It's Always Better on a...

[Major Black]

T-word. Tripod. There, I've said it. It's true, I know.
But.... I love to run around with my SL-66 around my neck and you know, go with the flow, explore all kinds of angles and be spontaneous.

I took the Mamiya RB with 140mm macro and number two extension tube out today. The 140mm is a f/4.5 lens- slow. The camera is heavy. Heavy heavy. So, I loaded up the tripod and off we all went on my bike.

Hand holding her with the tube in low light at 64 ISO, not so wise. Feeling a bit encumbered I set up the tripod, the camera, put on the tube and shot a while. Then I had the urge to ditch the damn tripod, so I hid it behind a tree and did a bit of hand holding with the bracket holder. Seemed to be OK. We'll have to check out the film.

If I learn to accept the tripod, I'll need to get one that allows me to shoot low angles and be light. Gitzos, I used to love but when I owned them in the 1980's they were soo freaking heavy. Anyone have a suggestion for a good low angle capable tripod?



My Girls. The Rolleiflex 2.8C, the SL-66 and the new Mamita RB Pro-S.

[br1078lum]

Gitzo is making much lighter t-pods these days mark, and all the others are too.  You just have to look at what is available to see if they have the features you want.  One low pod might not work the same as another, so it's a bit of a personal preference thing.  I usually work a tripod until it falls apart, so there hasn't been a need to replace one till lately.  Problem is, setting up a kit is taking all the budget for now, so the tripod can wait a bit longer.  I've got four to choose from, but my favorite (Slik U-212) has thrown a leg clamp.  I'll be looking for the same type you mention.

PF

[r-brian]

About two years ago I decided to upgrade my old Bogen with something light weight.  I ended up buying the Adorama house brand carbon fiber tripod, the Flashpoint F-1228, which is their middle size.  It weighs 3.5 lbs without the head.  I've used it with my former 4x5 Tachi and use it now with my RZ67, no problems.  The legs spread in 3 positions and the center column unscrews into two pieces.  I just check and having the legs splayed out completely, the top of my ball head (Manfrotto 488RC2) is 10 inches above the ground.  The Flashpoint only sells for around $200 I think still today.  An equivalent Gitzo is over $500.  I think it's the best tripod for the money.

[Major Black]

PF, Keep us posted on what you get. I figured that Gitzo and others had lightened up. The one I owned would go up to 12 feet high! Yes, I did use it at that height and it was rock solid. Insanely heavy too.

r- the Flashpoint F-1228 sounds exactly like what I need. I'm totally strapped for now and still need a strap, another tube, a back (sent the 6x8 back as it was defective) and um... lotsa stuff for the RB.

[LarryD]

A pod is in the truck at all times.

[Mike Kovacs]

The Gitzo carbon fibre tripods are great. But you'll have to sell one of the two MF SLR's to afford one

[jamesmck]

Mark:  Have a look at the Manfrotto 190XPROB.  I saw a guy using one like this a year or so ago, and was very impressed with its versatility (long center column with horizontal option, adjustable leg angles).  I got it with the 498RC2 ball-head and later got a 460MG three-way head, but wish I had sprung for a geared head instead.  Regardless of head, it's a great tripod.

James

[Hoosier_Rich]

Mark, similar to James' I'm using a Manfrotto 3021pro. It has the removable center column so you can get down real low, or use the horizontal option. It runs about five lbs. without a head, I run a Man. 488RC0 ball on mine and it holds my Kowa Six without a problem. I've tried my Pace/Crown on the combo and it seemed to hold that weight well enough.

[Major Black]

James, Rich, thanks for that. I'll be sure to check out the Manfrotto.

Mike, true dat!

With starting a new system (Mamiya RB) there are all sorts of new things I seem to need. Not regretting it though. First pix look good (scanning soon).