M10 -what tripods do you use?

[Ozytripper]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I am a sucker for gadgets - sometimes and I can't seem to resist a product with a USP (unique selling proposition

 

I have had a Velbon Tripod since my first SLR in 1973 but was looking to upgrade recently.

 

Just bought this China Made Desk top tripod as I left my Leica Desktop in Melbourne. Reason for the purchase decision? Apart from being very flexible - 3 height settings, well made and well priced (compared to the well known western Brands) I was shown a photo of an 85kg man standing on it despite the fact that it was only rated at 2kg. Also comes with a leather holster (looks like a pistol holster)

 

This is  my second Fotopro brand tripod. This first one is my TL74C with a Unique Ball head. This setup is stable enough for 25kg (if I'd remembered correctly) should be stable enough for my M10  Bought the optional hard case as well -good for transportation as check in luggage. 

 

My third tripod is a carbon fibre travel tripod weighing at only 600g. Lightest tripod I could find that has reasonable height. It is not very stable when fully extended. More useable with the centre column removed but I lose some height then. The other alternative is to use the 10 second timer to avoid shake caused by activating the shutter trigger. This only comes in a sling bag.

 

Photos of the Fotopro tripods attached (Disclaimer: I have no association with any of the tripod brands mentioned)

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

Edited October 29, 2017 by Ozytripper

[Ozytripper]

My 600g Sirui tripod

 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[riswanc]

I used the gitzo traveller carbon series with manfrotto ballhead

 

 

Instagram @jakontil

[Keith_W]

I use a Gitzo 0545T carbon fibre tripod:

 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

 

It came with an Arca-Swiss compatible ballhead and plate: 

 

 

When it is folded, it is extremely light and compact. Just over 35cm (slightly more than 14 inches long!), and weighs just over 1kg. It supports 10kg of equipment, which is plenty for the M10. Yet it deploys to about 130cm and is plenty sturdy. 

 

 

I could potentially save some weight by replacing the ballhead with something lighter. 

[albertknappmd]

Gitzo traveler with RRS 54 ballhead...

[MarkP]

Similar:

 

Gitzo GT1545T Traveller (and it's very convenient over-the-shoulder strap).

Returned the outstanding Acratec GP-SS head because the legs didn't fold correctly over it thus compromising it's compactness.

Went back to the supplied head which works just fine.

I chose the 1 series tripods because I wanted a bit more height than the 0 series offered.

[Ozytripper]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Wow looks like everyone has a Gitzo - making me the cheapskate

I was actually tempted by the Gitzo 1545 traveler but the price freaked me out, for something I rarely use.  

[CJJon]

Here is what I use. Cheap, old, and defies gravity.

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

[DaveNC]

I use the Gitzo GT0545T Series 0 Traveler Carbon Fiber Tripod with my M-D.  It's light, folds and travels well, and is very sturdy with a small RRS ball head and the Leica.  I recommend it.  I also have a tall Gitzo Carbon Fiber tripod I've used for about 17 years.  It travels poorly though as it doesn't fold small.  I would use that when convenient as it is taller and really stable.  Over the decades I've used less expensive tripods and find these Gitzo Carbon Fiber units to be well worth the cost and they stand up to very heavy usage.

Edited October 30, 2017 by DaveNC

[m2man]

I got a Schonfeld KF6615T Small Carbon Fiber Tripod.  1.8 lbs or something silly.  It's REALLY nice and was only a whole $150.  I think my ball head weighs more than the tripod.  We'll see how long it lasts, but easily as nice as my huge Gitzo.

[tobey bilek]

Gitzo Reporter with 3 section legs.  Camera reaches eye level without using center section which one really should NEVER use.   I have a 3" one that can replace the long one.

 

Mine looks similar to the one in post #1.

 

Gitzo Rocks, at least it did.  

[MarkP]

Ozytripper,

 

if you decide on a Gitzo, there is an excellent and cheap dealer in Australia whom can recommend. 

PM me if you want the details.

 

Regards,

MArk

[Tailwagger]

Gitzo Mountaineer 2 series, 3 section, CF for the last half decade.   Perhaps overkill for an M, but light, well made and reasonably compact given its maximum shooting height.

[LocalHero1953]

Another one with the Gitzo GT0545T, but mine with a Markins Q3T head, which is lighter than the Gitzo head usually matched to that tripod.

[Peter H]

An old 3-section carbon fibre Gitzo with an Arca Swiss P0 head, the best head for a Leica I've ever used. When using the tripod I put an M10-specific RRS L- base on the camera. And an old-fashioned Nikon cable release. It's the perfect set up for me.

 

A new Gitzo would be lighter by maybe a third but I don't carry it around very much.

Edited October 30, 2017 by Peter H

[ru2far2c]

I am a sucker for gadgets - sometimes and I can't seem to resist a product with a USP (unique selling proposition

 

I have had a Velbon Tripod since my first SLR in 1973 but was looking to upgrade recently.

 

Just bought this China Made Desk top tripod as I left my Leica Desktop in Melbourne. Reason for the purchase decision? Apart from being very flexible - 3 height settings, well made and well priced (compared to the well known western Brands) I was shown a photo of an 85kg man standing on it despite the fact that it was only rated at 2kg. Also comes with a leather holster (looks like a pistol holster)

 

This is  my second Fotopro brand tripod. This first one is my TL74C with a Unique Ball head. This setup is stable enough for 25kg (if I'd remembered correctly) should be stable enough for my M10  Bought the optional hard case as well -good for transportation as check in luggage. 

 

My third tripod is a carbon fibre travel tripod weighing at only 600g. Lightest tripod I could find that has reasonable height. It is not very stable when fully extended. More useable with the centre column removed but I lose some height then. The other alternative is to use the 10 second timer to avoid shake caused by activating the shutter trigger. This only comes in a sling bag.

 

Photos of the Fotopro tripods attached (Disclaimer: I have no association with any of the tripod brands mentioned)

I've got a Gitzo G1327, Mefoto and leica desktop tripod. Have had the Gitzo with arca tech ballhead and leica for a long time. Got the mefoto for travel trying to downsize and found it is not that stable when extended to full height. As you have found your to be the same way. You get what you pay for in some cases.

 

I use use the gitzo more often than not when a tripod is needed. It's a little much to carry around, yet it is solid when it is put to use.

[jmahto]

No one uses RRS TFC-14?

 

It is on my GAS list.

[pgk]

I now own 4 x Gitzos. My oldest was bought secondhand in 1980 for £38 I think. Its still working fine despite a lot of use which has included putting the lower leg section in the sea. Its just starting to crack around the top leg pivots. Gitzos are very robust and long lived tripods. Need I say more?

[Jeff S]

No one uses RRS TFC-14?

 

It is on my GAS list.

If you mean TQC-14, yes I have one. And a TVC-24L.

 

But I've yet to use either with the M10.... too much fun handheld.

 

Jeff

[Advertisement]

Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[JusBL@zE]

No one uses RRS TFC-14?

 

It is on my GAS list.

 

I have the RRS TQC-14 for a long time, but I recently converted it into a TFC-14.  I was not fond of the center column.