Tripod recommendation for RB67?

I have always used Gitzo tripods but they are expensive, even secondhand. You might find a battered one in that budget but it would probably be a heavy, studio version. Giottos also seem pretty good (I have some of their ball heads). One of the things to decide on is how heavy (ie aluminium vs carbon fibre) and how high (I rarely go much more than waist height but maybe shoulder height would be more versatile - I'd personally rather pay more for a good shorter reach than extra for higher) and what sort of head (pan and tilt or ball and socket - there are geared heads also but they usually cost upwards of £500). I prefer ball and socket heads myself. Manfrotto is the other big name and I'm pretty sure that is what Chris uses and I'm sure he'll have a recommendation. Make sure to check the specifications so that it can easily carry the Rb plus maybe a larger lens.
 
Yes, my budget is not very high, I'm afraid. I've noticed that some people say a ball-end is useless with this weight of camera, so pan and tilt it is. So far I've just used it at just above knee height, and would go higher if I could for some shots, but I can't see myself going to head height or above. Once I find out what I need, I'll have to go to ebay or wait for the January sales in December :rolleyes:
 
A ball head is fine for that weight as long as you can adjust the tension (with most, you can). I prefer them as I find it quicker to get the angle I want - grip the camera, release the head, swivel and twiddle while looking through the WLF (or spirit levels - depending on what you are doing) and then re-tighten. Go into a decent camera store with your camera and have play.
 
I was always fairly impressed by "slik" tripods ... Great budget brand IMO
manfrotto are a pretty good slightly more budget tripods although in honesty I think mine is crap and the cheaper sliks I used to sell were better ... Or at least seemed better ... No idea how well they last!?

My next tripod will be a "3 legged thing" X1.1 Brian
 
Amazing what I don't know...or rather didn't. We have a second-hand camera shop in Edinburgh called cameraatiks which I stumbled across today - in an area of Edinburgh I very rarely find myself.

LOTS of film cameras - quite a few Leicas included. Prices from £10 to thousands. Some digital stuff too.

Asked about a tripod and head for an RB67, and he produced two - a Gitzo pan and tilt, and a Manfrotto with a plate for a large format camera, very sturdy. I tried both, liked the Gitzo, but fell in love with the Manfrotto. Cost me £140 (second hand), but it is perfect for me - very easy to get any angle, even does upside down...doesn't weigh a ton, but is very sturdy.

Now I feel like a proper photographer! Medium format camera, light meter and a tripod :cool: I just need to remember to take the lens cap off!

BTW, the RB67 in the shop is £700! Seems in no better condition than mine. I don't mind paying local shops a bit extra, if it helps keep them in business, but...
 
Couldn't go wrong with either brand Rob - both make quality tripods

Good find pre-owned - most tripods only ever get light use and get sold on when newer lighter models arrive on the scene - but strangely they are still as good as they day they were made!
 
All looking very pro Rob - you'll be doing weddings next! ;)
 
What did I ever do to deserve that?!

I'm not so sure about this set up after this morning's trip to the Cemetary for more shots. A family walked by just as I'd spotted something worth shooting, and the young boy of about six years photographed me with his little automatic. I said, "Mine's bigger", which was a fairly dumb thing to say to a six-year old, and I regretted it instantly. Anyway, we all got a little laugh out of it. So, as the lad was curious about my camera, I said, "Want to have a look inside the viewfinder?", and his mum encouraged him. Then I showed him how I lined up a shot, light meter usage, altering the tripod, pulling out the dark slide, etc before firing, and it just seemed to go on for ages. The little guy got bored, then said, "Yours might be bigger, but mine is faster!". My, how we laughed!
 
Funny story, Rob. I expected it to end in something like, "now the kid wants a real camera" and of course, 20 years hence when we are in our dotage you will post here on RPF (as Member Emeritus) that he has become a top pro photographer. "Mine is faster" indeed. Yeah,...so what kid?! Now scram!

Bonny medium format rig you have now, Rob. That tripod will support the Holga nae bother! ;)
 
Yes, it is, but can be locked still at any angle. I was out with it today, and found it to be easy and fun to use. The only down side is it is not very easy to take the camera on and off quickly, but apart from that I'm satisfied.
 
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