Reader's Comments - Index of - Free

Tripods
The head comes with a spirit level and an integral quick-release plate operated by a
large lever. The lever has a secondary safety catch to prevent inadvertant release.
As for supported weight, although Manfrotto suggest its use is mainly for 35mm or
medium format kit, I've used this head sucessfully with a Horseman LX-C
monorail 5x4" studio camera (over 7kg sans lens), and use it for outdoor
photography with a Cambo SCN-II (over 4kg sans lens).
A few random disadvantages: - While the geared adjustments are very good, it is
possible to back-drive them by applying too large a torque to the camera. This
doesn't cause me problems when using my 35mm kit unless I'm particularly hamfisted,
but can cause unintentional movement if I don't handle my 5x4" kit carefully
when inserting film holders (which I should do carefully anyway, but there you go),
possibly due to the longer moment arm.
- adjustment in the pitch axis is -90/+30 degrees, which may not be enough if you
want to point the camera upwards.
- the mechanism is lubricated with grease, which when the head is new can give
some unpleasant surprises if you're not careful of where you touch it. These
problems lessen with use as the grease is gradually worn off.
-it can take a while to get used to which knob controls which axis, particularly
when composing looking through the camera and feeling for the controls.
-- Mark A. Brown, March 8, 1998
Hi folks,
I use a Pentax 6 x 7. It is notorious for camera vibration at shutter speeds of 1/30 to
1/2 sec. I also have arthritis of the hands and back. And so I have been on a quest
for a tripod/head that is lighter, stronger, and less vibration prone.
Solution: 1- Swiss Arca Monoball B-1. Nothing works as well. Period.
2- Velbon Carmagne 640 Carbon Fiber tripod. The tripod weighs in at 2.9 lbs. It is
made of magnesium and carbon fiber and it is loaded with features. Best of all, it is
rock solid - yes, even at 2.9 pounds. If it gets windy, the tripod comes with a "stone
bag" which clips onto the three legs. Turn your 2 pound tripod into a 20 pounder
right in the field! It works too. And it will fit into most back packs or airline bags.
It is small and doesn't seem like it would work. My testing showed it to have less
vibration than my Bogen 3021! Surprise! And it is almost 4 pounds lighter.
http://www.photo.net/equipment/tripods/philg (13 of 53)7/3/2005 2:21:13 AM