[LargeFormat] Large Format in Rome, Italy
Clive Warren
largeformat@f32.net
Tue Mar 5 18:17:18 2002
>Clive,
>
>So this would be about how long all packed? I have a Manfrotto 190 (?) that
>I use for 35mm work but found it to be a little light for 4x5... is your
>Velbon similar and do you have any tricks to keep it steady (ier)?
>
>Brock
Brock,
The Velbon is 1' 9" long and I also have a Manfrotto 190 which is 2' 3" long.
The Welbon is a fairly "squat" tripod and is actually a bit more
stable than the Manfrotto. I prefer the Manfrotto is some ways as it
is a little bit taller but the Velbon is still one of the best
tripods I own.
To make the plots a little more stable I hang the camera bag around
the tripod when necessary. I am not totally convinced by the leg
arrangement on the Manfrotto - it could do with more bracing between
the legs - this is the main reason that the Velbon is more stable.
Adding more weight in terms of a LF camera and glass to the top of
the 190 doesn't help make it more stable - it simply places the legs
under more lateral tension and gives them more bounce!
The Velbon is fairly old and the newer versions of the same tripod
contain a lot of plastic and are not as stable. There are however a
few higher end Velbons that are rather attractive....
The most stable tripods I own are a top end (huge) Manfrotto and a
couple of Majestics. Not the sort of things to take on board an
aircraft - if they would allow it which I very much doubt.
So, the Velbon still rules for 4x5 and I'm sure that model was only
intended for 35mm and Super8 cine film use.
Cheers,
Clive