Help with tripod needed

[Matthew_Brown]

I am considering buying a tripod for my Fuji S5700 camera off ebay (i don't want anything brilliant), one like this, Ebay tripiod . I see on the images that there is the standard "screw" type thing, but there is also a small plastic peice, which i can see obstructing any camera from screwing on.

Any help?

[beejaybee]

If you mean the little peg sticking up next to the threaded screw to which the camera attaches ... these are common on budget tripods, there is a spring underneath so the peg pushes down when the screw is tightened. Can't see the point but lots of them have it! The little peg is usually metal, though.

I won't say I recommend this tripod as in my experience any tripod under £50 is a waste of money (being not rigid enough to do its job) but I don't think you'll have any problem fixing your camera to it.

[El_Sid]

...Can't see the point but lots of them have it! The little peg is usually metal, though...

I bought a QR plate for my 055 Manfrotto at Focus, that too had a metal peg (not sprung loaded) that has to be removed for use with still cameras. The wording in the istructions inferred that it has some function when using video cameras...........though what I can't imagine...

[El_Sid]

From what I can see of the picture (the page won't open properly for me) it looks very similar to a cheapo one I have in the boot of the car. I use mine with my Panasonic compact but even then I'd rate it as merely adequate and only as long as there is little or no wind...

For serious work I'd look for something a little more solid...

[Burgy]

...Can't see the point but lots of them have it! The little peg is usually metal, though...

It is a locating pin for pro-spec video cameras, to prevent the video camera twisting or sliding on the mount as the camera is panned, something that tends to be a little more important with broadcast quality video. However the one on the tripod shown is in the wrong place for that. May be consumer video cameras have it in a different place?

[Gordon_McGeachie]

I won't say I recommend this tripod as in my experience any tripod under £50 is a waste of money (being not rigid enough to do its job) but I don't think you'll have any problem fixing your camera to it.

Is that in todays money or does it include around 25 years ago?

I ask because I have a stitz tripod that I bought in Bangor Wales back in 1983 for £40. In those days I used the Minolta X700 with motor drive and a Tamron 500 mirror lens and also a Bronica ETRS in the studio and it took the weight fine

I still use it now with my Minolta Dynax 7d and Sony A700 with my Sigma 400 attached.

[Benchista]

Is that in todays money or does it include around 25 years ago?

Today's money.

I don't think tripods have got cheaper in real terms the way that cameras have ... but then a good tripod will probably last a lifetime.

Not to the same extent, perhaps, but they don't seem to have gone up much in the last 10-15 years.

[beejaybee]

Is that in todays money or does it include around 25 years ago?

Today's money.

I don't think tripods have got cheaper in real terms the way that cameras have ... but then a good tripod will probably last a lifetime.

I don't know the Stitz but if it stands up to a motor driven film SLR with a 500mm lens on it without quaking like a jelly it's pretty good at any price!

[Gordon_McGeachie]

Is that in todays money or does it include around 25 years ago?

Today's money.

I don't think tripods have got cheaper in real terms the way that cameras have ... but then a good tripod will probably last a lifetime.

Not to the same extent, perhaps, but they don't seem to have gone up much in the last 10-15 years.

I look at the prices of tripods that are around today and shudder at the cost.

[mediaman]

Ok Boys'n'Girls, What's Your tripod.....and why.
Got a 074, a bolex [5x4 work] but most used is my Benbo mk5
a "scaffolding pole type construction."A choice of heads inc gitzo rational #2 and P.L.5 , A 3inch b/s. and my fav... manfrotto 222

[Gordon_McGeachie]

I looked at prices for the Benbo range, you pay over £100 and still have to buy a seperate head..............

[Benchista]

Well my Manfrotto 190B cost £84 (without head) in 1993. Just checked the price of the rather superior latest model, the 190X Pro B, and guess what? It's £84 without head. Decent tripods are cheaper now in real terms than they've ever been, and it amazes me that people will spend thousands on cameras and lenses and then baulk at paying say £150 for a reasonable support. Strikes me as a bit barmy, TBH.

[Rhys]

I've just bought a Giottos tripod with ball head for £130.00 I had a Benbo Trekker MKIII kit with small ball head which cost me £70 second hand (retails for £100 ish new). The Benbo was great for putting the camera in any position I needed but was a pain to set up - also the leg clamps weren't that solid plus it wasn't up to the weight of my camera. The Giottos is a heavyish tripod but is rock solid and the ball head is so smooth and doesn't move once tightened - even with the weight of my camera (D1x). I had a look at CF tripods but are they sturdy enough not to move? I know there are three factors with tripods - weight - sturdyness - price (have I got this right?) and you often loose one factor in favour of the other two. I reckon the £130 price mark is about average for a good tripod nowadays.