Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/09/19
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]> I am in need of a new tripod for the M Camera. I would like to know the > "minimum" sized tripod that can be recommended for a M camera. Well, I have the other side of the coin. I have a nice sturdy Bogen 3122 with Manfrotto ball head that weighs a ton, doesn't collapse much, and places a 35mm camera at eye level just barely higher than my eye without extending the column. It has held my Nikon F3+Vivitar 600/8 Series 1 Solid Cat very well ... That's about 11 lbs of camera and lens. I think the earth can move and the bloody tripod won't. It is rock steady with a Leica M, Rolleiflex, Contax G, Leica CL or Minox C on it ... ;) (Actually, the Manfrotto ball head is at it's limit for the Nikon and Vivitar combination. I think I'm going to get a Linhof head for it soon as I'm not comfortable risking the Solid Cat on the Manfrotto.) I don't believe in lightweight tripods. If I'm going to carry the bloody thing, I want it to work. I think I use this one three/four times a year. And anytime I pull the Vivitar beastie out for a shoot - I know I can't hold that thing steady, even at 1/4000 second. Godfrey