Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2003/06/10
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Alastair Firkin <firkin@ncable.net.au> said: > If you visit the Colorado River at Horseshoe bend, be prepared for a > wide angle shot ;-) > hand held -- the tripods cannot get close enough to the edge Sure they can, Alastair. You just have to be brave! I have shot the same view with a 4x5, which must be mounted on a tripod. An 80mm is barely wide enough, and 72 or shorter would be better. Here is the tripod strategy I used: Gitzo 1227 tripod with Acratech ballhead. Extend one leg fully, and swivel to "flat" position. The other two legs are fully retracted, and in normal "upright" position. (ie. tripod is very low, with one leg stuck out really far.) Mount camera away from edge, and roughly position. Make sure all adjustments and clamps are firmly tightened. Move to edge. The two short legs go a couple of inches back from the edge. Long leg extends far back. Put heavy backpack on top of long leg! Camera sits precariously over void. On knees, approach camera. Adjust view by moving camera on ballhead. Tighten ballhead! Check focus with loupe. Close down lens. Set exposure (most dangerous part, as it involves leaning forward to read shutter markings). Insert film holder. Wait for @#%@* boats to clear out! Release shutter. Pick up the whole assembly, and move away from edge. See, it's not so bad! later, Mike - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html