What tripod head and legs do you use for your RB67 in the field?

[Certain Exposures]

So far, budget tripod legs and heads have been a disappointment (not a surprise). I have killed a few and lost my marbles trying to make do with others.

Are you using a combination that works well for travel? I realize 'RB67' and 'travel' is a poor pairing. I plan to do a decent amount of walking with the RB67, the prism, and a 250mm lens.

I have been debating selling a kidney, my first born, and my possibly my dignity to get the Arca Swiss C1 Cube and Gitzo Series 3 Systematic Carbon Fiber Tripod combination that seems so popular for the large format crowd.

Please let me know if there is an option that comes close to the same performance with a friendlier price.

 

[Dan Daniel]

Look at the Manfrotto X-Pro tripod head. It's a 3-way head, not a ball head. Personally I prefer 3-way heads to ball heads. And to get a quality ball head costs much more than a qualtiy 3-way. Ask around about how well the X-Pro would handle an RB67. I've used it with Fuji GFX100s, a rather heavy digital camera setup, along with a variety of lighter medium format setups, with no signs of stress or overloading. I put an Arca adapter onto the Manfrotto plate since I prefer that system.

I have it paired to a Feisol legs. That's a whole other topic that I'll let other more recent purchasers discuss, but over maybe 15 years no issues with the Feisol.

 

[moggi1964]

For my RZ67 setup, I use the Feisol Tournament CT3442 and a Markins M ball head. I use the same setup for my MPP 4x5 setup and it works fine for that too.

I would like a decent 3-way for the MPP setup.

 

[xkaes]

I used a Gitzo Reporter Performance with a Gitzo ball head (175???) for years with no problems -- backpacking with a RB76 Pro S from Canada to Mexico.

I still have the Gitzo -- but now I use it with my Toko (NOT Toyo) 4x5" field camera.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

Look at the Manfrotto X-Pro tripod head. It's a 3-way head, not a ball head. Personally I prefer 3-way heads to ball heads. And to get a quality ball head costs much more than a qualtiy 3-way. Ask around about how well the X-Pro would handle an RB67. I've used it with Fuji GFX100s, a rather heavy digital camera setup, along with a variety of lighter medium format setups, with no signs of stress or overloading. I put an Arca adapter onto the Manfrotto plate since I prefer that system.

I have it paired to a Feisol legs. That's a whole other topic that I'll let other more recent purchasers discuss, but over maybe 15 years no issues with the Feisol.

I also prefer a 3-way head and use it from Manfrotto on their heavy tripod, as well as on a studio stand for my Hasselblad kit, without complaints.

 

[MattKing]

When I had my RB67, I was content with the results I obtained with my old, fairly heavy Bogen 3221 legs - I'm not sure what the equivalent Manfrotto model number would have been.
I used a mid-size Manfrotto ball head on them that used the small 200PL quick release plates.
Among the current offerings, it looks like the XPRO Ball Head in magnesium with 200PL plate is similar.
Admittedly, the 140mm macro lens was the largest I used.
A three way head of similar strength would probably be better, but I am space constrained - particularly with respect to transport- and a ball head suits my needs for basically one-handed operation.
The combination required care in use - particularly with respect to the tension adjustment - but with that care the results were excellent.

 

[mshchem]

I would find a set of 40 year old Gitzo aluminum legs and a decent used Manfrotto head (3047?). These days Gitzo is just a brand on crappy Chinese product.

Need to be careful, high price doesn't mean high quality.

 

[mshchem]

RRS ball heads are great too. Pricy

 

[GregY]

I would find a set of 40 year old Gitzo aluminum legs and a decent used Manfrotto head (3047?). These days Gitzo is just a brand on crappy Chinese product.

Need to be careful, high price doesn't mean high quality.

Yes if you can carry an RB/RZ.....you don't need a carbon fibre tripod