The Gitzo does look awfully nice! And with the rebates you suggest they approach being a little more affordable. I am using an Olympus OMD EM1 with an articulated LCD. I have yet to set it up but one reason I bought the EM1 was for its tethering feature. I used a Canon some years ago that I could tether and being able to operate the camera via computer for documents was a real time saver. Thanks again.
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Tripod for photographing documents with horizontal arm to replace Manfrotto 3021 BPRO
- Thread starter CWMMWC
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Cliff Fujii
Veteran Member
I have one --- new in the original box -- with the lights: $200. (NB: Rubber collars are disintegrating)
How about a Pentax Copipod?
Have you considered something like a Manfrotto Super Clamp with a 2 section Articulating Arm? Smaller kit than a tripod and can clamp onto a chair as well as some tables. Avoid flexible arms -- they tend to droop.
john isaacs
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I use the Promaster Tripod Accessory Tilt Arm. It has locking teeth on the tilt adjustment, and set screws on the head to lock a ball head or other head. It has a 3/8" threaded hole on the other end; I screw in a hook or spud and use a small bag with one or two water bottles as a counter weight for stability. A single rail macro slide will make precise height adjustments.
While it is possible to screw this directly into the camera base, I prefer to use a ball head for precise leveling with a bubble level placed on the camera LCD screen.
If I need to run the arm out far, then I can screw in a Manfrotto 259B Extension and then attach the hook and counter weight. The arm is 12.5" long, so with ball head I can get up to 15" clearance. The Manfrotto extends to 10" and provides good counter balance.
When photographing large books, I usually want to shoot in portrait orientation. I use Arca mount ball head and custom L-bracket on the camera that does not allow rotation. I use a remote shutter cable, but many cameras have the plug on the left side which can interfere with the cable. In that case, I use a Really Right Stuff cable relief spacer or a Kirk LBA-1 USB Spacer Block (if the RRS one doesn't work). The RRS spacer is easier to put on, but has limited adjustment and doesn't work on some ARCA rails. Of course, the spacer blocks add another inch of clearance.
Finally, sometimes I need to shoot at odd angles. I use a Zenza Bronica ETR Right Angle Tripod Adapter on the end of the Promaster if I need to rotate my gear 90 degrees. It doesn't have set screws, but it does have a rubber pad that holds firmly.
The advantage is I can use this on any tripod. Tripod selection can be made on the basis of other considerations like size/weight/cost without the limitation of a built in arm.
And there you have it.
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