Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/11/14
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]At 10:26 AM 11/14/00 -0800, you wrote: >What kind of head do you suggest : a 3 way or a ball head? I also >intend to use it with my 4x5 field camera. >Thanks in advance for your advice. Bernard, lots of large format photogs seem to favor the Arca Swiss ball, but I can't for the life of me figure out why anyone would want a ballhead for 4x5. For a Leica, the smallest Giottos ballhead is probably your best bet, and inexpensive; I'd then add a 3-way head for your 4x5. You really do want separate and intuitive adjustments for all three axes. I use the Gitzo 3-way, to save a pound or two, but the industry standard is the Bogen (I think it's the 3047?) The Bogen is much cheaper, and has levels -- a big plus. Bogen has a new model out that may or may not be better than this giant honker: it has recessed adjustment arms, and weighs a bit less. But the other is tried and proven -- every nature photographer on the planet seems to have one. These two heads should set you back just over $100. You'll want to add a quick release device to the Giottos to match your Bogen (in fact, this may be reason enough to get the new Bogen 3-way -- the old one has that oddball hex plate). cheers, Doug