Tripod?

Dave Wooten · Apr 22, 2005

Anyone gone through the research (actual use) for the best tripod for large cameras? 11 x 14 and up? Thank you all once again.

Dave in Vegas

bobfowler · Apr 22, 2005

For 11X14 and larger, I think telephone poles would be a good place to start...

Mongo · Apr 22, 2005

I use a Berlebach 3032 (2-part legs with integrated ball head, no center column) for my Calumet C1...with an APO-Nikkor 480mm f/9 process lens, a Packard shutter, and a film holder it's well over 20 pounds. The Berlebach is rock-solid. Judging from how the setup acts when I'm moving the camera around, I'd assume that it would easily hold 30 pounds.

John Kasaian · Apr 22, 2005

Dave,

Certainly not research, but a used Ries came my way a couple or few years ago---an ancestor of the A-100---and it works great with my 8x10 'dorff and 12x20 Folmer & Schwing. Sort of like the Rock of Girbralter with 1/4-20 threads on top.

wfwhitaker · Apr 22, 2005

Dave,

I've used a Ries A-100 underneath a Wisner 11x14 and it was just fine. I'm sure it could still handle a larger camera, but just how much larger I can't say. The A-100-2 is rated for a higher load. The Ries web site could be a little more descriptive...

I also have a Saltzman tripod which would probably hold up one side of my house. Great in the studio, but not really recommended for the field.

TracyStorer · Apr 22, 2005

Tripod for ULF

Hey Dave,
I use a Ries A-100 with A-250 head for my Wisner 14"x17" with no problems. In fact, for a couple years the New York crew was using the same combo (regular A-100/250, not the extra heavy duty) for their Wisner 20x24 camera. After two or three years of hard use, the through-bolt on the head did break. But, I believe it was probably habitually overtightened, made easier by the long handle I installed on the head. Most users will never put that kind of strain on their equipment. (50 lb camera, plus 35lb loaded film holder on-again-off-again)
I really don't think there is anything out there better than a Ries for holding up big cameras.
Best,
Tracy

wfwhitaker said:
Dave,

I've used a Ries A-100 underneath a Wisner 11x14 and it was just fine. I'm sure it could still handle a larger camera, but just how much larger I can't say. The A-100-2 is rated for a higher load. The Ries web site could be a little more descriptive...

I also have a Saltzman tripod which would probably hold up one side of my house. Great in the studio, but not really recommended for the field.

jimgalli · Apr 22, 2005

Hi Dave. I also use and recommend the Ries. Another favorite is the Davis and Sanford floating action with the big 6X8 table for the camera. Very stout and I've used it to do a vertical with the 7X17 successfully. Doubt if you would get away with that with any of the bigger cameras though. The 717 is quite petite.

Tripod?

Dave Wooten

bobfowler

Mongo

John Kasaian

wfwhitaker

TracyStorer

jimgalli

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