Wooden Tripod Question

photomc · Mar 26, 2006

Have what appears to be a Berlebach, model 1022 maybe, single leg extension. It has no markings, but looks quite like the Berlebach.

The problem I have with it, is when I pick it up to move it a few inches/feet, the legs all collapse rather than stay open (like the Bogen 3021, that I normally use). Is this normal for wooden tripods, and how do you folks that use wood tripods deal with moving the camera? First should add, that it will be used with a Korona 8x10 and B&J 5x7, on a Bogen 3047 head.

Have heard many good comments about these tripods, and was wondering if I'm just not using it correctly or if legs can be adjusted (tightened) so that they do not close (collapse) when the tripod (with camera mounted) is lifted up to be moved. Or if I should just go back to the good ol' Bogen and figure the wood tripod and I just don't work the same way.

Thanks in advance.....

lee · Mar 26, 2006

Mike,

my Zone VI does the samething. It is a PITA.

lee\c

Ole · Mar 26, 2006

None of mine do that?

bob01721 · Mar 26, 2006

lee said:
"... my Zone VI does the samething. It is a PITA..."

I use a surveyor's tripod, and it does it too. I read somewhere that Zone VI pods were actually "converted" surveyor's pods, like minethat Fred Picker modified the top and mounted a Bogen head on it. Maybe that's a part of what's going on.

'Course, a Berlebach doesn't look anything like a surveyor's pod. so there's more to it than that.

Ronald Moravec · Mar 26, 2006

Hold two open and drag the third leg for a small move. Or pick up two and replant the third leg in the new spot and then replace the other two.

resummerfield · Mar 26, 2006

Ronald Moravec said:
Hold two open and drag the third leg for a small move. Or pick up two and replant the third leg in the new spot and then replace the other two.

That's the way I do it. I use a surveyor's wooden tripod, and I can tighten the bolts that hold the legs to the top plate, and thus stiffen up the folding action.

Donald Miller · Mar 26, 2006

Mike,

I have used my surveyors tripod for almost fifteen years and it was a PITA when I first started using it. I finally got used to it by using one leg as my front leg and I wrap my arm around two and grab the front leg and it lets me negotiate moves fairly well. In other words, the legs are bundled in the crook of my arm and moved easily.

I have found that the benefit of using a tripod like this is that the legs are much easier to level on uneven ground because they are not required to be spread the same distance from each other like the Bogen that I had before.

photomc · Mar 26, 2006

Thanks everyone for the input, it is a PIA...but many things can be until the little "tricks" are learned I guess. Your input confirms what I supsected...if I decide to keep using the tripod will need to try and adjust the legs, as well as adjust the way I use it (except Ole who seems to not have this problem - what kind of tripod Ole?)

As always, good information and really do appreciate the input from everyone.

Earl Dunbar · Mar 26, 2006

I have a Zone VI, but if I have the bolts at the top tightened down it's not a big problem. I've disassembled mine to refinish it, so once I get it done and back together I'll have to check.

MurrayMinchin · Mar 27, 2006

When it's summer and there hasn't been a hint of rain in weeks, your wooden pod'll be loose and sloppy...in the fall when its been raining for weeks your woodie will be swollen and tight.

Shocking I know...but read on...

I've got a Zone VI and if it's dry and loose I tighten it at the top like Earl said. When it rains and swells I loosen it before it squeezes too tight. A small price to pay for the vibration dampening qualities of a good woodie.

Murray

BradS · Mar 27, 2006

I've got a Berlebach 8043 and it does not do that. The legs stay erect. Not quite as stiff as the Bogen 3021 but they don't just go limp the moment you pick it up either.

Ole · Mar 27, 2006

photomc said:
... (except Ole who seems to not have this problem - what kind of tripod Ole?)...

One is a Swedish "Stabil", seems to be based on a surveyer's tripod. The other one is a medium-sized Gandolfi tripod, which can be anything up to a century old (but I'm guessing 1950's for mine).

photomc · Mar 27, 2006

Brad - Thanks, wanted to hear from another Berlebach user (of course I could have just PM'd scootermm, Duh!).

Murrary, et al....was hoping this is possible, will give it a go when I get home tonight.

Thanks again everyone...Ole, I figure the Gandolfi would hold up just fine. Will have to have a look at the Stabil...not familiar with them.

scootermm · Mar 27, 2006

this is something I get irritated with as well Mike. one of the reasons I wish I had some shift to easily accomodate slight adjustments. I think I started a thread about wanting some slight shift recently.
its frustrating but I make due with the berlebach. Especially with how cheap it was and how stable and solid. Quite a good value even despite this irritating PIA feature of the legs collapsing.

Lee L · Mar 27, 2006

My Berlebach 8043 seems to move (loosen and tighten) with the weather as well. Keeping a nut driver of the right size (10mm for the 8043) handy might help.

Lee

photomc · Mar 27, 2006

Update for all that responded...took a nut driver (yep Lee L 10mm was the right size) and gave each leg a good snug. Not overly tight (still afraid I might damage the legs) and they now stay in place. Not sure if the legs have been refinished or if they have just become loose over time. Anyhow, this did the trick for now, will give it a go this weekend and see how well it holds. There is a lot to like about the wooden tripod, this was just one of those things that was more of a PIA enough to keep me from using it. If it works out, will add a recent 3047 head to it and give it a good workout over the summer...and always have a 10mm nut driver with me. Had to keep one handy for the Bogen for when the legs started to slip.

Thanks again for the input everyone.

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