Comments about tripods: You use a tripod for the sake of stability. The triangle is the most stable polygon. The tetrahedron is the most stable polyhedron. The tripod set into the ground is essentially a tetrahedron. When you add a column to a tripod, you are adding a good deal of instability. No doubt about it, a column is convenient, but if you can manage to use a tripod without a column, you will have a far more stable setup. Movements and joints all add instability. The more leg extensions you have, the more instability you will have. The more head movements you have, the more instability you will have. Tripod heads are often necessary, but they add instability. The most stable head is a leveling head built into the top of the tripod. You will find that I have a good selection of tripods without columns and with built-in leveling heads. I have considerable experience photograhing with cameras from small format cameras with extremely long lenses to ultra large format view cameras that require the most stable tripods. Generally speaking, I only deal in those items that I appreciate and would use myself. Tell me what your needs are and I will try to meet them. I will not try to sell you something that will not meet your needs. If I sell you something that does meet your needs, you will more likely come back the next time you have a need. I use or have used many of the the tripods on this list. I have favorites, but I do not attempt to use one tripod for every camera or every situation, and I do not recommend that you do either. The typical photographer requires several tripods for different situations. Tripod weight: A good customer inquired about a tripod for use with his 12X20 F&S. I suggested a Saltzman as the best tripod for the job. He opted for a Gitzo. Subsequently his camera was blown over by a gust of wind in the mountains. Very likely it would not have been blown over had it been mounted on a Saltzman tripod. Even the larger carbon fiber Gitzo is a well built tripod rigid enough to support large format cameras, but your center of gravity will be quite high. Gitzo has a hook on the bottom of some of their center columns for hanging a sandbag or weight from to provide a lower center of gravity and greater stability. A heavy tripod has its advantages.
Tripods for use with very long lenses--such as in nature photography. Tripods can be stable, but lacking in rigidity. A rigid tripod is essential for long lens photography. When your angle of view gets down to a few degrees, you need a rigid tripod. A sharp lens will only produce sharp images if the support is rigid. You really do need it all working together for you. The best setup is a rigid tripod with a leveling head, the lens mounted on a gimbal head and good technique.
Tripods with built-in leveling heads. Cinematographers have long known about the need for stability and rigidity. A normal lens for cinematography is 2 or 3 times the focal length of a normal lens for still photography. Cinematographers oftentimes work with some extremely long lenses. You do not often see pan shots in movies, but you can probably remember a great one or two. Successful pans shots require the best that tripod manufacturers have to offer. That is why cine tripods have no columns. Cine tripods have leveling heads and often one or more spreaders. A spreader converts a tripod into a tetrahedron before you even plant the tripod into the ground. You will find lots of cine tripods with leveling heads and/or spreaders below.
Saltzman studio camera stands (2 available), perhaps the strongest studio stand ever built. You could hang yourself from it suspended 4' from the column. The 4" (3" on smaller stand) square chrome plated center column is triangularly braced to each of the three legs with poles running from top to leg ends. The camera support arm rides the column on 8 bearings and is connected to a counterbalanced weight inside the column via chains that run up to the column top and over sprocketed wheels. The stand has large casters and a hand crank at one leg that turns three feet simultaneously to lift the casters and the whole stand up off the ground to stabilize the stand. The camera mount is triangularly braced to the center column, and is adjustable; you can even swing the camera up and shoot over the the Saltzman camera stand. The camera can be positioned anywhere from near floor level to 12' (11' on the smaller stand) high. Need a huge copy stand?--use the floor as your copy board and mount your camera on a Saltzman camera stand. One stand is 10' 6" high, the other is 9' 4.5" high. Ex+ condition. Your choice, $1000. Available heads on shafts ready to use on the Saltzman stand are a Saltzman @ $250 (with stand), a Foba on adapter @ $450 (with stand), or a universal top plate on shaft that is part of the Sinar head adaptation illustrated--but will work with virtually any head @ $150 (with stand). The Sinar pan/tilt head has been sold. I also have available a custom clamp to hold a bicycle; the stand serves beautifully as a bicycle repair stand. The 1st image is from a Saltzman catalog. Clicking on the image will give you a different larger image with info from the manufacturer. Were I to photograph the camera stand as a whole in my studio there would be too much clutter in the background. So I will provide some images of parts of the stand. Camera stand with Saltzman head supporting a 50# plant. Sinar head on adapter and the adapter by itself. 11X14" camera on stand. 14X17" camera on stand. Camera stand being used as a bicycle repair stand.
NOTE: Saltzman tripods are the absolute best for ultra large format flat bed view cameras. Custom mounting plates can be made that fit your camera perfectly; I'll do it for about $100 to $200. Especially reccommended for all 11X14 or larger cameras.
Saltzman was a great engineer. He really understood metals. Saltzman field tripods, although heavy relative to most other tripods, were made as light weight as possible without compromising strength. Saltzman field tripods are made of Magnezium, Aluminum, brass and steel as necessary. You will find no plastics or rubbers on Saltzman gear. That is why Saltzman equipment is so durable. Anything that old made of plastics or rubbers would have long ago deteriorated.
Saltzman tripod foot. With attachment screws. One available, $25.
Saltzman head on Gitzo tripod. The Saltzman top plate is 9X9". 400 series Gitzo metal tripod. Weighs 16# or 9# less than the regular Saltzman and 22# less than the extra tall Saltzman tripod. Suitable for virtually any large format flat bed view camera. Head has plenty of fore/aft tilt with the hand crank that may be mounted on either end of the worm gear shaft. There is also a horizon tilt. There is pan built into the custom GLENNVIEW black anodized aluminum Saltzman to Gitzo adapter with the ratcheting handle. Neither the Saltzman head nor the Gitzo tripod has been altered. Gitzo metal tripod with Saltzman head, crank handle, your choice of 1/4-20TPI or 3/8-16TPI camera screw, GLENNVIEW adapter, $800. With the Gitzo G1548 carbon fiber tripod the price is $1100. The Saltzman head (from a Saltzman tripod with a crank up column) is available by itself with the crank handle and the camera screw for $350. The GLENNVIEW adapter is available by itself for $300; it will work with all Saltzman tripod heads with a 1 9/16" shaft and all Gitzo 400 series or 500 series tripods and the newer Gitzo larger tripods (such as the G1548) that accept a top plate with a diameter of 85mm. The Gitzo tripod is available by itself and is listed below. This head and adapter will also fit the Foba and the 2 carbon fiber Gitzo tripods listed below. If you need a GLENNVIEW adapter for a Saltzman head with a 1.5" diameter shaft, I can manufacture one.
Fore/aft tilt hand crank with revolving handle for Saltzman head. The original Saltzman crank handles get lost because they are removable. This is a GLENNVIEW product, available nowhere else. They are better made than and outperform the original. See additional photos of the hand crank with the above Saltzman tripod and head. $125
Custom Saltzman top plates made to fit your camera, about $100 to $200. Typically these will be for dual rail flat bed view cameras. The top plate will replace the original and will be the width of the rail and long enough to fully support the main rail section and the joint between the main rail section and front and rear extension rails and partially support any extension rails. See photo below of custom top plate for another tripod.
Custom tripod for 7X17, 11X14 or 12X20 F&S or any other similar folding rail wood cameras. The holes for the camera screw are optimized for the F&S cameras; holes may be added for other cameras. Surveyor's tripod Aluminum legs. 12X13X.25" Aluminum top plate supports the whole width of most flat bed view cameras and the joints between rail sections to provide superior support. 3/8-16TPI camera screw with large easy to handle wingnut for locking down the camera solidly. Removable canvas and Nylon shelf doubles as leg spreader. No tilts. Variable leg extension levels the camera. Rubber tipped feet screw in to reveal spikes. Mounting the legs at the edges of the tripod top provides far superior stability. Illustrated with a 12X20 F&S camera with 44" extension that I built and sold. About 14#. $400.
SINAR FOBA ALFAO field tripod, universal aluminum 3 section tubular leg tripod, height extended, 165cm, height closed, 80cm, weight 4.4 KG, lowest possible position of the flat top plate is 12cm above the floor. Also with Foba ALFEO crank operated elevating column for use with ALFAO or as sidearm with any tripod. The ALFEO adds an additiona 30cm of height capability. Legs may be infinitely extended with Combitubes. Mint, $800. The current version of this tripod is different than this one. One decided disadvantage of the current version of the crank up column is that the camera attacment screw is fixed on the top plate of the column. That means that you screw down the camera or tripod head onto the top plate, marring both in the process and giving you no control where it ends up. The version that I am offering has a spring loaded camera mounting screw that goes all the way through the column to the locking knob at the bottom of the column; this allows you to position the camera or the tripod head in any position. And because you will place the camera or the tripod head where you want it and then lock it down by turning the camera attachment screw, you will not be marring either the column top plate or the bottom of your camera or tripod head. The 2 whitish feet on this tripod are black rubber still coated with the talcum powder used as a mold release. I will clean the talcum powder off of the feet and provide new photos as time allows.
SINAR FOBA ALFAO field tripod, universal aluminum 3 section tubular leg tripod, height extended, 165cm, height closed, 80cm, weight 4.4 KG, lowest possible position of the flat top plate is 12cm above the floor. Also with Foba ALFEO crank operated elevating column for use with ALFAO or as sidearm with any tripod. The ALFEO adds an additiona 30cm of height capability. Legs may be infinitely extended with Combitubes. Mint, $800. The current version of this tripod is different than this one. One decided disadvantage of the current version of the crank up column is that the camera attacment screw is fixed on the top plate of the column. That means that you screw down the camera or tripod head onto the top plate, marring both in the process and giving you no control where it ends up. The version that I am offering has a spring loaded camera mounting screw that goes all the way through the column to the locking knob at the bottom of the column; this allows you to position the camera or the tripod head in any position. And because you will place the camera or the tripod head where you want it and then lock it down by turning the camera attachment screw, you will not be marring either the column top plate or the bottom of your camera or tripod head. The 2 whitish feet on this tripod are black rubber still coated with the talcum powder used as a mold release. I will clean the talcum powder off of the feet and provide new photos as time allows.
SINAR FOBA ALFAE field tripod, universal aluminum 3 section tubular leg tripod, height extended, 165cm, height closed, 80cm, weight 4.4 KG, lowest possible position of the flat top plate is 12cm above the floor. Also with Foba ALFEA crank operated elevating column for use with ALFAE or as sidearm with any tripod. Legs may be infinitely extended with Combitubes. Mint-, $800. This is the current version of this tripod. Both this tripod and the above tripod have rubber tipped feet that may be removed to reveal spikes. The ALFAE tripod top is designed to clamp onto 85mm diameter heads or top plates, just as are the larger Gitzo tripods. The Gitzo leveling head listed below will fit this tripod.
SINAR FOBA ASNOO studio tripod, w/extension legs, controlled individually or simultaneously. Ideal for use with 8X10 view cameras. Length collapsed, 36", height fully extended, 56". Legs may be infinitely extended with Combitubes, Ex+, $550 The triangular bracing on the legs may be varied in length and the legs may be set at different angles.
SINAR FOBA ASMIA pan and double tilt head, suitable for use with any 8X10 (current product #310118), original "comsumable" latex(?) top and bottom plates replaced with very tough fiber. 3/8-16 threads top and bottom. Post near edge of top plate locates and aligns Sinar rail clamps and may have to be removed for use with other cameras--although a better solution would be to drill a complementary hole in the bottom of your camera rail clamp, Ex+, $450
SINAR P CAMERA SCREW, like the one that comes with the P pan/tilt head. 3/8-16TPI and 1/4-20TPI reversible camera screw. May be used on some other tripod heads. New, $25 each.
SINAR and GLENNVIEW 3/8 to 1/4" SOCKET ADAPTORS. Because it screws down from the top of the Sinar rail clamp, the rail clamp is sandwiched between the adaptor and the tripod--providing much greater holding power than the cheap ones that screw in from the bottom. This is the only such socket adapter that I would trust to hold my Sinar. The 1st 3 images show one made by Sinar; I have one available for $30. I manufacture ones that I like better. This GLENNVIEW product utilizes an Allen wrench instead of a screw driver to install it. It is easier to install because it will not fall off of the Allen wrench while you are installing it, made of hardened steel, $30.
GLENNVIEW made 18" mounting plate for use with 2X rail clamps: This mounting plate is optimized for use with Sinar gear. There are slots along the mounting plate that allow you to move your rail clamps between 9 and 12" on center. There are small slots on the bottom side of the mounting plate that engage the Sinar tripod head locating pins--keeping your camera aligned and preventing it from turning on the tripod head. $250. These 2X mounting plates have now been black anodized. When I get around to it I will make some hand screws for convenient mounting of the rail clamps to the 2X mounting plate. That will add to the cost.
Sinar 19.5" long 2Xmounting plate for use with 2X rail clamps: Similar to the above. $350
Lumpp German double tilt/pan head, similar to Foba, Mint-, about 3" O.D. top and bottom plates, $350 I've been using it a lot since I got it because it has the movements I need and because it is most convenient when combined with the quick release below.
Lumpp quick release tripod mounting system, w/4 inserts, 2 with 3/8-16 threads, 2 with 1/4-20 threads, attaches to tripod with 3/8" screw, Mint-, $155 or $125 with the Lumpp head.
Professional Cine Tripod, 48" closed, 70" fully extended, spike leg tips, extendable crutch like legs, designed for use with a heavy movie camera, 8.25#, Ex+, $250 w/o head or $400 with the QuickSet head listed below. The tripod came in with a Miller fluid head which has been sold. The QuickSet head came in separately and fits the tripod perfectly, so the mount is some sort of a cine standard--a Mitchell mount I believe. If you are interested in the tripod by itself and you want to use it with a still camera and/or you want a flat top plate, I have a Mitchell to flat top plate adapter available--listed below along with Oconnor tripods and equipment.
QuickSet pan/tilt Cine Fluid head, , bubble level, pan, tilt, 1/4-20TPI" spring loaded camera mouting screw with lever lock for easy camera mounting, w/o handle, 2.5X5.25" head top plate, 7.25#, Ex, $250 or $400 with the Tripod listed above. This is a very smooth operating fluid head with a wide useful range of fluid resistance adjustment and with positive locks as well. See images above.
Mitchell to flat top plate adapter. Black anodized aluminum. With tie down and 3/8-16TPI camera screw for use with the above listed tripod, $150.
Thomas Viscodyne Fluid Pan/tilt head. Separate controls for the pan and tilt. Padded top plate 2.5X4.5". 1/4-20TPI camera screw. 3/8-16TPI threaded hole in base with set screw off to the side to lock it down onto your tripod. Very smooth fluid movements suitable for use with video, movie or still camera. Weighs 3# 6 oz. There are 3 threaded holes around the perimeter of the 3" diameter base that would accept legs directly. There is a hole with locking screw for a handle about 5-5.5" in diameter. I use this for a still camera because I like being able to adjust the camera w/o having to unlock something and then relock it. Quality fluid heads of a reasonable weight and price are hard to come by. w/o handle, Ex, $85. Appreciating the head as I do, I invested in a 2nd one in cleaner condition, with handle, Ex+, $150
Kodak Friction Pan/tilt head. Separate controls for the pan and tilt. 1.75" diameter top plate with knurled perimeter on the face of the top plate. 1/4-20TPI camera screw. 1/4-20TPI threaded hole in base with knurled perimeter on the face of the bottom plate lock it down onto your tripod. Smooth friction controlled movements suitable for use with medium weight movie or still camera. Weighs 10 oz. 2.75" high, by 1.875 by 3". There is a 1/4-20TPI threaded hole for a handle about 5-5.5" in diameter. Ex+, $50. Tested: will support a 6# camera.
Berlebach Report 2042 tripod. From the manufacturer: "Mounting head with ball, built-in spirit level, and centre column. The ball has a diameter of 55 mm and can be tilted 30 degrees in all directions. The reversible centre column has a diameter of 25 mm. Weight: 3,20 kg = 7,05 lb. Transportation length: 81 cm = 32 inch. Minimum height: 52 cm = 20 inch. Maximum height: 164 cm = 65 inch. Load capacity: 12,00 kg = 26,46 lb. Vibration damping: very good." And from me: 3/8-16TPI tripod screw. 3 screws underneath the 70mm or 2.75" diameter top plate may be used to lock your head down. Spiked leg ends with screw out rubber tips. Wide spread legs may be programmed to stop at 30 or 42 degrees. Great tripod for the weight and cost. This tripod will be double boxed. The inner box will be a Kodak roll paper box, which is perfect for storage. $250
These photos show the bottom of an 8X20" GLENNVIEW camera. The squirrelly lines around the tripod socket are from my fishing for the socket while trying to mount the camera--before I added the head guide ring shown. You can get tired of that with a heavy large format camera. So I added the head guide ring that is designed to make it easy to mount the camera on a tripod. The inside of the ring is slightly larger than the diameter of the tripod head and has a slight taper. Now, w/o looking it is easy to mount the camera on the tripod. The head slips right into the ring and is automatically centered; you may then tighten the camera down on the head with relative ease. I got this idea from using the Dietzgen tripod listed below. The large 3.5" diameter screw threads on the Dietzgen make it easy to mount the camera, but not as easy as this design that I came up with. I use a Bolex tripod with the 8X20" GLENNVIEW. This head guide ring would work even better with the Berlebach tripod and because the Berlebach tripod is definitely designed for large format, I highly recommend that you puchase a complementary ring with screws to mount to the bottom of your camera. I can supply either wood screws or machine screws. The head guide ring with screws is $125. I can supply a head guide ring for a Bolex tripod, a Berlebach tripod, a Gitzo tripod, virtually any tripod with a round head, and even for tripods with other than round heads. Cost will vary.
GLENNVIEW top plate for use on late Majestic tripods or any 1.5" diameter shaft. With your choice of 1/4-20TPI or 3/8-16TPI camera mounting screw. A GLENNVIEW product, available nowhere else. Majestic did not make anything like this. Made of black anodized aluminum with a black Formica top cover that wears better than aluminum and will not scratch your camera. 3 set screws clamp onto the shaft of your majestic column or 1.5" diameter shaft. Formica is a fibrous base with a hard plastic surface designed for kitchen counter tops. Majestic makes good heads, but the selection of heads is limited. You might like a ball head or a gimbal head. This GLENNVIEW head will allow you to use virtually any head on your Majestic. Your Majestic tripod remains unaltered. $175. Note: I sold the last one of the last batch of these that I made. The item needs to be machined and sent to and received from the anodizer. Delivery will take a week or two if all goes as planned.
Majestic head, 6X7" platform with linear hole that runs the length of the platform with your choice of 1/4-20TPI or 3/8-16TPI camera mounting screw, designed to slip over a 1.5" column, $110. I can supply a spacer that will allow you to use this head on a Majestic tripod with a 1.375" diameter column for $20 with head. Illustrated in the 2nd image with the plug adapter listed below--that has now been black anodized and is available separately for $50.
Majestic head, 3X4" platform with linear hole that runs the length of the platform with your choice of 1/4-20TPI or 3/8-16TPI camera mounting screw, designed to slip over a 1.5" column, $110. I can supply a spacer that will allow you to use this head on a Majestic tripod with a 1.375" diameter column for $20 with head. This smaller top plate is an ideal candidate for use with Sinar cameras. For $50 I will manufacture and install 2 custom screws that will engage slots in the bottom of your Sinar rail clamp to keep the Sinar camera axis aligned with the forward/backward tilt axis and make installation easier. This is a less expensive option to the custom-for-Sinar top plate I manufacture. The one I manufacture is better because the camera screw is captured in the center of the head, whereas this head allows the camera screw to slide along its length.
Custom plug-adapter that goes into the bottom of any Majestic head that is designed to slip over a 1.5" diameter shaft that allows you to mount the head onto any tripod with a 3/8-16TPI head mounting screw (essentially this makes your older head equivalent to a Majestic model 1200 head. $50. Illustrated with the above head.
Custom T-adapter to mate with most any tripod. The T-adapter converts a tripod head designed to clamp around a Majestic column to a head that will mount on most any ordinary tripod. A GLENNVIEW product. Specify 1/4-20TPI or 3/8-16TPI threads for the bottom of the T-adapter, $70. This can be custom made for your needs. For instance, the bottom plate could be made custom to fit your tripod directly. This T-adapter has been sold, but I can manufacture more upon demand. I do have in stock a similar product made by someone else listed above.
I manufacture custom top plates to fit Majestic heads. The one illustrated is for Sinar cameras, made of black anodized Aluminum, a GLENNVIEW product, Mint-, $125. The 2 silver locating pins locate and align the rail clamp so it is easy to install the rail clamp and the camera is aligned with the geared tilting movement and the rail clamp will not turn on you. I can also manufacture oversize top plates for large flat bed view cameras. Majestic heads are very good large format heads because of their robust construction and the geared tilt. Note: the Sinar top plate has been sold, but I can manufacture more upon demand.
This Majestic head adapted to a custom top plate for a Zone VI tripod was done for a cutomer and is just an example of the custom work I am willing to do for you.
LARGE FORMAT TRIPOD DOLLY. Convenient operation; foot pedal lock and release system. Works with many tripods. Sufficient for use with an 11X14 camera and appropriate tripod. Illustrated with a Majestic 4000 tripod. Bogen 3056 Auto Dolly; it goes by another name as well because Bogen changed their product names. NEW-IN-BOX. $150
QUICKSET LARGE FORMAT TRIPOD DOLLY. Basic and convenient. Set your tripod legs into the holes in the legs. Lift it up and it folds. 4" diameter swiveling and locking rubber wheels. Works with many tripods. Sufficient for use with an 11X14 camera and appropriate tripod. Illustrated with a Gitzo 500 series tripod. Faster operating than the above Bogen dolly, but it does not lock down as solidly. Basicaly, it relies upon gravity and inertia to keep your camera stable; good enough if you use a cable release and do not lean on your camera. Model 4-76010-4. $60
Davis & Sanford (probably) 18" extension column, column diameter is 1.75" and is designed to fit over column of same diameter, Ex+, $30
Gitzo tripods are very well made; just buy the right one for your needs. It is difficult to know which Gitzo tripod you have. I have done my best to label these correctly. To insure accuracy in specifications, I have weighed and measured each tripod. Extended heights are in operating position with legs spread normally. Gitzo tripods are underrated; they will hold heavier cameras than listed. I have listed tripods and accessories separately so that you may choose among the combinations.
Gitzo G1548 Mark II carbon fiber tripod. Gitzo's heaviest duty carbon fiber tripod. Weighs 6# 7oz. Wide spread legs. 23" folded, 59" fully extended. Without top plate or head. Top plates listed below fit this tripod. Some Foba crank up columns and top plates fit this tripod, but none are available separately at this time. In the 3rd image you see this tripod with the Gitzo leveling head which has been sold; this is my favorite combination. This tripod is also available with a Saltzman head--listed above under Saltzman tripods. Great for field use with a 400mm or longer lens. $600.
Gitzo GT5541LS Series 5 Long 6X Carbon Fiber 4-Section Systematic Tripod Legs with top plate. Gitzo replaced the G1548 with this tripod. This tripod has several advantages. The quicker acting G-lock leg locks are the most important advantage; I quarter turn locks/unlocks the legs. The interchangable feet are another important advantage. There is a hook on the bottom of the top plate for hanging a stabilizing weight. It is slightly lighter weight. Weighs 6# 7oz with the top plate. Wide spread legs. 23" folded, 59" fully extended. Some Foba crank up columns and top plates fit this tripod, but none are available separately at this time. Like the above tripod, this tripod is also available with a Saltzman head--listed above under Saltzman tripods. Great for field use with a 400mm or longer lens. I bought this tripod for my own use, but it is too clean for me to use as long as I have the above Gitzo! With cloth bag and box. I prefer this and the above tripod to the newer version GT5542LS because they costs less and do not require that you buy new heads, columns, etc. $800.
Gitzo 4" half ball. 3/8-16TPI camera screw. 3 screws in the top plate allow you to lock down your tripod head. $90 by itself or $75 with a tripod. Also see it illustrated with a Vinten 2-stage tripod below.
Gitzo Tripod #400 series Super Studex, 27" folded, 5' 3" high fully extended, the bubble in the built-in bubble level is large--still functional, 7#, Ex+, $300 Without top plate or head. The leveling head illustrated above fits this tripod. This tripod is also available with a Saltzman head--listed above under Saltzman tripods.
This Gitzo top plate is the lightest weight, most stable and most compact head available for your Gitzo. Oftentimes photographers will use this top plate in conjunction with a head that only needs a 3/8" stud to attach it to your tripod--such as the Wimberly gimbal head or a some Majestic geared heads. In order to use the SINAR FOBA ALFEA crank operated elevating column as a sidearm on your Gitzo, you will need a top plate such as this one. The short cylindrical collar just beneath the top of this plate is 85mm in diameter; this is what your tripod clamps onto. Fits 400 and 500 series tripods and the G1548 carbon fiber tripod listed above. Also fits Foba ALFAE tripods. Mint, $50.
Gitzo clamp, 85mm inside diameter. This is required, in addition to the above top plate, to use your Gitzo 400 or 500 series column as a side arm. Remove the column from the tripod, install the top plate onto the top of the tripod, mount this clamp onto the top plate, insert your column into the clamp. 3/8-16TPI threaded hole in base. You can also mount this on a tripod and mount the above plate in this clamp--providing you with a solidly mounted top plate in the vertical plane. This is also an alternative method to use the Foba ALFEA crank up column as a sidearm. Mint-, $80.
This Gitzo top plate is like the above the top plate, but for smaller Gitzo tripods. The short cylindrical collar just beneath the top of this plate is 70mm in diameter; this is what your tripod clamps onto. Gitzo product #GI349. It will fit the Gitzo 1346 tripod, among others. Mint, $40.
This Gitzo G1275M panoramic ball head. 1/4-20TPI camera screw. 3/8-16TPI socket in base. Top plate is 2 X 2 3/4", base is 2 3/8" diameter. Great medium duty head. Will handle a 4X5 field camera on down. In the last image you see a Stroboframe 300-QRC quick release plate and receiver mounted atop the Gitzo head. This quick release system is available separately and is listed below near the bottom of this page. Gitzo G1275M head, $100.
Bolex tripods are a favorite of mine. Made in Switzerland decades ago, they are very high quality. They have not been made for a long time, so it is important that you find a Bolex in good condition.
Bolex tripod with adjustable height center column, leveling head, stop blocks and live rubber feet. Reversible 1/4-20TPI and 3/8-16TPI camera screws. Quick action lever lock leg clamps. 33" collapsed, 67" maximum height, weighs 8# 10 oz.--and worth every ounce. Fully functional. D-ring added to one leg for a carrying strap. $400.
Bolex tripod with adjustable height center column, leveling head, stop blocks and live rubber feet. Reversible 1/4-20TPI and 3/8-16TPI camera screws. Quick action lever lock leg clamps. 33" collapsed, 67" maximum height, weighs 8# 10 oz.--and worth every ounce. Fully functional. Like the above, but with the addition of a carrying strap and Velcro leg wrap. Metal parts extremely clean, but the rubber feet, although still live, are cracked. $430.
The cleanest Bolex tripod you are likely to find, in original box, with leveling head, convertible spiked and rubber tipped feet, removable stop blocks and live rubber feet. Reversible 1/4-20TPI and 3/8-16TPI camera screws. Quick action lever lock leg clamps. 33" collapsed, 55" maximum height, weighs 7#. Remove the stop blocks to spread the legs wide. Live rubber feet with still sharp spikes indicate that this tripod was little used. The lack of a center column provides you with more stability and less weight. $500.
Bolex field tripod optimized for use with a Wimberley II head. Leveling head. Reversible 1/4-20TPI and 3/8-16TPI camera screws. Fixed length legs. About 54" working height, 59" collapsed. You do not have time when photographing fauna to set up a folded tripod. You need to be ready to shoot ASAP. Fixed length legs are sturdier than legs with joints. The parachute cord allows variable leg spread and therefore variable height. I have shot with this tripod on steep slopes, while still maintaining level. The hardened masonry nails in the leg ends are long to get through the leaf litter, etc. Those spikes are securely set into both the legs and the black anodized aluminum leg ends, which are epoxied onto the hardwood legs. Those spikes will provide serious protection if needed. Camoflage tape is wrapped around the leg ends to keep them quiet and in place when collapsed. A Velcro leg wrap may be used on the leg ends or the leg middle. I prefer the Velcro at the leg middle because I can reach it faster. Weighs 7#. This is a very sturdy Bolex. It hangs level. A lot of effort went into the conversion. Camoflage painted. $700.
Bolex tripod lower legs. The top caps get replaced after the legs are installed. The rubber tips were removed to reveal longer spikes for field use. $80.
Bolex leveling head, about 15 degree tilt in any direction, handle extends below tripod, handle locks tilt, reversible 1/4-20TPI or 3/8-16 TPI camera screw, $150. Designed to work with some Bolex tripods, may also work with Shianski tripods as Shianski made these particular Bolex tripods. Above see photos of tripod that shows how this head is attached and functions. Diameter of head base that slips down into tripod top casting is 50mm
Bolex pan/tilt head. Adjustable position hollow handle accepts cable release through it, quick release built-in with Q-R camera plate with 3/8-16TPI camera screw, 3/8-16 TPI socket in base to mate with tripod, pan base marked in 15 degree increments, base 90mm diameter, built-in bubble level, 4.5" tall, weighs less than 2.5#. Top plate is 2.25X3.25" in size. Illustrated on a Bolex tripod with column and leveling head, which are not included. This is the cleanest Bolex pan/tilt head I have and the cleanest I have ever seen. You probably will not be able to find a Bolex head as clean as this one. $175.
Bolex pan/tilt head. Identical features to the above head and almost as clean as the above head, with the most notable exception being the paint chip on the front that is clearly visible in the photo. $150.
Bolex pan/tilt head. Identical features to the above heads, but without the handle. Not as clean as the above heads, notably the missing paint on the front face and on the tilt scale. $110.
Bolex camera mounting plates and screws. I have 3 different 3/8-16TPI camera screws and plates available. See photo for differences. You may have your choice with the above heads. If you need a mounting plate with a 1/4-20TPI camera screw, you may find one on the used market elsewhere or I can make one for you if necessary. A customer needed one with the camera screw offset 3/16". That one is seen in the 2nd photo on a different configuration Bolex head that has been sold; it is made out of hardened steel with a separate screw. The screw is over long in this view. Before I cut it to length I asked the customer the ideal length for his needs. I understand the needs of the photographer and I aim to please. I can make custom phtotographic equipment for you; of course, you may expect to pay a custom price. The B&W photos show that custom mounting plate in use on my customer's beautiful Kodak Cine Special II camera. The offset camera screw allowed the camera to be mounted onto the Bolex head such that the camera controls and the magazine could be operated as intended without conflict with the tripod head. Purchased separately from the tripod head, these Bolex camera mounting plates and screws are $75 each, your choice.
The OCONNOR STORY: An engineer and amateur photographer was photographing with his self-built tripod. Walt Disney saw him and ask him to build tripods for him. Now that is a recommendation!
OCONNOR METAL TRIPOD with SPREADER and LEVELING HEAD. 3/4-16TPI stud on head will accept virtually any head you wish to put on it, although you may not need another head with the built-in leveling head. Maximum 56.5" working height. Minimum 26.5" working height. 37" folded length. Weighs 14# 6 ounces. Look at the cross section of the leg. Built to be as light as possible and still hold a heavy camera. Newly cleaned, lubed and adjusted. This has been my personal "really long lens" tripod for some years. This model Oconnor is more solid than any commercially made tripod I have worked with, but I wanted to raise the performance level to the ultimate, so I added some extras to it because absolute stability is required to obtain the best results with really long lenses. The center wood triangle creates a "tensegrity" structure. Tensegrity is one of many words created by Buckminster Fuller and refers to the integrity of structures in balanced synergy between tension and compression. The wood triangle pushes out slightly on the tetrahedron formed by the tripod and lower spreader, creating the tensegrity to make the whole RIGID. The triangular support under the camera eliminates virtually all flexure found in any long lens mounted only at one point + it takes up what play there is in the camera and lens joint + it takes up the play that may exist in whatever other head you are using on top of the leveling head + it eliminates movement of the camera due to mirror slap. Virtually all such Oconnor tripods were sold for professional use and are almost always very well used. This Oconnor was not much used, and has been rebuilt by me for my own use. It has metal shoes where most have plastic shoes. The shoes are the parts between the leg bottoms that the spikes screw into. This tripod without the tensegrity accessories has been sold, so the triangular wood tensegrity accessories are available for $200. The lens and the gimbal head are not included, but both are available separately. The gimbal head will be listed when I find the time. The 500mm F4 Nikkor G VR lens is listed on my 35mm and Digital Camera equipment web page.
OCONNOR WOOD TRIPOD. Similar to the metal tripod illustrated above. Standard Oconnor--about a 4.5" bowl. 58" working height as illustrated--which is near the maximum height. Collapsed length, 40". With removable floor spreader. Weighs 11#. $300. Note: One spike in each leg end. The leg ends have threaded inserts to accept a 2nd spike. This particular tripod has been sold, but I have another very similar tripod available for the same price.
5/16-18TPI SPIKES to fit most Oconnor tripods. Set of 3. $75
Oconnor Rubbers with 5/16-18TPI threaded holes to fit most Oconnor tripods. Only 2 available. $20 each or 2 for $30.
Oconnor leg guides to some Oconnor metal tripods. Set of 3. $20 each or 3 for $45
Adapter to convert Mitchell top plate on Oconnor leveling head for use with still cameras. The metal Oconnor listed above came with a leveling head for use with Mitchell heads. I needed a flat top plate with a 3/8-16TPI camera screw. I replaced the original camera screw and added a black anodized Aluminum top plate. I have since sold the tripod with the original setup, so the adapter parts are available. What you get is seen in the last image--the custom camera screw, the top plate and a threaded retaining washer. The custom camera screw replaces the original camera screw that came with your Oconnor Mitchell head. $150. The flat top plate will fit other Mitchell heads such as the one listed above with the Miller Professional Cine Tripod.
OCONNOR SUPER CLAWBALL tripod. Short and stout with a huge bowl and an Oconnor case. The diameter on this bowl and a complementary half ball is about 8". $400. Wanted: a half ball with tie down to fit this tripod. Oconnor tripods are some of the sturdiest and best engineered tripods in the business. This one is especially sturdy because it is short and stout like a bulldog.
Another highly respected tripod manufacturer. Well designed, sturdy tripods with leveling heads.
Peter Lisand JR-A-74 tripod. 4" bowl mount. Mid-level spreader. Spike tipped legs. Case. This is an extraordinarily sturdy tripod. 41" collapsed. Minimum height, 33". Maximum height, 58". Weighs 12#. $450. The convex half of the leveling head and the tie down from the Ultra T tripod are available with this tripod for $100.
Peter Lisand Ultra T tripod. 4" bowl mount with leveling plate. Adjustable mid-level spreader. Spike tipped legs. Fluid head with sliding top plate, quick release, adjustable tension pan and tilt, bubble level. 43" collapsed. Minimum height, 36". Maximum height, 61". Weighs under 17#. The head has a plate on it that says "Ultra T"; that may only describe the head. The legs are also by Peter Lisand. This tripod and head show considerable use, but are functional. The tripod itself is fine. The head tilt works well. The head pan does not lock down completely and the drag, although well adjusted for most purposes, is no longer adjustable. I made 3 camera plates (1 of Aluminum, 2 of maple) to mate with the quick release head. I left them blank so they can be custom fit to your equipment. I will be glad to custom fit the top plates to your equipment for a fee. Tripod complete with fluid head, 3 blank camera plates and spreader, $400. Tripod with spreader and leveling head, $300. Tripod only without leveling head, $200. Fluid head complete with leveling head, sliding quick release mount and 3 blank top plates, $200. Fluid head with sliding quick release mount and 3 blank top plates, without leveling head, $150. Sliding quick release mount with 3 blank camera plates, $125.
Angeles tripod head, 3.625" diameter top and bottom plates, 2.25" high, one way tilt only, 1/4-20TPI camera screw and hole in base of head, suitable for 4X5 and smaller, Ex, $20, or $45 with ratcheting type lever handle (in stock) instead of the wingnut.
Manfrotto/Bogen 3030 tripod head, 2-way tilt, pan, 3/8-16 TPI threaded hole in base, quick release camera plate with1/4-20TPI camera screw, huge rubber handles allow you to tighten down movements easily, Mint, $40. Note that the camera plate is the same as with the Bogen 3229 head.
Bogen 3025 tripod head, 2-way tilt, pan, 3/8-16 TPI threaded hole in base, 1/4-20TPI camera screw, Mint, $20.
Bogen Carbon One 3443 carbon fiber tripod. Center column may be removed and installed horizontally. Rubber tipped leg ends. 3/8-16TPI camera screw. Wide spread legs. 3 set screws come up through the top plate to engage and lock down the head if you choose. Bubble level. Wrist strap. Tripod weighs 3.5#. Tripod is 24.5" collapsed, 50.5" at full height, 66" with column extended. Lever locking legs are fast operating and are one of the best features of the tripod. $275.
Bogen Carbon One 442 carbon fiber tripod. The lever locks make setting up the tripod easy. The leveling head is an integral part of the tripod which keeps the weight down and the stability up. No column means greater stability. The tripod has wide spread legs with 2 fixed angles. The maximum working height of the tripod is 51" or 57" with the GLENNVIEW gimbal head. This CARBON FIBER tripod weighs 4 3/4#. The tripod is 25" collapsed. I added the Bogen reversible spike tip and screw out rubber tipped feet. The tripod is available by itself for $350. I used this tripod with other components in my lightweight WILDLIFE PHOTO OUTFIT. The lens has been sold. The gimbal head is listed just below. A leveling head works especially well with a gimbal head. Set up the tripod, level the head and you may pan and tilt all you want using the gimbal head and remain level. The Kirk collar and foot is listed separately on my 35mm and Digital Camera equipment web page, where you will find more photos. All 3 three items are available as a package for $700. Prefer a different tripod? I am amenable to that. The image of the green heron was made with this outfit.
GLENNVIEW gimbal head. I built this small and lightweight gimbal head for use with a Nikkor 300mm F4 AFS lens. I love it. I suspect that it is only the 1st in a series of gimbal heads I will design and build. Its simplicity is what makes it work so well and weigh so little. The design is based upon the particular qualities of friction from the very slick UHMW, a plastic designed as a bearing material and the strength and rigidity of the black anodized aluminum. All major parts are bearings. It works very smoothly with adjustable friction settings on pan and tilt. It may be balanced with a teleconverter on the lens as well. 3/8-16 TPI threaded hole in steel insert in base, Arca-Swiss style quick release clamp. Bubble level in the center of the base. The head weighs 1# 1 ounce. $300. This head is available in a discounted package; see above tripod listing for details.
Feisol Carbon Fiber Ballhead CB-50. With camera mounting plate. Accepts Arca Swiss size dovetail mounting plates too. A near perfect match for the Bogen Carbon fiber tripod listed above. I use the Bogen with this head with a Nikon D200 with a 300mm F4 lens with 1.4X tele-extender; it is plenty sufficient for that and makes for a very light weight and portable outfit. The manufacturer claims it will hold something like 15 kilograms. I like the safety catch. You may release the lock, but you must also release the spring-loaded safety catch to remove the camera plate. The camera plate has a textured rubber surface that grips the camera gently but securely. $200. Note that the Feisol camera plate is not illustrated in these photos because the lens has a built-in Arca Swiss compatible mounting plate.
Bogen 1500 motorized panoramic head, ball head, tripod with all quick release locking levers, including 3 leg sections and center column, 1/4-20 TPI camera screw, uses 1 AA battery, case for all, $130. Camera screw is removable. Camera screw is held in with 2 chrome set screws. Camera may be replaced in any of 4 positions--at 90 degrees to one another. This would allow for smooth pans with a video camera or a 35mm camera with video clip mode. Of course it could also be used with a still camera in single image mode for unusual blurred pans or other creative uses. Press the red button to go in a clockwise direction. Press the white button to go in an anti-clockwise direction. Motorized pan head only, $80. Tripod with ball head, $70.
Monopod, mostly metal, opens very quickly by pulling out and turning to lock, Colapsing it is equally as quick, 19" collapsed, 59" fully extended, intermediate lengths possible, 2" diameter metal top plate with 1/4-20TPI camera threads and lock screw. Swiveling tilting rubber foot. Weighs 1.25#. Doubles as protection. $25.
Vinten carbon fiber tripod with Sachtler DVII leveling head. A great light weight tripod with a great fluid head. This is a great combination. The Vinten tripod is equal to but less expensive than the Sachtler. The Sachtler head is probably the best available for Digital Video work. With the sliding top plate it is easy to balance your camera. Tension may be dialed in or out for both pan and tilt. There is a convenient quick relase lever with a secondary safety lock for the included camera plate with both 1/4-20TPI and 3/8-16TPI camera screws. By using both camera screws as I do on the 15# telephoto lens and camera you see below, the lens does not turn and loosen. The fluid head is great for composing the image with a very long lens. Note the poor man's mid level spreader that I made out of Nylon cord and a ring; it keeps the legs in relatively good alignment, weighs next to nothing, cost next to nothing, and is fast to set up. It is very sturdy for its weight. Tripod and head weigh less than 10#. 39" collapsed. 37" minimum height with the spreader in place, less without. 61" fully extended. 3" bowl mount. Dual spike tipped legs. Single stage. This Vinten tripod was chosen for use with this Sachtler DV 2 II head because it is sturdier than the Sachtler ENG 75/2 D tripod usually offered with this head. The dual lower leg is sturdier than a single lower leg. I did not use the factory made spreader with this tripod because the Nylon string I added works much more quickly and quietly for bird photography. $1600
Vinten carbon fiber 2 stage tripod with mid level spreader and 100mm or 4" bowl. A great light weight tripod. The tripod with spreader weighs 7 1/3#. In the 1st image the legs and spreader are fully extended; the working height of the tripod in this position is 56". In the 2nd image the legs are fully extended, but the spreader is minimally extended; the working height of the tripod in this position is 60.5". Remember that your head will add height to this tripod. 3 new brake shoes were installed on this tripod. The tripod is 27" long collapsed. You get a lot of rigidity for the weight and working height of this tripod. I use a similar Vinten tripod with fluid head; I highly recommend it. Dual spike tipped legs. Double stage. $1000. If you need a head for this tripod see below. The 8th image is with a Gitzo 4" half ball mounted in the Vinten 4" bowl; it is a perfect fit. The Gitzo half ball is available for $75 with the tripod.
Vinten Pro 130 fluid head. 3" bowl. Note the large and small arrows on the pan and tilt adjusters; you may increase or decrease the fluid resistance. Neither the pan or the tilt lock down 100%; new brake shoes will be needed if you want to lock it down 100%. I do not use my fluid head fully locked down; it is neither necessary nor desirable with the correct fluid resistance. I do not have a camera plate for this head. $150. If you want to use this head on the above tripod, you will need a 4" to 3" bowl adapter, which I can supply for $30. With this head on the above tripod the maximum working height is increased by 4.5". This head weighs 4.5#. The 2nd image is the Pro 130 head mounted in the above Vinten tripod with the 4" to 3" bowl adapter. The 3rd image is the 4" to 3" bowl adapter. The 4th image is the 4" to 3" bowl adapter mounted in the Vinten bowl. The bowl allows you to level the head using the bubble level. You may then tilt and pan to your heart's content while maintaining a level horizon.
Grafic pan/tilt head for any camera, 4" high, 3.5" diameter textured rubber covered base with 1/4-20TPI threaded hole, 2.75" diameter non maring plastic top plate with 1/4-20TPI camera screw, 9" long locking handle controls pan/tilt simultaneously--and it is to the best of my knowledge the only head to do so, Ex, $70. Would make a great video head or still photo head. I like the single handle control. The pan and tilt movements are very smooth. And a 2nd one, with a 7" long handle and a 2.125" square top plate, Ex, $80. Tested: will support a 9# camera.
Toledo Cine Engineering tripod head or lab jack, very high quality, smooth operation, has simple geared rise, self braking, no locking mechanism necessary, Ex+, $80. This would work well for correcting parallax.
Manufacturer unknown quick release system, complete, including the base clamp with 1/4-20TPI threaded hole to mount onto your tripod and the camera plate with 1/4-20TPI camera screw, came in with Graflex XL 6X9cm camera, but probably is not an XL product, suitable for 6X9cm and smaller cameras, Ex+, $40
WIMBERLEY I gimbal head. The Wimberley gimbal head is the standard of the industry. It is without a doubt the best of the commercially made gimbal heads. Separate friction locks for pan and tilt may be adjusted to turn virtually without friction, or to allow variable degrees of drag or to lock solidly. Designed specifically for very long lenses. You may balance your long lenses with the adjustable height camera mount. One of the least known, but best features of this gimbal head is its ability to shoot at very high angles. Those of us with plenty of experience with long lenses know that a stable and convenient gimbal head is as important as the long lens you use. Everything is Mint. $425 without a quick release clamp. $525 with a Wimberley C-30 4.25" long quick release clamp. $500 with a Wimberley C-10 2.5" long quick release clamp. There are safety grooves in the quick relase clamps that accommodate safety screws available in many quick release lens plates that prevent your lens from slipping out of the clamp even if you forget to fully tighten the clamp. Consider such a head as an insurance policy for your expensive lens; definitely an excellent investment. The best reason for buying the Wimberley head, however, it the convenient way it works. The 500mm lens illustrated with the Wimberley head is not included.
TEFLON SLIP WASHERS for WIMBERLEY I gimbal head. Teflon is more slippery than whatever Wimberley used initially. With the Teflon washers installed, I actually prefer this model I to the model II. Installed in your head, $100.
ORIGINAL WIMBERLEY I SLIP WASHERS. Used, you install. $30.
SPOTTING SCOPE to fit the WIMBERLEY II. The scope tilts along with the lens. You still have your hot shoe available for your strobe. Mounted on a black anodized aluminum dovetailed L-bracket that fits on the vertical dovetail on the WIMBERLEY II. Rubber cover for the lens. The dovetail is a standard Arca Swiss dovetail and will fit camera L-brackets and other Arca Swiss dovetail products. This is a unique item, designed and manufactured by GLENNVIEW and available nowhere else. It can be challenging finding the subject while looking through long lenses that offer only a few degrees angle of view. This spotting scope has no magnification; no magnification and the open design make it easy to locate the subject. The spotting scope is adjustable. You have plenty of vertical and horizontal adjustment to properly locate your subject. Choice of 4 projected images illustrated; change the projected image with a flip of a switch. The projected images are virtually located at infinity. $300.
WIMBERLEY II gimbal head. An improved version of the Wimberley I. 1# lighter and a little shorter than the Wimberley I, with both locks on the same side. Those locks may be used on either side of the camera/lens. I am offering this WIMBERLEY II only with the spotting scope illustrated with it. The spotting scope is mounted on a black anodized aluminum dovetailed L-bracket that fits on the vertical dovetail on the WIMBERLEY II. More info about the spotting scope and its mount above. $850.
GLENNVIEW Panoramic panhead, for segmented panoramics, has 6 click stops @ 60 degree intervals, 1/4-20 threads top and bottom, Delrin with metal camera stud, suitable for making segmented panoramics with 55mm lenses on 6X7cm, 65mm lenses on 6X9cm, 28mm lenses on 35mm, and other combinations in other formats, 1.2" tall, 2.64" diameter, 4 ounces, Mint, $125 Note: custom panheads also available. Want one with 4, 5, 7, 8, or any other # of click stops, 3/8-16 threads top and/or bottom, larger diameter--no problem. Illustrated is a 5 position panhead on the below listed Dietzgen tripod. So why would you want such an item? Because you can do panoramics with ease and precision. You could do the same thing with a degree marked pan head, but you would have to unlock the pan movment, walk around the tripod, visually set the camera position and relock the pan movement each time. With this panhead, you merely turn the camera to the next click stop and shoot. Foolproof! You can print the images and mount them side-by-side with space in between the images; this method results in no distortion. This method is much like looking out from a gazebo. The alternative is to shoot more images with a lot of overlap and stitch the images together in an image editing program; this result is much like shooting with a swinging lens camera or a rotating camera. You get distortion, but no space between images. presently I have in stock pan heads with 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10 click stops. Although I could make a pan head with a large number of click stops that would give you several options, I do not recommend it because it would not longer be foolproof. The series of images below were made with a 55mm lens on a 6X7cm camera with a 6 position panhead.
PANORAMIC TRIPOD LEVELING HEAD. The 3 knurled screws around the perimeter of the middle of the head allow you to fine tune the level of the head with ease. You do not have to unlock and lock anything to level the camera; just turn a screw or 2 incrementally. Many tripods have a pan movement--typically marked in 15 degree increments, but few are marked in 360 easy-to-read degrees. You may position your camera at any interval with this head; great for use with zoom lenses and/or different focal length lenses. You may achieve any degree of overlap. By leveling your camera, you make more effective use of your lens' coverage and more effective use of your film, whether analog or digital. Two 1/4-20TPI quick release camera plates are included, each with a rubber top plate that will not scratch your camera. The head has a 3/8-16TPI tripod socket to match most tripods. The tripod adds stability and inherent sharpness to your images as well. I know a knowledgeable, but lazy, amateur photographer who shoots his panoramic images hand held and relies upon stitching software to align his images and other software to sharpen his images. That's not my modus operandi. Do the job right and get superior results; start with the highest quality images and then use your image processing programs to finesse your images--not salvage them. $100
Dietzgen panoramic leveling head tripod, the best tripod for panoramic use, especially with the above listed panoramic panheads, with about 15 degree leveling head, 1/4X20TPI camera stud, under 10#, wooden legs, brass fittings with pointed steel tips on leg ends, chain keeps legs spread at an appropriate angle, 36" collapsed, maximum 64" extended, with steel loops for shoulder strap attachment, with shoulder strap, velcro wrap secures legs when folded, Ex, $500. Dietzgen tripods were designed for use with about 30# transits with telephoto lenses, so they are quite sturdy.
Dietzgen panoramic leveling head tripod, the best tripod for panoramic use, especially with the above listed panoramic panheads, with about 15 degree leveling head, 1/4X20TPI camera stud, under 10#, wooden legs, brass fittings with pointed steel tips on leg ends, chain keeps legs spread at an appropriate angle, 36" collapsed, maximum 64" extended, with steel loops for shoulder strap attachment, with shoulder strap, velcro wrap secures legs when folded, Ex, $500. Dietzgen tripods were designed for use with about 30# transits with telephoto lenses, so they are quite sturdy. Additional Dietzgen parts for transits listed on my Optics web page.
Dietzgen leveling head tripod with 3/8-16TPI camera screw. With carrying strap and optimized leg spreader chain. Extremely sturdy tripod. I like to push the steel tipped legs into the ground for extra stability. Pushing the legs into the ground makes the tripod one with the earth so that you no longer have a tripod, but a tetrahedron. I have been using it of late with extremely long and heavy lenses and with a Wimberley head. The Wimberley head virtually requires a leveling head tripod. The Dietzgen leveling head is a near perfect size for the Wimberley. I was amazed the 1st time I used it in this manner; I got noticeably sharper images! With an about 15 degree leveling head. With your choice of a 3/8X16TPI or a 1/4-20TPI camera stud. Weighs less than 10#. 34-37" collapsed--depending upon how far you push the extension legs into the upper legs. Working height of 52-56" extended--on concrete; even taller with Wimberley head on it, but of course less with the legs pushed into the ground. Wimberley head not included. $500.
Dietzgen 6498F Mahogany and solid brass field tripod with spiked leg ends, 37" folded, 60" maximum, 12#, new leather strap holds legs together for transport, 3/8" camera screw, finished with Tung oil, beautiful match for Wisner or Zone VI, New, old stock from 1945, $400. How many times have you struggled with mounting your large format camera onto your tripod? You may mount the Dietzgen top plate onto the camera and relatively easily mount the top plate with 3.5" diameter threads onto the tripod--as illustrated below with a GLENNVIEW 8X20 camera. Dietzgen tripods were designed for use with heavy transits with 24X scopes, so they are quite sturdy. This is the last of 6 such tripods that I had. When it is gone there will be no more. SOLD, but accessories listed below still available.
Dietzgen tripod protective top plates, 3 1/2 by 8 threads per inch. $35 each.
Dietzgen transit base. Solid brass, factory painted with black baked on enamel. 3 1/2 by 8TPI to mount to your tripod. Three available. $75.
Dietzgen transit base converted to camera base. 3 1/2 by 8TPI to mount to your tripod. 3/8-16TPI camera screw. Felt top plate. One available. $150. The felt top plate would be extremely gentle on your wood camera.
Dietzgen transit base converted to camera base. 3 1/2 by 8TPI to mount to your tripod. 3/8-16TPI camera screw. Formica top plate. $200. This one has been sold, but I can convert another upon demand.
Dietzgen transit storage base. 3 1/2 by 8TPI to mount to your transit. The transit was removed from the tripod and attached to this storage base, which was then slid into slots in the Dietzgen mahogany storage case. You may use it as a floor level mount for your transit base converted to camera base as illustrated. It was not originally black anodized. I had it black anodized to give it a hardened surface, prevent corrosion, and look more professional. One available. $150.
SMALL QUICK RELEASE SYSTEM. Made of a solid block of black anodized Aluminum. The quick release plate is about 1.25X1.75" and about 1/8" thick. It is illustrated on the Groschupp construct-system Ballhead listed below. 1/4-20TPI socket in base and 1/4-20TPI camera screw. $40.
STROBOFRAME 300 QRC QUICK RELEASE SYSTEM. Spring loaded, fast operating, most convenient! Buy 2. Mount one on your tripod and another on your copy stand or wherever. 2 receivers, 3 camera plates. The Gitzo G1275M head listed above is a perfect fit for these Stroboframe 300-QRC quick release receivers. In the last image see the 2 receivers and the 3 camera plates. $150.
CROWN TYPE TRIPOD: Set of 3 ash tripod legs. Ash is one of the most rigid woods. Note the metal plate hinge between the top 2 leg sections. This metal plate stiffens the joint. Note the T-bar at the top of the lower leg section; this helps stabilizes the lower leg. In short, these legs are better designed than most. Perfect function. Without top plate; a Crown #4 tripod top plate that these legs would mate with is illustrated. Legs 23" long collapsed, 55" long fully extended. Legs weigh 3.25#. $40.
2 Crown #4 tripod legs, $50
Magnetic camera plate, chrome plated steel with a strong magnet underneath, 3/8-16TPI threaded camera screw. Of course, you could also add a ballhead or some other head to it. Illustrated attached to the side of a computer minitower with a Hasselblad SWC attached. When I was removing the magnetic plate with camera from the computer, I almost pulled the computer over--strong magnet! $70
Ballhead, made in Germany, ~2" tall, 1" diameter body, 1.25" diameter metal top plate with 1/4-20TPI camera stud, 3/8-16TPI tripod socket, Ex, $10 each, 2 available
Ballhead, made in Germany, ~2" tall, 1" diameter body, 1.25" diameter top plate with 3/8-16TPI camera stud, 1/4-20TPI tripod socket, Ex, $10
Ballhead, Groschupp construct-system, made in Germany, ~2.5" tall, 1.25" diameter body, 1.25" diameter top plate with 1/4-20TPI camera stud, 1/4-20TPI tripod socket, Ex, $10
Kalimar light duty tripod head with suction cup for use on smooth surface, with ball head controlled by long handle (1st I've seen), Mint, $10
QuickSet Samson camera wall mount. Flat plate mounts to wall with 4 screws. There are holes for mounting to the wall and for mounting your tripod head or camera to this, but no screws included. Can be used for still camera, security camera, light head. $50
Floor level baseplate, 11X14X3/4", 3#, with 3/6-16TPI threaded socket, for mounting camera or ? at floor level, Mint, $25
Chestpod, sits on chest, adjustable straps around neck and around chest, wood camera post with 1/4-20TPI brass camera stud, weighs 13 oz., Ex+, $10
Bushhawk shoulder stock. I like the Bushhawk pistol grip, but could not adust the Bushhawk shoulder stock to fit me well. Look at the positions of the photographers using Bushhawk shoulder supports on the Bushhawk web site; do they look comfortable? I chose to make my own shoulder stocks. I am making them available because I can make more for myself. I use a lathe and a milling machine and other machinery to do the job well. The 1st image is of the Bushhawk original equipment shoulder stock; I do not use it so it is available for $30. The 2nd image is of a padded shoulder hook that is designed so that you may hang the lens from your shoulder and swing it up to working position quickly. The hook also allows you to hang the camera and lens from a tree branch when you need to take a break. The shoulder hook is $70. The 3rd image is of a padded shoulder support. This one is most likely to fit most anybody. It gives you the room to work with tele-extenders and to move back far enough so that you can focus on the LCD image while the lens is still supported by your shoulder. This one works especially well with the lens supported near the front by a monopod or a bipod. The shoulder support is $100. All 3 items each weigh a pound or less, but they make the camera and lens you are carrying feel lighter in use due to the comfort factor. These can be made for the individual. You may make a personal visit by appointment and I will make one for you. The cost for this service is $200. Also for $150, I will send you a kit that will allow you to custom build your own; you may need to spend a few dollars for some tools. I bought the Bushhawk when I bought a Nikon 500mm VR lens. You do not need a tripod with a VR lens. A monopod or bipod will allow you to better steady the camera and lens for focusing and will save your body considerable strain over the course of a long day in the field. One of my custom shoulder supports will make your job even easier to do well; rather than jamming the Bushhawk shoulder stock up against your body, rest my shoulder support on top of your shoulder. Do you want my Bushhawk complete with Arca Swiss compatible quick release clamp and all three shoulder stocks/supports? You may have all for $350 Add $35 for a Nikon electronic release cord that plugs right into the Bushhawk and the remote release socket of your D200 or D300 and perhaps some other Nikons.
Rifle stock or shoulder brace, allows camera to be mounted vertically or horizontally--90 degrees to the left or the right, with an auxiliary mount for greater adjustability. Also, you may remove the camera mounting plate altogether--in which case you are left with a 3/8" diameter shaft with a 1/4-20TPI thread at the end. Even that may be removed. This is quite adaptable to just about any use--including use as a gunstock. The camera mounting screws are all 1/4-20TPI. Quite substantial, but light weight. $100
Rowi shoulder brace, cable release, collapsable, adjustable, Mint, $50
TABLETOP TRIPOD, cast Aluminum, super sturdy, legs fold, nylon case. The reversible center column has 3/8-16TPI threads at one end and 1/4-20TPI threads at the other. A set screw keeps the center column in perfect position. I left the 3/8" screw long because I thought I might want to add a larger diameter top plate to the center column for use with the Feisol head listed above which is often what I use with the tripod, but I found that the 30mm diameter tripod center provides plenty of support for the 69mm diameter Feisol baseplate. The case will accomodate the tripod and the Feisol head with room to spare. I used to use a Leitz tabletop tripod. I like this better because it is more stable, will support more weight and is more flexible because it has both size camera screws. $100
Tripod shoulder bag, weighs 1#, 33" long 5.625" ID round opening, hard bottom, works great for Bolex, Tiltall and other similar sized tripods, shown with Bolex tripod inside, small side pouch, also with short handle under shoulder strap, Ex, $25
Tripod case. An Oconnor case and a Peter Lisand case are listed above with the tripods. Although included with the tripods, the cases are available separately. The Oconnor hard plastic case is $175. The Peter Lisand hard fiber case is $100. See the tripod listings for size and other details.
Craig Thallhammer tripod top plate. $25
Other tripod parts listed above with the brand tripod. This space is for orphan tripod parts.. $25