In college I worked at the Media Lab checking out equipment to students. Most students would not take the tripod because was so heavy. It showed.
@AtlantaTerry3 жыл бұрын
When I'm using my monorail Cambo out in the field with a 300mm f/5.6 Rodenstock + a compendium, I have a fairly heavy rig. What works well for this is a Manfrotto video tripod. The 75mm ball head allows for easy adjustment of all axis of the camera.
@mjones4104 жыл бұрын
Enjoying the vids MM. the Sunwayphoto GH-PROII geared head changed my life, no more ball heads :) It's perfect for 4x5, arca swiss, metal gears and metal construction, compact, light and inexpensive :)
@MatMarrash4 жыл бұрын
Thanks Matt! Geared heads and a good quick release system can make all the difference.
@linusjohansson33793 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the information! I was wondering if that head had the capacity for 4x5.
@maxshootsfilm3063 жыл бұрын
wen you talked about the big old aluminium tripods that "doesn't often leave the studio", I instinctively looked over to my old Linhof tripod that I use in the deep forest and had with me whilst climbing over and under trees! then again I use a Sinar norma as a field camera! grate video as always
@MatMarrash3 жыл бұрын
Awesome workout plan!!
@douglaswells27393 жыл бұрын
A good friend gave me a Majestic gear head just like yours. Planning on getting back into 4x5 so glad to see it gets good marks.
@MatMarrash3 жыл бұрын
They're super reliable heads, but in the case of a 4x5 kit the head might be heavier!
@dorothykloss5303 Жыл бұрын
I just received my new-to-me Majestic 1200. I couldn't be more excited. My old Bogen - Manfrotto, just wasn't cutting it. So, again, I say thank you so much for all your videos & friendship!!! I don't know if I'll get the quick release yet or not. It seems to go on pretty easily. Happy Image Making!!! I might have a Ries head for sale somehow, somewhere
@aag244 жыл бұрын
This is great, Mat. Good old Professor Jeff! Remember him from FPP. I have an incredibly heavy “Velbo” tripod which is difficult to move. I’ve got to save up. I managed to get a Sinar P2 (a professional was retiring so I got it cheap).
@aag244 жыл бұрын
Oh my question is where is the best place to buy (cheap) 2nd hand equipment. Bearing in mind I’m in Europe (UK). Forums or eBay or dealers?
@MatMarrash4 жыл бұрын
Hefty tripods and Sinar P2's are two incredibly heavy peas in a pod. Somewhere around here I've still got an old Bogen monster tripod that came with my Sinar. Too beastly to move across the studio, let alone outside!
@MatMarrash4 жыл бұрын
My go-to for LF related gear is the Large Format Photography Forum. You have to be a member for at least 30 days to Buy/Sell/Trade, but there are often UK & EU sales at great prices.
@Labattfartoui3 жыл бұрын
I'm not a large format shooter, but very glad I watched the video. I really like that Novoflex Q.
@erichartke43312 жыл бұрын
Great video. I just bought my first 4x5 a Crown Graphic. I have a Manfrotto 055 aluminum tripod with a ball head I have used for years! I plan to keep the legs and maybe get a 3 way head. Your video was very helpful.
@MatMarrash2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Eric! Non-ball heads are strongly recommended with a Crown Graphic. Cheers!
@erichartke43312 жыл бұрын
@@MatMarrash I got a used Manfrotto 804RC2 tonight I couldn't be happier!
@andyvan56923 жыл бұрын
great video, and nice geared head, see these on a lot of older 4x5 videos, and you have explained why, esp. if the camera is a mono-rail design, and with extensions and aux standards, a very hard thing to tilt, or move around easily. Also you forgot one maker of note Ries Tripods, they make a special setup, the head has an ultra large square top, and oversize friction locks, so even your 8x10" can be held/manuvered without a worry, and vintage style twin wood dowel style legs, for those retro fanatics out there. another option is some heads Linhof make themselves, for their cardan and colour series mono-rail cameras, and the ultra slick one that is displayed in the M679 videos, same retro look as the camera style, and ultra precise, as are all Linhof products.
@terrywbreedlove2 жыл бұрын
Before next summers shooting seasons starts I have to get a gear head
@AtlantaTerry3 жыл бұрын
If you are going to attach a large format camera to a tripod, ball head, quick release, etc. please use the larger 3/8" screw, not the smaller 1/4" one.
@MatMarrash3 жыл бұрын
Or better yet, get a big 'ole Arca-Swiss plate that allows you multiple attachment points!
@67jmadison4 жыл бұрын
Another wonderful video, Mat! Admittedly, tripods have been necessary but they've more or less been an afterthought. I should look up the stats of my tripod and possibly look into a different head for it. Thanks!
@MatMarrash4 жыл бұрын
It's one of those little things that can add up to a frustrating experience if not taken into consideration.
@jamesthorpe87964 жыл бұрын
Thanks for this series, Mat... very helpful. I think you've just convinced me to get a geared head. I don't have an 8x10 but I do have a monster of a 4x5 Graflex RB fitted with a weighty Aero Ektar. My ball head adjustments are getting pretty treacherous. (BTW, you may need to re-title this series to Large Hair Format Friday.) Cheers, James
@MatMarrash4 жыл бұрын
Thanks James. Oh man, an RB Graflex with Aero Ektar, that's awesome! Precision is key with the DOF from that aerial beast of a lens.
@AtlantaTerry3 жыл бұрын
James, I also have a 4x5" RB Auto Graflex so have some idea what you mean. I also have a Mamiya RB-67 system. Both have the same problem: your head needs to be above the camera in order to focus and compose. That means no matter how high up your lens is, your head needs to be about 2 feet above that so you can lean over to see the ground glass. This is why some people have adapted their RB Graflex cameras to accept a prism from a Mamiya RB-67. What I don't know if those are the 4x5" RB Graflex or the smaller 3x4.
@carbo732 жыл бұрын
@@AtlantaTerry there are some ground glass adapters for the RB Auto Graflex, so you don't have to do this kind of equilibriums. Then in fact you are using a reflex Graflex just like a normal Speed Graphic, but hey...
@gencofilmco4 жыл бұрын
Very helpful. Thank you.
@MatMarrash4 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@randallstewart1753 жыл бұрын
IMO a ball head is useless for cameras larger than 35mm or a similar digital. Sooner or later, they will always slip, and out of the box they cannot hold the weight of a long telephoto. As a practical matter, why would you want to try to make fine formatting adjustments in three dimensions at one time, since the hold mess is either locked or not. I use mainly a Pentax 67 system, supported by Manfrotto geared three-way head (smaller 410 model). For a view camera, you'd need the full sized version.
@TimFitzwater4 жыл бұрын
My studio probably has a tripod collection that costed more than my 5DIV when they were all bought new + inflation. The main studio one I believe is from the 4x5 era here - single pole, foot controls, gear head... I never touch it even though I now own it! But I am prepared when I finally make the leap. As I said in one of your other videos I’m very interested in jumping in and lucky to have a drawer of 4x5 holders. I have to be honest though - with my modern digital cameras I rarely bring the tripod if I’m not shooting waterfalls or video! ISO 640 is pretty dang clean on a 5DIV and diffraction kicks in pretty bad on most of the modern lenses at super tiny apertures.
@MatMarrash4 жыл бұрын
I totally get that! Sometimes it feels ridiculous putting my Fujifilm mirrorless camera on my large format ready tripods, but it's definitely not going anywhere. I still think tripods have their place in super high res 50+ MP cameras and 6K+ cinematography.
@marknevillestudioАй бұрын
Thanks for the videos, Mat. I use a Toyo 810M field camera and make portraits outdoors, very quickly, usually under stress. I need a new tripod head and tripod, and have a chance to get an Arca Swiss Cube very inexpensively, or a Majestic head. All things being equal pricewise, which would you recommend? Thanks! Mark
@stevewilliamson72644 жыл бұрын
Solid video. Learned a bunch. But, you should have ended with...Get a frickin' tripod!
@MatMarrash4 жыл бұрын
A missed opportunity!
@vangstr2 жыл бұрын
Can you please explain what type of tripods will accept column lock heads??? That’s the real mystery to me. Most tripods I find always have a little screw atop to receive or a female/male screw. Thanks again.
@MatMarrash2 жыл бұрын
Great point Teng! The Majestic I use came with a column to 3/8" adapter so I was able to instantly mount it to a modern tripod. Otherwise, you'll need a machined adapter or older Majestic tripod to mount it.
@burnhamny3 жыл бұрын
great info and awesome hair - I'm jealous. :P
@MatMarrash3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Mark! :D
@davidduffy9806 Жыл бұрын
Do you ever ask Capt Doug of SV Seeker advice on photography?
@chriscard65444 ай бұрын
I agree use a tripod
@gabrysgabriukas2 жыл бұрын
I just realized that my large format cameras front is wiggling a bit when I push quick release. that's not good need better tripod.
@MarkHickford4 жыл бұрын
Christ, do you have to build scaffold to hold that hair up? haha
@MatMarrash4 жыл бұрын
I have a rule, once my hair product budget outpaces my film chemistry budget, it's time for a haircut!
@MarkHickford4 жыл бұрын
@@MatMarrash interesting way of working out when is the right time for a haircut! Most people go on length (time or hair)! Haha Keep up the great work on these videos! Much appreciated for newbies in large format, like myself.
@davehanner360 Жыл бұрын
Hey Mat, is there a current day source for the Majestic to regular tripod adapter?
@MatMarrash Жыл бұрын
Hey Dave! DIY'd adapters find their way onto eBay from time to time. A few years back there was a guy on the Large Format Forum offering them cheap, though I don't know if he's still doing those as one-of's.
@andrehoyos42182 жыл бұрын
I’m looking to build a similar set up. I found an affordable used Induro ctc303 that comes with a ball head. I’d like to upgrade the head to a geared for my 4x5 intrepid(not that it needs a heavy duty but in case I upgrade to 8x10 eventually) and found a majestic that fits a 1.5” mounting post. What is the mounting post you used for the majestic to fit so nicely? Great channel btw!
@gtivr44 жыл бұрын
Any general suggestions for a used carbon fiber set of legs without a center column that is good for hiking and a lighter 4x5 setup (Intrepid and Crown Graphic)? Thanks
@MatMarrash4 жыл бұрын
Hey Nathan, thanks for your question. Gitzo and Really Right Stuff have several no-column options, but Induro also makes on in their lineup, their GIT series.
@bitbonk3 жыл бұрын
I used a ball head with a Linhof Technicardan S45 outdoors. I lended all gear from a friend. Even though the Technicardan is probably a 4x5 camera that is comparably light and small (?) I always had a hard time setting the camera up. I always had to hold the whole camera with my one arm when the ball head was loose and then somehow keep an eye on the three bubble levels and then quickly tighten the head once all three bubble levels were level. That always was somewhat cumbersome. I see you are using ball heads too? Don’t you have this problem? It makes me wonder whether I did something wrong. Disclaimer: I am somewhat new to large format photography’s.
@MatMarrash3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the comment and question! I'm not the biggest fan of using the ballhead, but for weight restrictions during travel it makes sense. That cumbersome task of holding with one hand and adjusting with the other is par for the course with ballheads. Even the ones that have super high capacity and tension adjustments I have trust issues.
@bitbonk3 жыл бұрын
@@MatMarrash I am currently in the process of setting up a 4x5 travel kit. My camera will be the Chamonix C45F2 which is pretty light. Would you recommend a ball head for it?
@MatMarrash3 жыл бұрын
@@bitbonk If you do go with a ballhead, make sure it's got a lot of capacity and a tension adjustment in addition to a ball lock. Leofoto is making some really strong ballheads for the price right now.
@stevenbaum33782 жыл бұрын
Hello: I'm brand new to Large format photography and have just purchased a kit that includes a Shen-Hao 4x5 camera with 3 lenses (58mm, 120mm and 210mm Scneider lenses). I believe the camera weighs approximately 5 lbs. I'm looking to buy a tripod ( approximately a 40 lb. weight limit) as well as a geared head. What weight limit minimum would you recommend for the geared head? Should it also have a 40 lb. limit? Thanks, Steve B.
@darrylroberts41524 жыл бұрын
I look forward to Fridays thanks to this. Majestics have a bigger hole than most current tripods, how do you get around that?
@MatMarrash4 жыл бұрын
Hey Darryl thanks for the question and comment! I was fortunate to have my Majestic come with a base adapter, but there is an eBay seller based out of California that custom machines them. Even factoring for the cost of an adapter, these are quite a bit less expensive than other heavy duty geared heads.
@darrylroberts41524 жыл бұрын
@@MatMarrash Can you point me to the eBay seller? Thank you.
@@MatMarrash Thank you. I suggest a tutorial on "Bellows Extension" I learned it the hard way (underexposure).
@MatMarrash4 жыл бұрын
@@darrylroberts4152 You must be a mind reader because one of those is slated for the channel in the coming weeks!
@burnhamny3 жыл бұрын
I have an enormous old Majestic tripod with a geared head. Like yours, the head mounts on a tube, not a 1/4" threaded rod. Are there modern heads that mount that way?
@burnhamny3 жыл бұрын
at 5:52 you mounted the Majestic head on a modern tripod (I think). How did you do that?
@MatMarrash3 жыл бұрын
Hey Mark, the Majestic head came with a machined adapter that takes the tube down to 3/8". If you have access to a machine shop, the tube size is 1 7/8".
@zerihunhailu89223 жыл бұрын
Hello Matt, is this possible to use your magestic tripod head with your sinar monorail?
@MatMarrash3 жыл бұрын
Hi and thanks for the question. While it is possible to fit the Sinar on the Majestic head, I wouldn't recommend it due to the overall height of the head. The Sinar rail clamp + rails raise up the center of gravity of the camera and the already tall Majestic head raises that further. This is why I prefer to use the shorter, stronger Sinar Pan Tilt head for the Sinar P2.
@zerihunhailu89223 жыл бұрын
@@MatMarrash thank you for the response and very informative video. This days it's difficult to find the sinar pan and tilt head
@justinsievers27566 ай бұрын
Your hair seems to defy gravity...
@AtlantaTerry3 жыл бұрын
I want to add a quick release plate to the bottom of my 4x5" Chamonix because it is a pain in the butt to attach to my tripod using only the 3/8" screw. I am thinking of an Arca Swiss plate on the camera with a matching lock atop my Gitzo tripod. Any thoughts? Is there a better brand of a QR kit for a large format camera?
@MatMarrash3 жыл бұрын
Hey Terry thanks for the question! I'm currently using the Novoflex system and love it. There's a bunch out there from Smallrig at the lower price end, Novoflex and Arca-Swiss on the high end, and folks like Benro, Leofoto, and Manfrotto in the middle.
@michaelmartinez60333 жыл бұрын
I have an Arca-Swiss P0 with a Really right stuff lever clamp attached to the head Arca-Swiss head. I have a Really Right Stuff rail attached to the base of my 4x5. Great combo. I originally used this set-up for my DSLR and it can hold a Full frame DSLR with a large 800mm tele no prob. You do sacrifice some of the precise axis turns for the portability. The pano feature of the P0 and the levels on the 4x5 get around this and it works great for me.
@smokybear75113 жыл бұрын
You guys need to go through army boot camp. No whining allowed. Ha Ha.
@Machster103 жыл бұрын
Do you prefer a center column type tripod for 8x10 ?
@MatMarrash3 жыл бұрын
Good question! Although my tripod does have one, it's not something I use or need often in shooting large format. The largest benefit I find to having the column is I have an extra column ready with the head and clamp for my Sinar P2; this makes switching from field to studio shooting pretty fast.
@Machster103 жыл бұрын
@@MatMarrash Thanks for helpful response. So what is the preferred tripod for field use of 8x10. I dont understand the studio thing just trying to get your take on field use? center column?
@MatMarrash3 жыл бұрын
@@Machster10 in my opinion the center column becomes less helpful the heavier the camera is. Since most of my field work is done with a hefty 8x10 camera, it barely sees any use. More than likely my next tripod will not have a center column and instead have a wider base. Tripod-wise, it's great, I always recommend more carrying capacity than any other feature.
@Machster103 жыл бұрын
@@MatMarrash Why is the center column not useful in the field or the heavier the camera gets? I dont understand that. I have an old Arca Swiss 5x7 that pretty heavy. Currently using an old Bogen Manfrotto with a replaced Arca ball head for the 10lb tilt pan head. This tripod has a center column. It is sooo heavy I hate it! Its probably an old studio tripod but why would I not want to be able to raise and. lower the camera with the column? Isnt it a pain to adjust the legs all the time? Confused here. When you are in the field don't you value a center column to lift up the camera instead of having to take the heavy camera off the tripod, turn the tripod upside down and adjust the legs, the repeat over and over to get the right height? Looking for a heavy duty tripod that does not weigh so much. Does anyone make a heavy duty tripod with carbon legs and carbon center column ?
@vasyapupken4 жыл бұрын
you are making good videos. if you want more views/subs try to name it somewhat more searchable. include "4x5" and/or "film photography" in title.