Tripod platform for 4x5

[Jin Grill]

Hi,

I have a Sinar F and my current Manfrotto tripod platform (mount) seems to keep pivoting due to the weight of the camera. What kind of platform do I need to prevent this? Sorry for such an elementary question.
thanks

Jin

[Harry v. Loon]

Hello Jin

Have a look at Manfrotto.com
See link ; http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/...d=80|81&idx=81
Í've found a new and sturdy three way head ( for my tripod).
My Cambo is now sitting upright om my tripod .

No thanks

Harry v. Loon

Let the sun come on your film, but let him stay out of your darkroom

[Trevor Crone]

Jin,

I favour the Manfrotto geared heads. Currently I use two, the 410 which is small and light, handles all my cameras to 4x5 and the 405 which handles my 8x10 with ease.

I prefer the geared heads because they allow me to level and make fine adjustments to the camera easily and precisely.

Trevor.

[Ian Grant]

I'm using an older Manfrotto 141 head, and that's perfect for 5x4. I have used my 10x8 with it as well, but I'm not over keen on the 3 way heads with the 10x8.

Heads are often interchangeable between manufacturers so it's worth looking around, you need to make sure they are the same thread, also whether the screw is in the head or the tripod.

Ian

[Chazzy]

Hi,

I have a Sinar F and my current Manfrotto tripod platform (mount) seems to keep pivoting due to the weight of the camera. What kind of platform do I need to prevent this? Sorry for such an elementary question.
thanks

Jin

I'm not sure what you mean by "platform" and "mount." Are you talking about tripod heads or quick release plates?

[Martin Aislabie]

If the Camera is mounted horizontaly I always move my Front Standard first - until it is more or less fully extended - to reduce the bending moment (leaverage) on the head

The centre of gravity of my Camera is much closer to the rear standard than the front.

If I am pointing the Camera downwards, the move the rear standard a bit to try and counter balance the front and the tipping action.

I don't have problems with my camera over-balancing with tripod

I do have problems with the darkcloth acting like a sail in strong winds and trying to turn it over.

However, my centre column has a hook on the base and I carry a string bag into which I insert a localy obtained stone(rock)

I use a Manfrotto 029 Head but think Trevors 410 Geared Head suggestion is probably the better solution

Martin

[bill spears]

I think alot of this depends on which type of veiw camera we're using ie: monorail or folding.
I also have a Sinar F which has a large clamp afixed to the tubular rail. I've found that most types of tripod head tend to make the whole setup a bit unsteady especially in even a slight breeze. I've resorted to doing away with a head altogether and fitting the Sinars clamp directly to the top of the tripods legs and also not using a centre column.
My Giottos tripod has a kind of pan and tilt system built into the top but its a pain to use.
I think Sinar make a proper heavy duty pan and tilt head for their monorails but is probably expensive. They do come up on ebay sometimes but still tend to fetch high prices.

Bill