light weight lf tripod

[wildbill]

I use the 3021 pro with the 410 geared head. I strongly reccomend the geared head. Fine adjustments and won't tip over when you wan't to make an adjustment. The 3021 fine for 4x5 but too shaky for pentax 67II and probably shaky with longer 4x5 lenses. I wouldn't get the pro model if i had to do it over again. I think the extra piece of metal makes the rig less stable and you'll never need to mount the column horizontally anyway. I've started to hang my pack from the middle to make it sturdier. It's also quite springy in the snow.

[dancqu]

I use the 3021 pro with the 410 geared head.
I strongly reccomend the geared head.
Fine adjustments ...

I'll second that 410 gear head. A real boon.
I really like the fact that it is always locked.
For gross adjustments it may be unlocked; very
quick. A real BIG plus, it does not creep. There
is no tightening to do. Dan

[paul owen]

I'll also suggest the Gitzo 1325. I use one with a Manfrotto 329 head to support an Ebony 45SU. I have recently been using an Art Pan 6x17 roll film back and a 90mm Schneider SA ( a hefty set up!!) and the tripod/head combo works fine! I also suggest leaving a few inches of the lower leg sections extended when closing the tripod as dirt/grit etc stays clear of the locking mechanism. I have found that the locking collars on the Gitzo only require minimal twisting to lock/unlock - over tightening them (unecessary) is probably the cause of many of the complaints re: collars. I've just returned from a trip to the Scottish Highlands and was able to adjust the legs without any problems in low temps (for the UK anyway :} ) both with and without gloves. Only neg aspect = cost!

[Richard Wasserman]

I too use a Gitzo 1325 and like it a lot. I use it with a 4x5 Sinar Norma with lenses up to 450mm and it never has a problem. The same can't be said for me! I have used it in temperatures ranging from about 90 to minus 25 degrees in all kinds of conditions including standing in mud and water and all I do is wipe it off-it keeps working fine. I can't speak about a head as I use a Sinar head, although I personally would look at one of the Gitzo magnesium pan and tilt heads if they are within the budget.

Richard

[DeBone 75]

If you are using this for field work and are a little handy, go to your local Home Depot or Lowes and get one that is used for constuction transits. They are made of aluminum, light weight and very sturdy. I use mine with my 5X7 monorail. Plus they are very cheap. under $80.00. Fine Art Photo Supply sales a similar one for @$350.00. You should be able to mount most any head to one.

[Danpv]

Except for price, no complaints with the Gitzo 1325. I use it with a ball head sans center column. Best price I found when scouring the web several months ago was etronics.com.

[Steve Hamley]

I'm using a Gitzo 1348 (4 section), no column, with a Kirk BH-1 head. No complaints at all, but I suspect you use a tad lighter head.

As far as the collars go, you can clean the heavy grease off and replace it with lighter stuff or a bit of heavy oil as you'll need to every time it gets dirty or gritty.

The collars need to be loosened from the top (loosen the top sections first) when extending the legs, and loosened from the bottom when collapsing the extended legs. And don't over tighten them. That will help with the collars. And they don't snag on brush if that's in your plans.

Steve