Graflex.org

rlcov · Joined: 18 Feb 2012 Posts: 2

I have the origanl GVII bracket in geat shape--but I hate releveling the tripod everytime I move--I know I saw somthing once about a bogen super clamp for the rail to tripod but not quite remebering if they built an insert or risked damaging the rail by just clamping it on--Not interested in cutting my original up like stubby cam guy did--any other ideas or solutions? I know this is not an isolated issue--couldnt find anywhere in the threads so apologize in advance if I missed it

1banjo · Joined: 16 Nov 2008 Posts: 492

RAIL CLAMP for Graphic View Support

down this View Help page 19
it work just one way

45PSS · Joined: 28 Sep 2001 Posts: 4081

Banjo I think he is looking for one of these thingamajigs
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Camera-Tripod-Levelers/ci/10832/N/4289938236
but did not remember what they are called.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554092-REG/Manfrotto_338_338_QTVR_Leveling_Base.html
and
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554093-REG/Manfrotto_438_438_Compact_Levelling_Head.html
are the brand specific doodads.

I prefer to adjust the tripod to the terrain I'm on so that the camera will not be dumped by an off balanced tripod and adjust the composure with the head and ground glass image.

Dan Fromm · Joined: 14 May 2001 Posts: 2165

Not the 338, Charles, not enough adjustment and much too fiddly.

The OP has asked his question on APUG, isn't responding there either. I think we have a person who's decided what the right answer is (something that will hold his GV II's rail), is looking for help in realizing it, and isn't interested in other ways to solve the problem of easy setup. Not a rare phenomenon.

So you'll know, I have a Manfrotto 138 (old version of the 438) with a 3-axis head on top if it. Got it to use under a cine camera, tried under a Nikon and then, when I got into Graphics, put a Graphic on it. I wouldn't do without a ball leveler (under a 3-axis head, a leveler by itself isn't good enough) for anything.

IMO the Acratechs are less cost effective.

Cheers,

Dan

Henry · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 1662

This may be off base (no pun intended), but before spending $92+ on the 438, you might want to consider this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/124665-REG/Manfrotto_410_410_Junior_Geared_Head.html

It's got a built in bubble level, is really smooth and easy to adjust in three planes, and has a quick release mount. Of course, it's also 2x more $$, but I swear by mine; it's perfect for the Century and should handle a 4x5 with ease, up to 11 lbs. according to the specs., although maybe not a big job like the GV.