Great Tripod

[aaardvaark]

Someone mentioned the Manfrotto 055pro tripod in another thread (I can't find it now). I bought one of these last week and agree it is an excellent tripod. I've paired it with the basic Giotto head which is very very nice - noticeably better IMO than the same price Manfrotto equivalent (141). It's got small bubble levels which are handy and has no adjustment stiction at all, very tight and easy (smooth) to adjust. I also like the fact that it has only two big adjusting levers - for up/down and for tilt, not for rotation about the vertical. For me this makes it easier to use.

I love this combination.

[PeteZ]

aaardvaark

I fully agree - the Manfrotto 055pro is great. The feature I like most
about is that the centre "riser" can be removed and re-inserted
horizontally - so it can be used for overhead work for products or copy
work.

I use one and have a Slik 800 ballhead on mine

- peteZ


"aaardvaark" <aaardvaark.yqns4@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au> wrote in message
news:aaardvaark.yqns4@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au...
>
> Someone mentioned the Manfrotto 055pro tripod in another thread (I can't
> find it now). I bought one of these last week and agree it is an
> excellent tripod. I've paired it with the basic Giotto head which is
> very very nice - noticeably better IMO than the same price Manfrotto
> equivalent (141). It's got small bubble levels which are handy and has
> no adjustment stiction at all, very tight and easy (smooth) to adjust.
> I also like the fact that it has only two big adjusting levers - for
> up/down and for tilt, not for rotation about the vertical. For me this
> makes it easier to use.
>
> I love this combination.
>
>
> --
> aaardvaark
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> aaardvaark's Profile:
http://forums.eyo.com.au/member.php?action=getinfo&userid=7910
> View this thread: http://forums.eyo.com.au/showthread.php?threadid=33337
>

[Julian Robinson]

On Sat, 20 Dec 2003 21:27:33 GMT, "PeteZ" <peteZ@aol.com> wrote:

>aaardvaark
>
>I fully agree - the Manfrotto 055pro is great. The feature I like most
>about is that the centre "riser" can be removed and re-inserted
>horizontally - so it can be used for overhead work for products or copy
>work.
>
>I use one and have a Slik 800 ballhead on mine
>
>- peteZ
>

Yes the horizontal centre column placement is one of the reasons I
chose it too, great flexibility.

Maybe you can help me with one thing... on the bottom of the centre
column is a couple of plastic bits (with proper names in the
instructions, one part is a mounting plate and the other is a wedge).
Have you figured out how you use these, and what for? I have to admit
the instructions have me foxed!

Julian

[PeteZ]

Julian,

At the bottom of the centre column is a triangular "spacer, this is then
followed by a "burtterfly" nut (retangular nut with rounded ends)

I dont believe these are for anything else but for stopping the complete
pull out of the column (vertically or horizontally)

I have the feeling I havent answered your question though ... 8^)


- peteZ


"Julian Robinson" <julian@austarmetro.com.au> wrote in message
news:vv6auv8ompi2qc1c4a15n445cc2kvhnsca@4ax.com...
> On Sat, 20 Dec 2003 21:27:33 GMT, "PeteZ" <peteZ@aol.com> wrote:
>
> >aaardvaark
> >
> >I fully agree - the Manfrotto 055pro is great. The feature I like most
> >about is that the centre "riser" can be removed and re-inserted
> >horizontally - so it can be used for overhead work for products or copy
> >work.
> >
> >I use one and have a Slik 800 ballhead on mine
> >
> >- peteZ
> >
>
> Yes the horizontal centre column placement is one of the reasons I
> chose it too, great flexibility.
>
> Maybe you can help me with one thing... on the bottom of the centre
> column is a couple of plastic bits (with proper names in the
> instructions, one part is a mounting plate and the other is a wedge).
> Have you figured out how you use these, and what for? I have to admit
> the instructions have me foxed!
>
> Julian

[PeteZ]

On the topic of the 055 pro - anyone seen a place (in Sydney) that sells
"sandbag" weights - the ones you can hang onto tripods to use a
counter-balance ?

I have looked all over but either get blank looks or been told sorry we are
all out of stock now ...

I've almost given up and will get my wife to sew some bags up and fil 'em
with sand myself (or just place a brick in one)

- peteZ

"PeteZ" <peteZ@aol.com> wrote in message
news:993Fb.59792$aT.28452@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
> aaardvaark
>
> I fully agree - the Manfrotto 055pro is great. The feature I like most
> about is that the centre "riser" can be removed and re-inserted
> horizontally - so it can be used for overhead work for products or copy
> work.
>
> I use one and have a Slik 800 ballhead on mine
>
> - peteZ
>
>
> "aaardvaark" <aaardvaark.yqns4@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au> wrote in message
> news:aaardvaark.yqns4@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au...
> >
> > Someone mentioned the Manfrotto 055pro tripod in another thread (I can't
> > find it now). I bought one of these last week and agree it is an
> > excellent tripod. I've paired it with the basic Giotto head which is
> > very very nice - noticeably better IMO than the same price Manfrotto
> > equivalent (141). It's got small bubble levels which are handy and has
> > no adjustment stiction at all, very tight and easy (smooth) to adjust.
> > I also like the fact that it has only two big adjusting levers - for
> > up/down and for tilt, not for rotation about the vertical. For me this
> > makes it easier to use.
> >
> > I love this combination.
> >
> >
> > --
> > aaardvaark
> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> > aaardvaark's Profile:
> http://forums.eyo.com.au/member.php?action=getinfo&userid=7910
> > View this thread: http://forums.eyo.com.au/showthread.php?threadid=33337
> >
>
>

[Julian Robinson]

Pete

The instructions have a special section on doing clever things with
these two bits. The "butterfly nut" does hold this second plastic
mounting plate on at the bottom, but that is just their strorage
location. When you take these bits off, the "butterfly nut" becomes
a "wedge" and you are supposed to be able to mount them on the top of
the column for the purpose of getting ultra low angle shots. I can't
see how to put it together as they suggest, let alone how it would
help you even if you could.

????!! ...Your challenge question....

.... or I'll have another go at it over the holidays. I don't think we
are missing much, but I am curious and I think this is truly the first
set of manufacturer's instructions I have not been able to follow, and
that includes programming the old VCR.

Julian


On Sun, 21 Dec 2003 10:43:17 GMT, "PeteZ" <peteZ@aol.com> wrote:

>Julian,
>
>At the bottom of the centre column is a triangular "spacer, this is then
>followed by a "burtterfly" nut (retangular nut with rounded ends)
>
>I dont believe these are for anything else but for stopping the complete
>pull out of the column (vertically or horizontally)
>
>I have the feeling I havent answered your question though ... 8^)
>
>
>- peteZ
>
>
>"Julian Robinson" <julian@austarmetro.com.au> wrote in message
>news:vv6auv8ompi2qc1c4a15n445cc2kvhnsca@4ax.com...
>> On Sat, 20 Dec 2003 21:27:33 GMT, "PeteZ" <peteZ@aol.com> wrote:
>>
>> >aaardvaark
>> >
>> >I fully agree - the Manfrotto 055pro is great. The feature I like most
>> >about is that the centre "riser" can be removed and re-inserted
>> >horizontally - so it can be used for overhead work for products or copy
>> >work.
>> >
>> >I use one and have a Slik 800 ballhead on mine
>> >
>> >- peteZ
>> >
>>
>> Yes the horizontal centre column placement is one of the reasons I
>> chose it too, great flexibility.
>>
>> Maybe you can help me with one thing... on the bottom of the centre
>> column is a couple of plastic bits (with proper names in the
>> instructions, one part is a mounting plate and the other is a wedge).
>> Have you figured out how you use these, and what for? I have to admit
>> the instructions have me foxed!
>>
>> Julian
>

[PhilM]

"Julian Robinson" <julian@austarmetro.com.au> wrote in message
news:0avauvk0jpq0fjcu3o3cnjig8k09rkrd2m@4ax.com...
> Pete
>
> The instructions have a special section on doing clever things with
> these two bits. The "butterfly nut" does hold this second plastic
> mounting plate on at the bottom, but that is just their strorage
> location. When you take these bits off, the "butterfly nut" becomes
> a "wedge" and you are supposed to be able to mount them on the top of
> the column for the purpose of getting ultra low angle shots. I can't
> see how to put it together as they suggest, let alone how it would
> help you even if you could.
>
> ????!! ...Your challenge question....
>
> ... or I'll have another go at it over the holidays. I don't think we
> are missing much, but I am curious and I think this is truly the first
> set of manufacturer's instructions I have not been able to follow, and
> that includes programming the old VCR.
>
> Julian

possibly, when you remove the plastic plate from the bottom, you can remove
the column, and insert plastic thingy into the columns hole?? maybe??

[M i c C u l l e n]

"PeteZ" <peteZ@aol.com>, far, far away from here, appears to have
written:

[snips]

> I've almost given up and will get my wife to sew some bags up and fil 'em
> with sand myself (or just place a brick in one)

Isn't the idea that you go to location with empty bags and then fill and
empty them there in order to avoid carrying the extra weight around?
--

cheers, Mic (Reply address works...)

Did you ever wonder what the WD in WD-40 stands for?
WD is an abbreviation for Water Displacer 40th attempt.

[John]

Sandbags, any theatrical supplier can help you.
Vanbar often has them.
John Barry Group is cine supplier who will also have sandbags in a range of
sizes. Don't have their contact details in Sydney but I'm sure they're in
the book.
JJ
"PeteZ" <peteZ@aol.com> wrote in message
news:PZeFb.60449$aT.43903@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
> On the topic of the 055 pro - anyone seen a place (in Sydney) that sells
> "sandbag" weights - the ones you can hang onto tripods to use a
> counter-balance ?
>
> I have looked all over but either get blank looks or been told sorry we
are
> all out of stock now ...
>
> I've almost given up and will get my wife to sew some bags up and fil 'em
> with sand myself (or just place a brick in one)
>
> - peteZ
>
> "PeteZ" <peteZ@aol.com> wrote in message
> news:993Fb.59792$aT.28452@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
> > aaardvaark
> >
> > I fully agree - the Manfrotto 055pro is great. The feature I like most
> > about is that the centre "riser" can be removed and re-inserted
> > horizontally - so it can be used for overhead work for products or copy
> > work.
> >
> > I use one and have a Slik 800 ballhead on mine
> >
> > - peteZ
> >
> >
> > "aaardvaark" <aaardvaark.yqns4@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au> wrote in message
> > news:aaardvaark.yqns4@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au...
> > >
> > > Someone mentioned the Manfrotto 055pro tripod in another thread (I
can't
> > > find it now). I bought one of these last week and agree it is an
> > > excellent tripod. I've paired it with the basic Giotto head which is
> > > very very nice - noticeably better IMO than the same price Manfrotto
> > > equivalent (141). It's got small bubble levels which are handy and has
> > > no adjustment stiction at all, very tight and easy (smooth) to adjust.
> > > I also like the fact that it has only two big adjusting levers - for
> > > up/down and for tilt, not for rotation about the vertical. For me
this
> > > makes it easier to use.
> > >
> > > I love this combination.
> > >
> > >
> > > --
> > > aaardvaark
> >
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> > > aaardvaark's Profile:
> > http://forums.eyo.com.au/member.php?action=getinfo&userid=7910
> > > View this thread:
http://forums.eyo.com.au/showthread.php?threadid=33337
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

[PeteZ]

jj

cheers for that

- peteZ

"John" <jjphoto@pobox.com> wrote in message
news:bs4638$2f07$1@arachne.labyrinth.net.au...
> Sandbags, any theatrical supplier can help you.
> Vanbar often has them.
> John Barry Group is cine supplier who will also have sandbags in a range
of
> sizes. Don't have their contact details in Sydney but I'm sure they're in
> the book.
> JJ
> "PeteZ" <peteZ@aol.com> wrote in message
> news:PZeFb.60449$aT.43903@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
> > On the topic of the 055 pro - anyone seen a place (in Sydney) that sells
> > "sandbag" weights - the ones you can hang onto tripods to use a
> > counter-balance ?
> >
> > I have looked all over but either get blank looks or been told sorry we
> are
> > all out of stock now ...
> >
> > I've almost given up and will get my wife to sew some bags up and fil
'em
> > with sand myself (or just place a brick in one)
> >
> > - peteZ
> >
> > "PeteZ" <peteZ@aol.com> wrote in message
> > news:993Fb.59792$aT.28452@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
> > > aaardvaark
> > >
> > > I fully agree - the Manfrotto 055pro is great. The feature I like
most
> > > about is that the centre "riser" can be removed and re-inserted
> > > horizontally - so it can be used for overhead work for products or
copy
> > > work.
> > >
> > > I use one and have a Slik 800 ballhead on mine
> > >
> > > - peteZ
> > >
> > >
> > > "aaardvaark" <aaardvaark.yqns4@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au> wrote in
message
> > > news:aaardvaark.yqns4@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au...
> > > >
> > > > Someone mentioned the Manfrotto 055pro tripod in another thread (I
> can't
> > > > find it now). I bought one of these last week and agree it is an
> > > > excellent tripod. I've paired it with the basic Giotto head which
is
> > > > very very nice - noticeably better IMO than the same price Manfrotto
> > > > equivalent (141). It's got small bubble levels which are handy and
has
> > > > no adjustment stiction at all, very tight and easy (smooth) to
adjust.
> > > > I also like the fact that it has only two big adjusting levers - for
> > > > up/down and for tilt, not for rotation about the vertical. For me
> this
> > > > makes it easier to use.
> > > >
> > > > I love this combination.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --
> > > > aaardvaark
> > >
> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> > > > aaardvaark's Profile:
> > > http://forums.eyo.com.au/member.php?action=getinfo&userid=7910
> > > > View this thread:
> http://forums.eyo.com.au/showthread.php?threadid=33337
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

[Julian Robinson]

On Sun, 21 Dec 2003 22:37:14 +1030, "PhilM" <philm@nospam.com.am>
wrote:

>
>"Julian Robinson" <julian@austarmetro.com.au> wrote in message
>news:0avauvk0jpq0fjcu3o3cnjig8k09rkrd2m@4ax.com...
>> Pete
>>
>> The instructions have a special section on doing clever things with
>> these two bits. The "butterfly nut" does hold this second plastic
>> mounting plate on at the bottom, but that is just their strorage
>> location. When you take these bits off, the "butterfly nut" becomes
>> a "wedge" and you are supposed to be able to mount them on the top of
>> the column for the purpose of getting ultra low angle shots. I can't
>> see how to put it together as they suggest, let alone how it would
>> help you even if you could.
>>
>> ????!! ...Your challenge question....
>>
>> ... or I'll have another go at it over the holidays. I don't think we
>> are missing much, but I am curious and I think this is truly the first
>> set of manufacturer's instructions I have not been able to follow, and
>> that includes programming the old VCR.
>>
>> Julian
>
>possibly, when you remove the plastic plate from the bottom, you can remove
>the column, and insert plastic thingy into the columns hole?? maybe??
>

Yes this is the general idea, it is just that I cannot for the life of
me see how they intend you to put the thingy into the complicated
column holder. Nothing I do feels "proper" although you can fudge it
so it sort of works, but everything else on this tripod is proper,
so... And despite Pete's possible solution, (another thread "I got
it!") I don't think this is actually what they intend. Somewhere
someone on this list must have done it?

Actually it is not hugely important unless I want to get down amongst
the grass which I haven't yet, and even then I can use the column in
the horizontal position at a pinch.