Well trodden ground, but...

jmal · Jan 23, 2010

I'm about to jump on a set of Manfrotto 475B legs to go with my Bogen 3047 head, but I figured I'd throw out a request for any last minute advice. I need something solid for an RB and possibly a 4x5 in the future. All for outdoor use. I live in Kansas, so it can be very windy at times (i.e. I don't consider Chicago the windy city). I understand that this is a heavy setup and it will be a pain to haul around. I guess I'd rather lug some unwieldy equipment than have unsatisfactory photos. I've looked into Gitzo, but for the money I don't feel like I'd be getting any more benefit. Weight with column would bring a Gitzo 3 or 4 series up to the weight of the 475B. CF is out of the question. Am I missing anything?

rwboyer · Jan 23, 2010

I have those legs and use them for an 8x10 occasionally - the will definitely support an RB or 4x5 and they are definitely a PIA to carry around but...

I am not in love with them because of the springy-ness of the whole mess - the whole setup seems to store a lot of energy and bounces around on it's own for a bit. A actually like my wooden rig better because of this - about the same weight.

RB

jmal · Jan 23, 2010

What sort of wooden tripod are you using? I even considered the Berlebach, but was very uncertain of what I might end up with.

rwboyer · Jan 23, 2010

jmal said:
What sort of wooden tripod are you using? I even considered the Berlebach, but was very uncertain of what I might end up with.

Ries. Carbon may be cheaper unless you can find a used one. I had another one that was less stable and heavier. I don't know if the one I have is the best but it is pretty good. It is the only wooden tripod I ever had besides the crappy one that I have no idea what brand/maker it was.

RB

2F/2F · Jan 23, 2010

The tripod does not seem that heavy, nor is it a PITA to carry around in general situations. I do suggest a strap, though.

The new model (Manfrotto 475 vs. Bogen 3036) allows you to spread all three legs at once. This is a very good addition which eliminates my main reason for preferring the 3030 and 3050 to the 3036. (3050 doesn't let you spread all three legs at once, but it does keep you from having to bend down three additional times by giving you leg extension locks up near the head, instead of on the legs.)

Slixtiesix · Jan 24, 2010

I have the Manfrotto 475 too. It is indeed bulky, but stable (as long as you don´t extend the column).
Considering the low price it has a very good price-performance ratio in my eyes.
Greetz, Benjamin

jmal · Jan 24, 2010

Okay, so perhaps I am not going to jump so fast. I've started looking at used Gitzos and I have to admit the nomenclature is confusing. I see some listed as 320, 410, etc. Are these the same as the 1320 and 1410? Are they just older versions? Something about the heavy sparseness of the Gitzos seems appealing. Unfortunately, I have no way of trying them without ordering one. If I do go this route I will order from someone who accepts returns. Any thoughts on the Gitzos?

Slixtiesix · Jan 25, 2010

Gitzo is superb, I ended buying one after I had several other tripods. The new ones are very sturdy considering their low weight (even the alu ones, not to mention the carbons). I don´t know about older models, but heard that they are heavier and the locks are not as convenient as their current G-Lock system.
For your RB and 4x5 I would recommend something at least from the 4, if not 5 series. The G1500 (and its "ancestors") seems pretty sturdy and can be had for considerably small money compared to what it costs new. With 4,4 kg it is about the same weight as the manfrotto.

Regards, Benjamin

John Koehrer · Jan 25, 2010

Gitzo seems to change their model numbers as the mood hits them. Originally they used names, that confused all the camera store clerks. If you didn't do high volume you were lost. Then, a combination name/number, finally numbers, Now numbers are primary but they still have names......
Anyway, The 300(Studex) series is more than adequate,Largest leg diameter of 1 1/8" for any medium format and most cameras including light 5X7's
400(Interpro Studex) are basically the same legs but with a much larger spider and the ability to use rapid,crank, or no center column.
500(Studex)Larger leg diameter @ 1 3/8". Strong like bull! Fookin' heavy, Good for just about anything, over kill for a Minox.
My only Gitzo right now is a Studex Giant 9'+ and really FOOKIN' HEAVY

Q.G. · Jan 25, 2010

To be fair, Gitzo have used the numbered series (Series 1 through 5) for many decades now, and still use it today.

I think series 3 are the bare minimum for MF. Already good, though yet not stable enough. So while usable, they should be used with great care (no center colum, for instance).
Series 4 (not the same legs as series 3) and 5 are excellent. No worries there (except perhaps about how to carry them places without a mule).

jmal · Jan 25, 2010

Thanks all. I bought a 410 in Ex+ from KEH today. I have no idea how old they are, but I figure that if they were/are good enough for people when they were current, they'll work well for me. Usually, Ex+ from KEH is very good, though I have had a few duds. Keeping my fingers crossed. I hear that the legs must be extended in a particular order. Is this true? If so, can one then adjust at the upper joint for fine tuning, or does that have to be done on the lower extension?

John Koehrer · Jan 26, 2010

I think particular order only to keep from bashing someone with the tripod as you extend the legs.
If I'm only using one or two additional sections, I'll deploy the next largest first to keep the rigidity.
If I'm extending all sections I'll start with the smallest first.
When you get the tripod, try extending the smallest sections first. I think that you'll find the way the weight shifts in your hand can be inconvenient.

Q.G. · Jan 26, 2010

You will indeed want to leave extending the smallest diameter legs till last, not just because of the weight distribution, but also because they are the least stable ones.

jmal · Jan 29, 2010

Got the tripod today. Looks just like the current 5 series even though it's a G410. To my surprise, it also came with a short center column and locking assembly. I was planning on mounting to the top plate, but this is great. It gives me just a bit of room for adjustment without having to play with the legs.

Well trodden ground, but...

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