Tripod for photographing documents with horizontal arm to replace Manfrotto 3021 BPRO

[CWMMWC]

Hi everyone,

I am interested in replacing my Manfrotto 3021 BPRO. I use it for lots of things and it's been good. But it's heavy and long.

I am a historian and the feature I need the most is a horizontal arm so that I can photograph documents while doing research. The Manfrotto does this exceptionally well, but since I take it traveling it's bulk can be a pain.

Are there lighter weight alternatives that anyone can recommend? I have read various forum posts, learned a little about some of the Giottos, the Mountaineer, and others.

I am grateful for any recommendations.

Thanks

 

[yodog]

Manfrotto MT055CXPRO3 Carbon Fiber Tripod

• Load Capacity: 19.8 lb
• Max Height: 66.9"
• Min Height: 3.5"
• Folded Length: 24"
• Leg Sections: 3
• Weight: 4.4 lb

Manfrotto MT055CXPRO4 Carbon Fiber Tripod

• Load Capacity: 19.8 lb
• Max Height: 66.9"
• Min Height: 3.5"
• Folded Length: 21.3"
• Leg Sections: 4
• Weight: 4.6 lb

 

[Craig Gillette]

There are also horizontal arms available separately or set to attach to a tripod head (B&H has a wide variety but names and catalog locations are a bit hard to describe - exploring works ) . This could allow you to select a suitable tripod and then go for an arm without needing to stay within the more limited set of tilting post tripods.

Note that you can't get away from the weight issue easily because you'll still need to balance the off center load in use.

 

[BBbuilder467]

Hi everyone,

I am interested in replacing my Manfrotto 3021 BPRO. I use it for lots of things and it's been good. But it's heavy and long.

I am a historian and the feature I need the most is a horizontal arm so that I can photograph documents while doing research. The Manfrotto does this exceptionally well, but since I take it traveling it's bulk can be a pain.

Are there lighter weight alternatives that anyone can recommend? I have read various forum posts, learned a little about some of the Giottos, the Mountaineer, and others.

I am grateful for any recommendations.

Thanks

Benro has a complete line of the tripods with the horizontal column. Some are under 3# and compress to @18".

I think they are called the GoTravel tripods and use the GA and GC designation. They have all sizes and materials, as well as a choice of twist-lock or flip-lock.

I have Benro/Induro/Mefoto gear, but not that design.

 

[Cliff Fujii]

Hi everyone,

I am interested in replacing my Manfrotto 3021 BPRO. I use it for lots of things and it's been good. But it's heavy and long.

I am a historian and the feature I need the most is a horizontal arm so that I can photograph documents while doing research. The Manfrotto does this exceptionally well, but since I take it traveling it's bulk can be a pain.

Are there lighter weight alternatives that anyone can recommend? I have read various forum posts, learned a little about some of the Giottos, the Mountaineer, and others.

I am grateful for any recommendations.

Thanks

you might try to get a Nikon PF-4 Repro-Copy Outfit. If you are copying single sheets of paper an electrostatic board would also be handy. The Nikon PFC-2 is a copying stand that has a wooden case for it. If you are serious about doing copy work, then get a setup that is designed for it.

If you are using a Nikon or Canon camera, you can also attach a CamRanger to your camera so you will have less issues in framing and remote controlling the camera.

Mountaineer is Gitzo's trade name for it's line of light weight carbon fiber tripods. Rather than use the horizontal column, Gitzo Mountaineers can invert the column and mount the camera so that it slides towards the ground or table. If you used a Camranger with this setup, it would make it easier for you to make your copies. If you have something like a Arca Swiss P0 head, you will be able to level the camera platform quickly. Then just slide the clamp into the 90 degree position (portrait) and attach the camera. Slide the center column up and down to achieve framing and take you shot. I suggest you use a fairly short flat field lens (like a 60mm macro lens) to do the copying. If you find that sliding the center column up and down is to imprecise, you could always add a macro rail to this setup.

--
Cliff

 

[streetsandtheatres]

I'm not sure that this will help you much, but I am also a historian...

I use a Gitzo GT3542LS and a G532 lateral arm. I have used this with a 5DSr, a 24-70, and a 500g ball-head, all without any counterbalance on a fully extended lateral arm, and it works perfectly. I found that I could get the camera further from the body than with the Manfrotto 055 I tried in shop, and the Gitzo is rock solid. If I'm going through a pile of papers I can photograph about a thousand documents a day if I'm not being fussy about what they say (a casual glance - click). I don't see any motion blur (my default settings for a darkish space: iso 100, f8, 0.8"). I use an RC-6 remote, no shutter delay.

I have had success bouncing an off-camera flash off the ceiling, since it evens out the lighting, but obviously this isn't for libraries!

OK the wide angle isn't ideal, but sometimes the documents I image are large and sometimes small and I'd rather not be fussing over getting the framing right - it's more important that I can work on them away from the archive, when I have more time. When I'm photographing, I put down a pen at the extremes of the frame and then I know that anything I put on the desk between the pens will be in the photo.

If you have a lighter camera, I would imagine you could use a lighter tripod. Carbon fibre is worth every cent.

 

[CWMMWC]

Very helpful! Especially as we have very similar needs--many thanks. Some archives--or at least one, the UK NA--haver camera stands which obviate the need for a tripod. In any case, I will look at the models you suggest. The Manfrotto I have has been fine, just heavy. Thanks again

I'm not sure that this will help you much, but I am also a historian...

I use a Gitzo GT3542LS and a G532 lateral arm. I have used this with a 5DSr, a 24-70, and a 500g ball-head, all without any counterbalance on a fully extended lateral arm, and it works perfectly. I found that I could get the camera further from the body than with the Manfrotto 055 I tried in shop, and the Gitzo is rock solid. If I'm going through a pile of papers I can photograph about a thousand documents a day if I'm not being fussy about what they say (a casual glance - click). I don't see any motion blur (my default settings for a darkish space: iso 100, f8, 0.8"). I use an RC-6 remote, no shutter delay.

I have had success bouncing an off-camera flash off the ceiling, since it evens out the lighting, but obviously this isn't for libraries!

OK the wide angle isn't ideal, but sometimes the documents I image are large and sometimes small and I'd rather not be fussing over getting the framing right - it's more important that I can work on them away from the archive, when I have more time. When I'm photographing, I put down a pen at the extremes of the frame and then I know that anything I put on the desk between the pens will be in the photo.

If you have a lighter camera, I would imagine you could use a lighter tripod. Carbon fibre is worth every cent.

 

[CWMMWC]

Hi everyone,

I am interested in replacing my Manfrotto 3021 BPRO. I use it for lots of things and it's been good. But it's heavy and long.

I am a historian and the feature I need the most is a horizontal arm so that I can photograph documents while doing research. The Manfrotto does this exceptionally well, but since I take it traveling it's bulk can be a pain.

Are there lighter weight alternatives that anyone can recommend? I have read various forum posts, learned a little about some of the Giottos, the Mountaineer, and others.

I am grateful for any recommendations.

Thanks

you might try to get a Nikon PF-4 Repro-Copy Outfit. If you are copying single sheets of paper an electrostatic board would also be handy. The Nikon PFC-2 is a copying stand that has a wooden case for it. If you are serious about doing copy work, then get a setup that is designed for it.

If you are using a Nikon or Canon camera, you can also attach a CamRanger to your camera so you will have less issues in framing and remote controlling the camera.

Mountaineer is Gitzo's trade name for it's line of light weight carbon fiber tripods. Rather than use the horizontal column, Gitzo Mountaineers can invert the column and mount the camera so that it slides towards the ground or table. If you used a Camranger with this setup, it would make it easier for you to make your copies. If you have something like a Arca Swiss P0 head, you will be able to level the camera platform quickly. Then just slide the clamp into the 90 degree position (portrait) and attach the camera. Slide the center column up and down to achieve framing and take you shot. I suggest you use a fairly short flat field lens (like a 60mm macro lens) to do the copying. If you find that sliding the center column up and down is to imprecise, you could always add a macro rail to this setup.

 

[CWMMWC]

Hi everyone,

I am interested in replacing my Manfrotto 3021 BPRO. I use it for lots of things and it's been good. But it's heavy and long.

I am a historian and the feature I need the most is a horizontal arm so that I can photograph documents while doing research. The Manfrotto does this exceptionally well, but since I take it traveling it's bulk can be a pain.

Are there lighter weight alternatives that anyone can recommend? I have read various forum posts, learned a little about some of the Giottos, the Mountaineer, and others.

I am grateful for any recommendations.

Thanks

Benro has a complete line of the tripods with the horizontal column. Some are under 3# and compress to @18".

I think they are called the GoTravel tripods and use the GA and GC designation. They have all sizes and materials, as well as a choice of twist-lock or flip-lock.

I have Benro/Induro/Mefoto gear, but not that design.

Great--I will take a look. Thank you.

 

[streetsandtheatres]

Very helpful! Especially as we have very similar needs--many thanks. Some archives--or at least one, the UK NA--haver camera stands which obviate the need for a tripod. In any case, I will look at the models you suggest. The Manfrotto I have has been fine, just heavy. Thanks again

I have found that about half the libraries I visit won't allow any photography at all. And half of those that do allow photography won't let me use a tripod. And not one that I have visited would have let me use a copy stand. (I seem to remember that the V&A archives did provide a copy-stand that one could use, but every single photograph taken needed a separate form...) I am sometimes invited to work in personal archives, which is often easier.

 

[CWMMWC]

Thank you very much

 

[CWMMWC]

Very helpful! Especially as we have very similar needs--many thanks. Some archives--or at least one, the UK NA--haver camera stands which obviate the need for a tripod. In any case, I will look at the models you suggest. The Manfrotto I have has been fine, just heavy. Thanks again

I have found that about half the libraries I visit won't allow any photography at all. And half of those that do allow photography won't let me use a tripod. And not one that I have visited would have let me use a copy stand. (I seem to remember that the V&A archives did provide a copy-stand that one could use, but every single photograph taken needed a separate form...) I am sometimes invited to work in personal archives, which is often easier.

Indeed. The policies are all over the place--and policies are changing. Two I will be visiting in the coming weeks luckily do allow cameras and tripods.

 

[Cliff Fujii]

Hi everyone,

I am interested in replacing my Manfrotto 3021 BPRO. I use it for lots of things and it's been good. But it's heavy and long.

I am a historian and the feature I need the most is a horizontal arm so that I can photograph documents while doing research. The Manfrotto does this exceptionally well, but since I take it traveling it's bulk can be a pain.

Are there lighter weight alternatives that anyone can recommend? I have read various forum posts, learned a little about some of the Giottos, the Mountaineer, and others.

I am grateful for any recommendations.

Thanks

you might try to get a Nikon PF-4 Repro-Copy Outfit. If you are copying single sheets of paper an electrostatic board would also be handy. The Nikon PFC-2 is a copying stand that has a wooden case for it. If you are serious about doing copy work, then get a setup that is designed for it.

If you are using a Nikon or Canon camera, you can also attach a CamRanger to your camera so you will have less issues in framing and remote controlling the camera.

Mountaineer is Gitzo's trade name for it's line of light weight carbon fiber tripods. Rather than use the horizontal column, Gitzo Mountaineers can invert the column and mount the camera so that it slides towards the ground or table. If you used a Camranger with this setup, it would make it easier for you to make your copies. If you have something like a Arca Swiss P0 head, you will be able to level the camera platform quickly. Then just slide the clamp into the 90 degree position (portrait) and attach the camera. Slide the center column up and down to achieve framing and take you shot. I suggest you use a fairly short flat field lens (like a 60mm macro lens) to do the copying. If you find that sliding the center column up and down is to imprecise, you could always add a macro rail to this setup.

--
Cliff

Thank you. That looks like it would work very well and appears quite similar to the stands they have in the British National Archives. But it would be bulky to travel with something like this--and all of the work I need to do requires traveling with the equipment. Apologies if this was not clear. Thanks again

The Nikon PF-2 is a traveling model. The base is actually a box where the parts of the Repro Copy Outfit is stored. Here is a image of the Nikon PF-2 with an F2 attached. My macro unit is built on the PB-6/PB-6E bellows units with an EL Nikkor enlarging lens attached. This one way that no curvature of field can creep in. Of course, if you are only in being able to read the documents and not interested in getting museum quality images, then a macro lens on a camera attached to the PF-2 will do the job. It sounds like the PF-2 will be smaller when packed than your tripod and arm.

The hard part is getting one. The copy stands were originally designed for the Nikon F2 and F3. I've seen a PF-4 for sale on EBAY (US) but no PF-2 stands. This is something to keep your eyes open for if you think it will work for you. Since you're in the UK, you have EBAY UK and other resources.

Here's an image of a Nikon PF-2 disassembled in the box. I noticed that the auction for the PF-2 was conducted in the UK.

--
Cliff

 

[Ellis Vener]

Keep yours peeled on eBay and elsewhere for one of these: Etoile Suporphot Tabletop Tripod

it is basically a three-legged folding copystand. The center column is the third leg. It folds nearly flat and looks like something Gitzo might have built for a debonair Cold War era spy for copying documents in their hotel room . The spread between the legs is sufficient to fit at least an 11x14 between them and it's both pretty in a 1950s steampunk sort ofway and pretty ingenious.

 

[Seedeich]

You can reverse mount the column of many tripods and mount the camera under the tripod facing down.

In that way you can use a travel tripod both for normal use and repro work.

 

[CWMMWC]

Keep yours peeled on eBay and elsewhere for one of these: Etoile Suporphot Tabletop Tripod

it is basically a three-legged folding copystand. The center column is the third leg. It folds nearly flat and looks like something Gitzo might have built for a debonair Cold War era spy for copying documents in their hotel room . The spread between the legs is sufficient to fit at least an 11x14 between them and it's both pretty in a 1950s steampunk sort ofway and pretty ingenious.

 

[CWMMWC]

You can reverse mount the column of many tripods and mount the camera under the tripod facing down.

In that way you can use a travel tripod both for normal use and repro work.

 

[CWMMWC]

Hi everyone,

I am interested in replacing my Manfrotto 3021 BPRO. I use it for lots of things and it's been good. But it's heavy and long.

I am a historian and the feature I need the most is a horizontal arm so that I can photograph documents while doing research. The Manfrotto does this exceptionally well, but since I take it traveling it's bulk can be a pain.

Are there lighter weight alternatives that anyone can recommend? I have read various forum posts, learned a little about some of the Giottos, the Mountaineer, and others.

I am grateful for any recommendations.

Thanks

you might try to get a Nikon PF-4 Repro-Copy Outfit. If you are copying single sheets of paper an electrostatic board would also be handy. The Nikon PFC-2 is a copying stand that has a wooden case for it. If you are serious about doing copy work, then get a setup that is designed for it.

If you are using a Nikon or Canon camera, you can also attach a CamRanger to your camera so you will have less issues in framing and remote controlling the camera.

Mountaineer is Gitzo's trade name for it's line of light weight carbon fiber tripods. Rather than use the horizontal column, Gitzo Mountaineers can invert the column and mount the camera so that it slides towards the ground or table. If you used a Camranger with this setup, it would make it easier for you to make your copies. If you have something like a Arca Swiss P0 head, you will be able to level the camera platform quickly. Then just slide the clamp into the 90 degree position (portrait) and attach the camera. Slide the center column up and down to achieve framing and take you shot. I suggest you use a fairly short flat field lens (like a 60mm macro lens) to do the copying. If you find that sliding the center column up and down is to imprecise, you could always add a macro rail to this setup.

 

[Seedeich]

You can reverse mount the column of many tripods and mount the camera under the tripod facing down.

In that way you can use a travel tripod both for normal use and repro work.

Very good point. I will look into that. Any specific tripods in mind? Thanks

My favourite for travel is the
Gitzo GK1580TQR5
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/765687-REG/Gitzo_GK1580TQR5_GK1580TQR5_Series_1_Traveler.html

For heavier cameras
Gitzo Series 2 GK2580TQD
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1029182-REG/gitzo_gk2580tqd_traveler_kit_series_2.html

Pretty good for lighter cameras
MeFOTO RoadTrip
http://www.mefoto.com/products/roadtrip.aspx

Many other tripods have reversible center columns.

 

[Cliff Fujii]

Hi everyone,

I am interested in replacing my Manfrotto 3021 BPRO. I use it for lots of things and it's been good. But it's heavy and long.

I am a historian and the feature I need the most is a horizontal arm so that I can photograph documents while doing research. The Manfrotto does this exceptionally well, but since I take it traveling it's bulk can be a pain.

Are there lighter weight alternatives that anyone can recommend? I have read various forum posts, learned a little about some of the Giottos, the Mountaineer, and others.

I am grateful for any recommendations.

Thanks

you might try to get a Nikon PF-4 Repro-Copy Outfit. If you are copying single sheets of paper an electrostatic board would also be handy. The Nikon PFC-2 is a copying stand that has a wooden case for it. If you are serious about doing copy work, then get a setup that is designed for it.

If you are using a Nikon or Canon camera, you can also attach a CamRanger to your camera so you will have less issues in framing and remote controlling the camera.

Mountaineer is Gitzo's trade name for it's line of light weight carbon fiber tripods. Rather than use the horizontal column, Gitzo Mountaineers can invert the column and mount the camera so that it slides towards the ground or table. If you used a Camranger with this setup, it would make it easier for you to make your copies. If you have something like a Arca Swiss P0 head, you will be able to level the camera platform quickly. Then just slide the clamp into the 90 degree position (portrait) and attach the camera. Slide the center column up and down to achieve framing and take you shot. I suggest you use a fairly short flat field lens (like a 60mm macro lens) to do the copying. If you find that sliding the center column up and down is to imprecise, you could always add a macro rail to this setup.