Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/09/19
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]A tripod, like light meters, cameras, and other photographic paraphernalia, is a very personal choice. There are, however, some guidelines that make the choice both functional and comfortable. I personally use a Gitzo 1228 Carbon Fiber tripod with my M6 (R7 as well). I also use a Gitzo 087B carry strap. This combination is effortless to carry. I carried it for the entire month of September last, through Europe, without ever thinking it was a bother. And when I needed a tripod, it quickly set-up for use. I have a Arca Swiss B1 head on it with quick release, I have a RRS quick release plate on the bottom of my M6. This is very handy and very quick to use. There have been several articles, over the past few years, about tripods. The quick summary is that wooden and carbon fiber tripods are better than heavy steel or aluminum. The reason being that they absorb camera vibrations, not echoing it back in the form of resonant vibration frequency. The carbon fiber or wood, simply absorbs the vibration and does not transmit it by resonance. George Lepp, Erwin Puts, and others have demonstrated, passed on info, and tested this. I bought my 1228 originally because I have a pinched nerve in my back that affects my feet. Carrying heavy loads is painful. I discovered, to my delight, that the 1228 was performing as well as, perhaps better than, my Bogen or Gitzo metal tripod. After experiencing this great tripod, I sold my Gitzo 341 (that I use with my 4x5 and Hasselblad) and bought a Gitzo 1349 carbon fiber tripod. 5 lbs vs 8 lbs. Feels like 1 lb vs 100 lb. Anyway... I personally feel that the wooden or carbon fiber tripods are better tripods than heavy metal tripods. The Gitzo carbon fiber tripods are really light in weight and really sturdy. And have proven themselves in professional use. And your back will thank you as well. Jim