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  #1  
Old 17th July 2014, 12:29 PM
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Default Can anyone recommend a wooden tripod?

I've been tempted to replace my 55 Manfrotto with a wooden tripod to suit large format up to at least 10x8. I've read about the likes of berlebach and ries and even bought a Wolf tripod, but had to send it back to ffordes as it wasn't the one they said it was. Any others?
Some of you must use them so what is the go to variety? And where do you buy new in the UK? I was only able to find some berlebach at RK and Mr cad, but just the smaller ones as far as I could see.
I know carbon fibre is an option but I like the idea of wood... and I suspect it's cheaper.
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Old 17th July 2014, 12:57 PM
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Had my eye on a Berlebach but didn't do it. You can buy online direct from them in Germany.

http://www.berlebach.de/?bereich=pro...prache=english
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Old 17th July 2014, 01:00 PM
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I have a Berlebach UNI16C. Built like a tank but very large and heavy.

I bought mine direct from Berlebach online but of course if you want to see one first this is not an option. If you are coming to any fadu meets I would be happy to bring it along.
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Old 17th July 2014, 02:33 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Xpres View Post
I know carbon fibre is an option but I like the idea of wood... and I suspect it's cheaper.
How much are you willing to spend on a tripod? A good carbon one will cost you around Ł600 but it will be much lighter to carry around. I'm most satisfied with my Manfrotto MT057C3-G. Although a wooden tripod is a better match to a wooden camera; mine is a 'modern' metal one.
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Old 17th July 2014, 03:21 PM
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Gandolfi is very stable and remarkably easy to carry considering its weight. The leather handle is positioned perfectly for the job.

richard
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Old 17th July 2014, 03:44 PM
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Originally Posted by richardw View Post
Gandolfi is very stable and remarkably easy to carry considering its weight. The leather handle is positioned perfectly for the job.

richard
The weakness of the Gandolfi tripods is the single wing nut that locks the tilt of the head. They'd be fine with a light weight smaller British camera perhaps but mine's not stable enough to trust using with my 10x8 Agfa Ansco Commerical View camera.

Ian
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Old 17th July 2014, 04:38 PM
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I hadn't thought of an old Gandolfi, but the heaviest I have is a 10x8 MPP which would be too much for it I think given Ian's comment, although that's not really what it'll be for.
The Uni Berlebach of Barry's looks like the kind of thing I want and I like the leveling ball thing built in so easy to use without a head sometimes. Seems to almost as expensive as the carbon fibre one though. I have old and new cameras made from wood through to plastic so how it looks isn't a big deal. It just needs to be jack of all trades and not break the bank. That said the wooden ones do look nicer than fibre.
Thanks for the pointers. I may have to ship one in from Germany.
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Old 17th July 2014, 07:49 PM
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Default Wooden tripod

I have, and use several wooden tripods.The Ries tripod and head beats every one hands down. Expensive but superb stability and quality.Robert White used to sell them,but not sure if they do now.
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Old 17th July 2014, 09:20 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lostlabours View Post
The weakness of the Gandolfi tripods is the single wing nut that locks the tilt of the head. They'd be fine with a light weight smaller British camera perhaps but mine's not stable enough to trust using with my 10x8 Agfa Ansco Commerical View camera.

Ian
It's a very strong grip from that wing nut. I use a Kodak Model B on mine regularly and that is quite a big camera and certainly not a lightweight. I've never had it move when it shouldn't...

richard
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Old 18th July 2014, 03:59 PM
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Is there any good wood tripod outside Ries ones ?
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