has any one had any experance with the tiltall tripod how did it work... any advice... Should I get one... are the new ones as good as the old ones ....should I buy an old one off the internet ect...

-- tom hipple (elizabethmmg@msn.com), August 26, 2001

Answers

The Tiltall is an excellent tripod for small format work, good for moderate weight medium format, ie, Hasselblad with shorter lenses but not RB67, and in a pinch can deal with light 4x5 cameras where tripod weight is a consideration. It's really at it's best with small format.

-- Carl Weese (cweese@earthlink.net), August 26, 2001.

I have the early Tiltall (Model #4602,manufactured by C.M.Marchioni) and have used it for over thirty years. It is best suited for medium format although I have used it with the Calumet 400 series 4x5's with success. The leg locks can be a problem if you are working in sandy terrain. Also, beware of the center post lock as it is identical to the swivel lock--confusing the two can cause great pain to you or your camera. I would suggest painting the column lock a color. Otherwise, a good tripod for the money.

-- Merg Ross (mergross@aol.com), August 26, 2001.

I got an old used Tiltall when I bought my Nikon F2. I think I paid $35 for it. I just came back from a trip to Canada and used it with my 4x5 field camera and it worked quite well. I've used a Bogen before, and like that much better, but I got the Tiltall before I got the 4x5 and thought $35 was a pretty good deal.

Dave

-- Dave Willis (willisd@medicine.wustl.edu), August 26, 2001.

Tom,

Like others here I have owned and used a Tiltall when they were marketed through Leitz. To be honest I never thought much of it, but to each his own.

I have recently seen a new model, her in Sydney. It is little changed from the original nbut is made in China.

Cheers,

-- Walter Glover (walterg@netaus.net.au), August 27, 2001.

I have a Tiltall (older one sold by Leitz) which I still use for 4x5 occasionally and have not been unhappy with it. Nevertheless, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone for large format. It's not as flexible for set up as some, a little light weight, and the sand issue is a real problem if you're on a beach or in the desert.

-- J. Wolfe (bigbad810@hotmail.com), August 27, 2001.

I have the old (4062?) model. It does show its age and have a few flaws. I agree with the comment above re: the center post. It is ungeared and thus tends to slide back down when you try to elevate it, at least mine does. It's also quite bulky, the bulk/load bearing power ratio is not up there with the newer ones. It works for me and I like it, no major complaints, but I am not sure it is for everyone. I would worry about my hands freezing to it in the winter, it reminds me of schoolyard-fence metal. :-))) For less than $50, who's complaining?

-- Andy (drewu3000@aol.com), August 28, 2001.