Graflex.org

Nick · Joined: 16 Oct 2002 Posts: 494

Could I get a feeling on how bad a tripod is good enough? I'm looking at Velbon Sherpa 750. [Called Efl chaser 4 in the US. I think] It's a reasonable price and I think more then good enough for everything but the view camera. Will it survie under the View I? Or how about the calumet 401 I'm getting? If it's not strong enough anything else in a similar price range that isn't too much heavier?
Thanks

Les · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 2682 Location: Detroit, MI

I've never heard of either of these tripods and I can't find a photo of the Calumet on their site.

Nick · Joined: 16 Oct 2002 Posts: 494

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/product/139172/VECEFL4A/REG/2636

That's the tripod. Supposedly able to handle 12lbs.

The Calumet 401 is the long version of the 400 series. I think they stopped making them in 1980 but the one I'm supposed to get is older. The way I understand the history it's the same camera that Kodak sold under the MasterView name and that B&J sold under the Orbit name. 4x5.

hellerharris · Joined: 27 Jun 2002 Posts: 46 Location: Los Angeles

I bought a set of Calumet Lightpro legs, which they're clearing out at $99.00, down from $229.00. Don't know if they're up to pro use, but they seem sturdy and are guaranteed. They are more than enough for my Century with a very heavy Tele-Arton f/4.

Also - I discovered that British camera shops have been selling the Giottos MH1000 ball head for about half of the US price. Even with shipping, it's still much cheaper that buying anywhere here.

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Nick · Joined: 16 Oct 2002 Posts: 494

I ended up bringing the camera with me to the store. Figured better any problems show up before I buy it. It's acutally fine with the weight of view camera. The camera is high enough that I don't need to extend the whole leg which I guess helps. With the lousy weather I haven't been able to take it outside so that's the real test. It isn't fancy but seems to do what I need.

Les · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 2682 Location: Detroit, MI

The specs look good to me. I always find I want the camera at just above head hight and with the specs saying it goes to 5 feet, that's good enough.

Good luck. I expect a report by spring.

Frost · Posted: Sun Nov 17, 2002 12:43 pm Post subject:

I use a TiltAll tripod that I bought back in 1985 (thereababouts. A good friend of mine that had ALL kinds of photo equipment, including the Calumet view used a Majestic tripod, and it was a real sturdy setup. I seem to get along with my Tiltall with no problem on a Graflex View II and my Crown 4X5.

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Dan Fromm · Joined: 14 May 2001 Posts: 2144 Location: New Jersey