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Hi - I have purchased a new tripod, a Berlebach 3042 to use with my Gandolfi 5 x 4 and occasionally my 10 x 8 Deardorff. I'm very happy with the tripod but need a head to go with it on occasion. At present I am using a fairly old Manfrotto 3-way head that functions adequately with the Gandolfi, but if I use the Deardorff the camera bounces around (rather dangerously) when a slight wind blows or I manipulate the camera.

I would like a geared tripod head, I cannot afford a Manfrotto 400 and the Manfrotto 410 looks a bit flimsy. Can anyone advise on the 410 or recommend an alternative (up to £200)?

I don't want a ball head. I have only looked at Manfrotto and Gitzo doesn't appear to offer a geared head.

Thanks in advance

nn

PS Have you a suitable one available second hand?

numnutz wrote:Can anyone advise on the 410

I use the 410 and can recommend it as being stable, solid and easy to use.

I too use a 410 and don't have any stability problems whatsoever.

I would rate it as one of the best purchases I have made for my photography as it allows such easy and accurate control of camera positioning.

+1 one for the 410, been using it for years with no problems. If I lost it, I'd buy another without hesitation.

I really can't fault the 410 so much so I have two!

Paul

numnutz wrote:PS Have you a suitable one available second hand?

I think you will find such to be as rare as the proverbial hen's teeth

Hi it looks like I will be getting a Manfrotto 410 unless I can find anythinh better s/h on the auction site.
thaks for all your ideas.

nn

You think it is strong enough for an 8x10 camera????

Have you looked into the Manfrotto 405? more than £200 but bigger than the 410.

Sean

I have done some research - my camera, biggest lens and one dd slide weighs just a fraction under 7Kg - the 410 has a 5 kg capacity so it looks like it won't be suitable for the 10 x 8, especially if you count leverage when / if the camera is positioned at an excessive angle - so I am still on the lookout....

Looks like the Manfrotto 405 but a bit more than I wish to pay - ho hum

nn

My 8x10 is only 4Kg-
but you're right about the leverage-
the extra moment allows too much movement-

The top of the camera is about 500mm above the mounting point to the tripod-
although a folding camera will be less-

I've taken the 410 apart, rotated the drives to fresh threads, tightened it all back up again-
but still there is movement-

Perhaps not noticeable on a smaller camera,
and perhaps a new head would be better-
But if anything, it might be useful for you to know the potential risks involved in buying one second hand...

I personally have yet to find a head I trust more-with 8x10 and larger-than my Gitzo Rationale 4. I modified the back of the platform with a dremel to make it essentially a QR head. 4x5 is fine with the manfrotto head, but I haven't found one that will hold an 8x10 securely.

Yes, I ended up with a big Gitzo too-
Have yet to make your modification to the slot, though it's only a matter of time...

numnutz wrote: Looks like the Manfrotto 405 but a bit more than I wish to pay - ho hum

nn

There's one on eBay finishing at the weekend, so it could go quite a bit higher.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MANFROTTO-405-PRO ... 4cebdc0102

F/S - Bit of a clear out....
by Mike M » Mon Oct 05, 2009 5:58 pm eP

Few bits and pieces here which I have been using for the last 18 months but no longer need.
All the items have been used so they do have a few minor paint chips or scuffs but apart from that they are all good to go. Pics upon request. All plus postage (what ever that costs).

Manfrotto 410 head - £50

Have you tried Mike M down in Plymouth? It may well have gone by now.
John