Has anyone used the Bogen 3036 (also known as the Manfrotto 075) with a 4x5 field camera? I was thinking this would be a nice, solid support. Also, there is a new head called the 3410 (Manfrotto 329) that might be a nice match. The latter being so new, perhaps no one has used it yet.

Thanks, in adance, for your comments.

-- Dan Brown (dbrown@uniden.com), April 11, 2000

Answers

I use a 3021 with a 3029 head for field use, and it's more than sturdy enough (I did have a problem with 50 mph wind gusts, though). A 3036 would certainly handle any 4x5 field camera, if you're willing to lug it around.

-- David Brown (db1@sisna.com), April 11, 2000.

I traded in my 3036 for a Ries but that was only because the Ries was a good deal and they would accept the trade. Otherwise, I imagine I'd still be using it under my 8 X 10.

-- Sean yates (yatescats@yahoo.com), April 11, 2000.

Bogen is fine for 4x5. I think the plate on the new head might be too small for a 4x5. I know the 3047 works fine with 4x5.

I have a different Bogen, but I also have Ries. If you use your camera outdoors in any weather below 70 degrees, get a wooden tripod. Aluminum pulls the heat right out of your hands.

Ries heads are expensive, but nice, and weigh less than any other head that can support a view camera. You can put a Bogen head on the Ries to save some money.

-- Charlie Strack (charlie_strack@sti.com), April 11, 2000.

I use the Bogen 3036 with the 3047 head. Works great for 4x5 and 8x10, too.

-- Mark Parsons (Polar@thegrid.net), April 11, 2000.

I use the Bogen 3036 and Slik pro ball head with my Toyo 45AX. Very Sturdy.

-- Jim Billups (jimjb@corp.earthlink.net), April 11, 2000.

Dan, just to give you an idea of support strength of the 3036, I have a 3047 head with a berk & James hinged 6X6 wooded platform mounted on top of that with a battle tank C-3 8X10 Calumet and a 165mm Schneider super angulon mounted on it and the Bogen is solid as a rock. I hope that helps a little , Dan.

-- Dan Kowalsky (dan0judy@bellsouth.net), April 15, 2000.

Thank you all for your suggestions. I have purchased the 3036 and it seems very solid indeed. I did not feel that the 3021 I had was solid enough for MF when the camera was at 70+ inches. The 3036 will have no problem at that height because of the leg braces and the center post will not need to be extended.

I have another post running about getting started in lf. I think the 3036 is consistent with both MF and LF. and edges me one step toward the inevitable.

-- Dan Brown (dbrown@uniden.com), April 15, 2000.