I've sampled. I figure that the combination mentioned above might save me 4lbs over my current setup, which is a lot. Is there a similar option, only lighter? Will the RRS or GITZO mentioned above be adequate? Overkill? How do people feel about the Monoball 0? Thoughts?

 

[Pieter12]

We are seeing a disturbing (and upsetting!) number of failures of these products here in Australia.

Can you cite the source? I have had doubts about the quality or at least lax quality-control of some Chinese knock-offs. On the other hand, I own several Leofoto products over the years and have never hd an issue. Maybe 10 more years down the line...

 

[eli griggs]

Still promoting, Gitzo Reporter deluxe studio, aluminum tripod and, basic Gitzo or Leica ball head.

No extended ball control arms, just twist type legs and level for true horizon perspectives.

The Hasselblad Speed Speed Mount, as previously shown by others here, and several examples, for several camera bodies for faster body changes, regardless of the extra weight, especially for road trip in your car.

 

[Hassasin]

Buy with care. It's a 'No' from me when it comes to Chinese-made tripods.

This is really stereotyping.

The cheap stuff is out there, but a carbon tripod in medium size that says "no Gitzo" yet cost $200 is NOT cheap Chinese tripod, The Innorel I mentioned (and several brands in exact same price points) are high quality tripods, they actually have own QC for what gets their name on and what doesn't.

Manfrotto is not what it once was either. I have 6 Manfrotto tripods of various sizes, only the old aluminium ones show quality they were known for, and retain it with years of wear. But newer ones are at best on par with quality "Chinese" brands.

The large tripod I've shown has leg locks easily comparable to Gitzo quality. Will they last as long as? I don't know how long newest Gitzos last, nobody actually does. Let's see in 5-10 years how that comparison holds up.

 

[Pieter12]

This is really stereotyping.

The cheap stuff is out there, but a carbon tripod in medium size that says "no Gitzo" yet cost $200 is NOT cheap Chinese tripod, The Innorel I mentioned (and several brands in exact same price points) are high quality tripods, they actually have own QC for what gets their name on and what doesn't.

Manfrotto is not what it once was either. I have 6 Manfrotto tripods of various sizes, only the old aluminium ones show quality they were known for, and retain it with years of wear. But newer ones are at best on par with quality "Chinese" brands.

The large tripod I've shown has leg locks easily comparable to Gitzo quality. Will they last as long as? I don't know how long newest Gitzos last, nobody actually does. Let's see in 5-10 years how that comparison holds up.

My 17+ year old Gitzo Mountaineer CfF Tripod is holding up just fine, thank you. Leofoto in China does a fine job imitating (should I say appropriating) some fine designs with a bit less precision. I have several of their products. We’ll see how they do in the next dozen years.

 

[Hassasin]

My 17+ year old Gitzo Mountaineer CfF Tripod is holding up just fine, thank you. Leofoto in China does a fine job imitating (should I say appropriating) some fine designs with a bit less precision. I have several of their products. We’ll see how they do in the next dozen years.

I was referring to NEW Gitzos, most likely made on machinery made in China. I think we can all accept Gitzo of ages ago had a standard to look up to.

At the same time, today's technology is not what it once was, and majority of products, if not made IN China are still made on machinery made IN China. High precision CNC and manufacturing technologies etc. have evolved to practically nullify any differences. Yet there is price to be paid for QC that can sustain a level of repeatable quality over large sample base. That leads to products that look very similar but vastly differ in price.

 

[Pieter12]

I was referring to NEW Gitzos, most likely made on machinery made in China. I think we can all accept Gitzo of ages ago had a standard to look up to.

At the same time, today's technology is not what it once was, and majority of products, if not made IN China are still made on machinery made IN China. High precision CNC and manufacturing technologies etc. have evolved to practically nullify any differences. Yet there is price to be paid for QC that can sustain a level of repeatable quality over large sample base. That leads to products that look very similar but vastly differ in price.

I am not sure about your assertion that the machinery is made in China. Source? Plus, even using the same or similar machinery does not mean the same materials are being used. Not to mention questionable labor practices and ethics.

 

[Taylor Nankervis]

I was referring to NEW Gitzos, most likely made on machinery made in China. I think we can all accept Gitzo of ages ago had a standard to look up to.

At the same time, today's technology is not what it once was, and majority of products, if not made IN China are still made on machinery made IN China. High precision CNC and manufacturing technologies etc. have evolved to practically nullify any differences. Yet there is price to be paid for QC that can sustain a level of repeatable quality over large sample base. That leads to products that look very similar but vastly differ in price.

What??
I doubt very much Gitzo has been licensed out to manufacturing in China. I see their tripods (along with other Euro marques) almost every day. That is like saying Manfrotto tripods and heads are made in China — they are not. With Gitzo, their most basic accessories are also made in Europe. Reputation and quality matters to European manufacturers, and it is far too risky to offload both to the fast-paced, poorly quality controlled manufacturing processes in Asia (does Tesla sound familiar?), though it has become undeniably globally common in recent times.

 

[Kodachromeguy]

Leofoto in China does a fine job imitating (should I say appropriating) some fine designs with a bit less precision

What does less precision mean? Fittings, clips, fasteners? Note that in the old days, Bogen tripods had pretty crude leg clips and heads, but they were robust and did the job.

 

[Taylor Nankervis]

What does less precision mean? Fittings, clips, fasteners? Note that in the old days, Bogen tripods had pretty crude leg clips and heads, but they were robust and did the job.

Funny that. The same observations have gone around the older-style leg-clips on Manfrotto tripods (esp. the 190-series); they look crude, can be difficult to use, but — they provide for precision placement of the legs and robust fail-safe security. Pretty much the same for the leg-locks on GITZO tripods — the twist-lock style. I don't have a preference for one over the other (I have a tripod from both marques with both options) and historically over many years of professional use, I had not had any reason to quibble with one over the other.

 

[eli griggs]

When Parker Fountain pens eventually left mainland China, they left the staff and machinery for making pens like the '51' Parker Fountain pens.

I've seen lots of pen people wanting the original pens under the pre-revolution management, vs post Communist pens, which have looked to have questionable value and writer's desirable.

It seems that builders and their labor contribution can really make a big difference in the final product, cameras, pens, etc.

So far the older Gitzos seems to be a better answer to a range of tasks, vs just ultra light builds.

IMO.

 

[Pieter12]

What does less precision mean? Fittings, clips, fasteners? Note that in the old days, Bogen tripods had pretty crude leg clips and heads, but they were robust and did the job.

The screws and gears in a geared head, the amount of play in moving parts, the quality of bearings and friction fittings, the ability to disassemble and repair or adjust components, etc. All contribute to the ability of the tripod and head to perform to a high specification and for a decent service life.

 

[Hassasin]

What??
I doubt very much Gitzo has been licensed out to manufacturing in China. I see their tripods (along with other Euro marques) almost every day. That is like saying Manfrotto tripods and heads are made in China — they are not. With Gitzo, their most basic accessories are also made in Europe. Reputation and quality matters to European manufacturers, and it is far too risky to offload both to the fast-paced, poorly quality controlled manufacturing processes in Asia (does Tesla sound familiar?), though it has become undeniably globally common in recent times.

Did you actually read what I posted ? I said "built on machinery made in China. Gitzo factory is in Italy.

 

[Hassasin]

The screws and gears in a geared head, the amount of play in moving parts, the quality of bearings and friction fittings, the ability to disassemble and repair or adjust components, etc. All contribute to the ability of the tripod and head to perform to a high specification and for a decent service life.

But every high quality piece made in China is same thing, tight, precise, and assembled to be disassembled. However long we exchange "ideas" what good quality is, there is only major variable: labor cost. Factories in China are set up to do small custom runs of practically anything, and due to computerized work flow, they can deliver all that at lower price point.

I have no issue with anyone suggesting Gitzo is the only of its kind, I just disagree they are in the quality lead they used to be.

 

[Arthurwg]

I'm using a Gitzo G1227 Mk II with a Profil II ball head and a Hasselblad quick release for most of my work, which seems to work perfectly. But for the 500mm lens and the RB67 I used something more substantial.

 

[cowanw]

Back in 2004 I got my first tripod, the Velbon Carmagne 630 and it has done every thing I wanted since.
Since then I have been a fan of FLM tripods

Tripods & Monopods - FLM Canada

by our colleague here, Ari

 

[Pieter12]

But every high quality piece made in China is same thing, tight, precise, and assembled to be disassembled. However long we exchange "ideas" what good quality is, there is only major variable: labor cost. Factories in China are set up to do small custom runs of practically anything, and due to computerized work flow, they can deliver all that at lower price point.

I have no issue with anyone suggesting Gitzo is the only of its kind, I just disagree they are in the quality lead they used to be.

Maybe because the company was sold in the 2000s.