what type of head to use

greenspun.com : LUSENET : Large format photography : One Thread

I'm going to start LF after just only 2 month experience in 35mm. I actually asked a question "LF camera for architechture/landscape" in photo.net Q&A. Sinar X and Technikardan seem to be the way to go. I am wondering if I should keep my kirk ball head BH-1 and Bogen 3021 for either of the camera. Sinar X is heavy so Bogen 3021 may be inadequet. Or I don't need a ball head?? If you have any suggestion about LF camera, tripod, and ball head, etc, please let me know because there are so many models. I do not care so much to pay for the quality as long as I'm happy with the equipment. I also want to be a pro. I don't want to consider upgrading. So please consider these to recommend equipment. Thanks in advance for your input. Masayoshi

-- Masayoshi Hayashi (mhayashi@u.arizona.edu), April 03, 1998

Answers

Response to Beginner's question

The question of what type of head to use is largely a matter of personal preference. I've seen many fine photographers who use a ball head. However, my own feeling is that I have greater compositional control when I can adjust each axis of movement separately--which means a pan-tilt (3-way) head. Since you already have a ball head, why not try it for a while before investing in something else. You'll know soon enough whether you like it, or whether you wish you could adjust one axis without affecting the others.

-- Rob Rothman (rrothman@riag.com), April 06, 1998.

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