Kodak 2D 8x10 Tripods

[PCGraflex]

Ok, went and liberated a 2D with lens, holders, extension rail, and tripod from wepay. Tripod is a Folmer Crown N0#4. Set the thing up and noticed that this 'pod is a bit flimsy.

Is this the correct tripod for an 8x10? Seems awfully light.

[NavyMoose]

How much does your camera weight? Manfrotto makes some very good tripods for large format cameras. I recently bought a Manfrotto 055XB Pro, which can hold my camera very nicely. This is the combo I have, it supports my 4X5 very nicely, but probably not strong enough for an 8X10.

[JBrunner]

Mine lives on a Zone VI with a Majestic head. You can see it in the Intro to LF video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a64iG-A-cRI

That tripod is only available second hand, but I think you can still get the head new.

These sticks are good animals, plus he's an APUG sponsor:

http://reallybigcameras.com/Feisol/Feisol

Always error to having extra capacity. Just enough, usually isn't.

[Jim Noel]

The Folmer & Schwing #4 is stronger than it looks. When these tripods and the associated cameras were built there was not the craze for large, heavy tripods. Look at some of the photos of photographers of the time and you will see that this indeed may be the correct tripod for the camera at that time.

Today of course many people like to use tripods capable of supporting the photographer. Personally I use an Otto from early post WWII days for 8x10 and 7x17. It too looks flimsy compared to some of the huge Manfrottos and Majestics used by others but it has never given me cause to worry regardless of weather,wind or uneven terrain. When set up correctly it is extremely stable.

You likely will be more comfortable with something more modern, but the #4 is a good tripod. I wish I could find the head for mine so I could use it occasionally.

[Ria]

A "Crown Tripod #4" is what I use for my Deardorff when traveling and it holds up quite satisfactorily. The only modification I have made is to fashion a loop of string to limit the spread of the legs when using on a hard smooth surface.
Ria

[Jim Jones]

A Crown #4 fits perfectly in the case for my 8x10 Kodak 2D, and may have been part of the original outfit. In Camera and lens, (1970), Ansel Adams says, "The tripod legs should be attached with as wide a pivotal base as possible: This reduces torque and assures maximum rigity. . . . The old wooden Crown tripod has a head about 6 inches in diameter, and the attachment points for each were about 4 or 5 inches apart. There was no perceptible torque." This point seems to bave been lost by some contemporary tripod designers. They try to substitute tight fitting, but small, pivots for the superior wide spaced pivots of many wooden tripods. This is satisfactory if well done. In many tripods, such as the Tiltall, the bearings can be tightened to compensate for wear.

[Emileway]

Yes, the #4 is a good tripod, I use it with my 2d when I want to be.. Light...

Cheers

[tessar]

With my Ansco 8x10 (heavier than a Kodak 2D) I use an old Paul Ries tripod I was lucky to find for a good price. It's rock solid and I find it easier to adjust than any other suitable tripods I've tried. The tripod is about the same weight as the camera with 2 lenses, so it makes for a balanced (if hefty) load.

[AgentX]

Today of course many people like to use tripods capable of supporting the photographer. Personally I use an Otto from early post WWII days for 8x10 and 7x17. ... I wish I could find the head for mine so I could use it occasionally.

Hey, I have an Otto, too! A "Hollywood." My professor gave it to me for free when I bought an old 8x10 to try alt-process stuff way back in school.

Just took it out to use again, and discovered a a piece of the upper leg-lock was now missing, in fact--used an old bicycle part and a rat-tail file to fabricate a very respectable substitute.

Tripod has a head, but it just tilts forward from level--is this the head you were looking for? It's massive and requires me to carry a separate tripod screw and nut to attach the camera. I just put the camera straight on the tripod, now. (Well, with a fiber beer coaster between the head and the camera to accommodate the camera's tripod socket bushing, anyhow.)


Legs look flimsy compared to a modern wood tripod, but holds the big Burke and James 8x10 just fine, and I used a big Calumet C1 on it once as well, if I recall correctly. Was easy to backpack around Europe with compared to something more stout anyhow.

[Curt]

My Berlebach Report tripod 8023 works great for a Kodak 2D 8x10 and my Seneca 8x10 but is not enough for my Calumet C1, with that I use a Gitzo Studex, monster, or outside a Mamiya that has a center brace. It has the feature of a crank up column with is a must for me. The center brace is not that handy but makes it solid. Once level I can elevate the camera easily if needed.

My Seneca is in an original case just like the one pictured by Emile above. I love the leather straps and buckles, they are really sharp looking. The case fits a camera, rail and some film holders.