[LargeFormat] Large Format in Rome, Italy

[Clive Warren]

>Clive,
>
>So this would be about how long all packed?  I have a Manfrotto 190 (?) that
>I use for 35mm work but found it to be a little light for 4x5... is your
>Velbon similar and do you have any tricks to keep it steady (ier)?
>
>Brock

Brock,

The Velbon is 1' 9" long and I also have a Manfrotto 190 which is 2' 3" long.

The Welbon is a fairly "squat" tripod and is actually a bit more 
stable than the Manfrotto. I prefer the Manfrotto is some ways as it 
is a little bit taller but the Velbon is still one of the best 
tripods I own.

To make the plots a little more stable I hang the camera bag around 
the tripod when necessary. I am not totally convinced by the leg 
arrangement on the Manfrotto - it could do with more bracing between 
the legs - this is the main reason that the Velbon is more stable. 
Adding more weight in terms of a LF camera and glass to the top of 
the 190 doesn't help make it more stable - it simply places the legs 
under more lateral tension and gives them more bounce!

The Velbon is fairly old and the newer versions of the same tripod 
contain a lot of plastic and are not as stable.  There are however a 
few higher end Velbons that are rather attractive....

The most stable tripods I own are a top end (huge) Manfrotto and a 
couple of Majestics. Not the sort of things to take on board an 
aircraft - if they would allow it which I very much doubt.

So, the Velbon still rules for 4x5 and I'm sure that model was only 
intended for 35mm and Super8 cine film use.

Cheers,
        Clive