Tripod for MF help?

[noonoomac]

Can anyone help with a tripod query? I have a Mamiya RB67 (on loan) and have just realised that it isn't going to fit my tripod. My tripod is a Libec T68 (a video tripod essentially - but fairly heavyweight) I previously thought all tripods were the same. What should I be looking for in a tripod for this camera? I'm using it on location btw.

Having read your previous posts on portraiture and the waist level finder I'm now feeling depressed as, guess what? I'm doing some portraits and I have the WLF. Any advice most welcome.

[mediaman]

Have you got your own transport? portability is the thing.
got a car, then a good tripod {manfrotto or gitzo ]is what you need.weight=sturdyness [Usually] that is unless you buy a carbon fiber or magnesium. The good thing about the later is they are as strong as "normal" tripods.... but a lot lighter.so trecking upon moors/mountains is not as tiring.
you will also need a sturdy head for your tripod, and fitting a quickrelease adapter will pay dividends in saving time.
I myself, use a Benbo mk5 {now discontinued] with a manfrotto 222 [ pistolgrip type]head.
this has supported my rb67 with 250mm lens ok.[just] and my other lenses no bother. hope this helps.

[noonoomac]

Hi - yes I have got transport. Thanks for your advice on tripods.
Probably should have said in previous post that it is the actual screw thread that is too big for my tripod - are there two different sizes?

[beejaybee]

Probably should have said in previous post that it is the actual screw thread that is too big for my tripod - are there two different sizes?

Yes. 1/4" and 3/8". It's possible to get adapters, the ones that convert a 1/4" threaded screw to 3/8" are more convenient for obvious reasons ... if you need to fit a 1/4" threaded camera to a tripod with a 3/8" threaded screw, you're goint to need something with some thickness - in that case it's probably best to buy a quick release holder & plate rather than a plain adapter.

[OneTen]

Can anyone help with a tripod query? I have a Mamiya RB67 (on loan) and have just realised that it isn't going to fit my tripod. My tripod is a Libec T68 (a video tripod essentially - but fairly heavyweight) I previously thought all tripods were the same. What should I be looking for in a tripod for this camera? I'm using it on location btw.

The RB has a 3/8" tripod socket and will take an adapter to reduce it doen to 1/4" (this was spplied with the camera when new) but they cost next to nothing.

Having read your previous posts on portraiture and the waist level finder I'm now feeling depressed as, guess what? I'm doing some portraits and I have the WLF. Any advice most welcome.

There's nothing to worry about. With the rotating back of the RB you can swap between landscape and portrait without having to tilt the camera on its side. A WLF reverses the image laterally and it takes a bit of getting used to, but once you are used to it there aren't any problems.

[Rhys]

What's wrong with using the WLF for portraits? Rotate the back... Not the camera...

I just used to pop up the magnifier and hand hold mine if there was enough light or if I had it connected to a flash.

[noonoomac]

The problem is purely the fact that the image is reversed. I'm sure I'll get used to it.