kamilsukun Posted December 11, 2006 Share #1 Posted December 11, 2006 Advertisement (gone after registration) What is the tripod choice of Leica users? As a very select group of enthusiasts focusing down to the inner details of details may have strong preferences on tripods. Is Manfrotto really diferent than the rest. Are there others worth trying? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted December 11, 2006 Posted December 11, 2006 Hi kamilsukun, Take a look here What is the tripod choice of Leica users?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
EricC Posted December 11, 2006 Share #2 Posted December 11, 2006 Speaking personally, I have both Leica's own Tabletop Tripod with Ballhead and a Gitzo G1325 Carbon Fibre tripod, although I must admit that the majority of my shots are handheld. Eric. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dugby Posted December 11, 2006 Share #3 Posted December 11, 2006 The answer varies according your intended usage, studio, sports, treking, wilderness, versus travel. a) Gitzo have a superb range of carbon fibre legs (IMHO Gitzo is better than Manfrotto) I went through this exercise this year and bought Carbon Fiber Gitzo legs and ball head combo <http://www.gitzo.com> Really Right Stuff probably the best Ballheads. (Arca-Swiss a close second) <http://www.reallyrightstuff.com> Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bayerische Posted December 11, 2006 Share #4 Posted December 11, 2006 I have a Manfrotto. Had it for 4years. Always worked perfect. I think I would be happier with a lighter Carbon fibre model, but I can't justify the cost of it, since I use a Tripod rarely. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest stnami Posted December 11, 2006 Share #5 Posted December 11, 2006 A Scribbly Gum Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
marknorton Posted December 11, 2006 Share #6 Posted December 11, 2006 I use a Manfrotto Neotec tripod and monopod which are especially useful as you just extend the lens to where you want them and they lock, no messing about with knobs or clamps. I also like their quick release plates and have one on the bottom of the M8 right now. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
masjah Posted December 11, 2006 Share #7 Posted December 11, 2006 Advertisement (gone after registration) Kamil The main message is I think, don't stint on quality. I would regard Manfrotto as the minimum quality level - others are even better - I think you probably get what you pay for (or, more accurately, you don't get what you don't pay for). I have a Manfotto 055MF4 (would have been MF3 for a bit more rigidity, but I need compact size when collapsed for easier bicycling with it on my back). Heads are a matter of preference and intended usage, but bear in mind you don't have to use the same maker for legs and head. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
masjah Posted December 11, 2006 Share #8 Posted December 11, 2006 PS: I also have the Manfotto mini-tripod outfit (minilegs, head, extension tube and case) which I am very impressed with and which is really excellent value for money. An alternative to consider to the Leica table-top. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
4season Posted December 11, 2006 Share #9 Posted December 11, 2006 I have a Gitzo 1228 carbon fiber tripod and think it's great. I may get a smaller one for travel someday. I have not found my favorite tripod head for the M cameras yet; I already own the Arca B1 but I feel it's optimized for heavier cameras like SLRs or Hasselblads. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
garyp Posted December 11, 2006 Share #10 Posted December 11, 2006 Tiltalls, since 1979. Can't bring myself to switch. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
KM-25 Posted December 11, 2006 Share #11 Posted December 11, 2006 As a very select group of enthusiasts focusing down to the inner details of details may have strong preferences on tripods. Hmmm..sounds kind of elitist. I am not sure about others, but I use my Leica's just like all the rest of my gear: Like a camera, not a trophy. I will never collect them, they will get bumped and bruised and get brassing. So to answer your question, my M6 shares the tripods that all my other Nikons and Canons do: The two smallest Gitzo carbon fiber models, two middle range metal Gitzo's and a large bogen. Also the bogen super clamp mount and a table top. The M6 will not use the underwater tripod since it does not go there. Sorry to harp on you about the "Select group" but this is the kind of stuff that gives Leica users a snobby bad rap. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
farnz Posted December 11, 2006 Share #12 Posted December 11, 2006 I've been using Manfrottos for 15 years now and they've never let me down mechanically despite sustained abuse by baggage handlers and banging about in the holds of many aircraft. I currently use a carbon fibre model, which is also very robust but considerably lighter although for a number of years it easily handled the load of my Pentax 67 MF camera and lens (or my D2 of course). My 'old favourite' head is the Manfrotto 141RC (although it seems to have recently been discontinued) but I've also used a 460MG magnesium head, which is lighter than the 141 but not as fast and pleasant to use. I've also recently moved to a Novoflex mini Magic Ball head, which is innovative, a single movement lock up and simply a joy to use. Looks great too. The Magic Ball will be graced by my M8 when it eventually arrives in all its majesty! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwcolvin Posted December 11, 2006 Share #13 Posted December 11, 2006 Hmmm..sounds kind of elitist. The OP is from Istanbul, so let's give him a break on the subtleties of English. He has a Digilux 2... a lightweight camera with a 35mm FOV equivalent of 28-90mm... so it's not unlike the Leica rangefinders in weight and FOV. There's also no SLR mirrors or shutters to cause vibration. The key facts here, Kamil, are that you're not using a heavy camera, and you're not going to mount some huge long heavy lens on it, not that it's a Leica. The reality is, for your camera, just about any tripod will do. As long as it can stand up to whatever wind conditions you expect, and has a quick release you're comfortable with, it will be fine. Something as simple as a Manfrotto 728B or 725B (depending on whether you want a pan and tilt or ball head) may be just fine. Investing in the cable release for the Digilux 2 is probably more important than the tripod selection. This link has some great information on tripods... Tripods and Ball Heads by Thom Hogan, but it's a lot more than you need with your current equipment. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
holgerf Posted December 11, 2006 Share #14 Posted December 11, 2006 What is the tripod choice of Leica users? As a very select group of enthusiasts focusing down to the inner details of details may have strong preferences on tripods. Is Manfrotto really diferent than the rest. Are there others worth trying? Merhaba Kamil, there has been an article concerning quality tripods, tripod heads ans tripod steadiness in LFI (Leica Fotografie International) in volume 1 and 2 of 2006. The article tests some tripods of the upper quality level and describes many aspacts of this matter. I can highly recommend to read it. Look at their homepage: http://www.lfi-online.de/ceemes/article/show/10125/ You may order the issues if you like. Hos çakalin Holger Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
POKO Posted December 11, 2006 Share #15 Posted December 11, 2006 Hi, after several attempts at finding the perfect tripod for a Leica - Small/Light/Stable - I ended up with the Gitzo Basalt G1298 tripod with the G1277M magnesium ball head. For me it is the perfect combination of these requirements. The Basalt line is also a little more cost friendly than the Carbon line. For a quick release plate, I use the Hasselblad Base/Plate system - this way I don’t have to change when shooting medium format.Good Luck! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guy_mancuso Posted December 11, 2006 Share #16 Posted December 11, 2006 Hey wait i was told when i bought my M8 that Leica M users NEVER use a tripod that it was forbidden. LOL Just kidding. I have a big Gitzo but i did use the Gitzo 1228 this weekend and seems perfect for the M line Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gesper Posted December 11, 2006 Share #17 Posted December 11, 2006 I use a Gitzo carbon fiber 1258 with Markins Q3 Emille ballhead that I originally bought at the Nikonians website store for my D200. It is very light and stable, and works just as well with the M8 as the D200. The Nikonians has a good article on selecting tripods (see the "Resources" section) that you can access without having to join Nikonians. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe S Posted December 11, 2006 Share #18 Posted December 11, 2006 I have been using a Gitzo 1228 with my R-D1 (no M8 yet) and feel a move to the smaller 1127 is more appropriate for this size camera. I have used the Really Right Stuff multi-camera L plate (with slight modifications) on this camera and highly recommend it. Probably they will be making a custom M8 plate and L plate when more cameras are out there. Just purchased their small #25 ballhead with quick release plate and am very happy with it as well. I've no connection but find their products top quality. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AShearer Posted December 11, 2006 Share #19 Posted December 11, 2006 I use a Gitzo 1298 for all cameras. I like the Kirk ballheads, and I just switch QR plates. They make a dedicated plate for the M cameras. I have one for my MP, but due to the thickness change in my M8, I will have to buy another. They also make a universal plate. RRS is great too, but, I prefer the Kirk stuff and they cost less. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
carstenw Posted December 11, 2006 Share #20 Posted December 11, 2006 I have the small RRS ballhead, and I am planning on getting the Gitzo G1057, which is really tiny, and a perfect travel tripod. I will have to take a bit of care with a tripod that light, but it has a hook for weight underneath, and I would personally feel silly with a large tripod for such a tiny camera, and anyway, it partly nullifies the weight advantage. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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