Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/11/14

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Subject: [Leica] Re: Ball- vs. 3-way head
From: Douglas Cooper <douglas@metaversalstudios.com>
Date: Tue, 14 Nov 2000 18:30:14 -0500

At 10:26 AM 11/14/00 -0800, you wrote:
>What kind of head do you suggest : a 3 way or a ball head? I also
>intend to use it with my 4x5 field camera.
>Thanks in advance for your advice.


Bernard, lots of large format photogs seem to favor the Arca Swiss ball, 
but I can't for the life of me figure out why anyone would want a ballhead 
for 4x5.  For a Leica, the smallest Giottos ballhead is probably your best 
bet, and inexpensive; I'd then add a 3-way head for your 4x5.  You really 
do want separate and intuitive adjustments for all three axes.  I use the 
Gitzo 3-way, to save a pound or two, but the industry standard is the Bogen 
(I think it's the 3047?)  The Bogen is much cheaper, and has levels -- a 
big plus.  Bogen has a new model out that may or may not be better than 
this giant honker:  it has recessed adjustment arms, and weighs a bit 
less.  But the other is tried and proven -- every nature photographer on 
the planet seems to have one.  These two heads should set you back just 
over $100.  You'll want to add a quick release device to the Giottos to 
match your Bogen (in fact, this may be reason enough to get the new Bogen 
3-way -- the old one has that oddball hex plate).

cheers,


Doug