Bogen Super Pro 3 way head for 8x10: a good choice?

[emil_salek1]

I have been shooting 4x5" for 15 years and suddenly caught by a 8x10 virus. I plan to buy a not too expensive camera, a Calumet 8x10C to start with and see whether 8x10 is for me or not. I will almost surely upgrade to a Toyo 810M if I decide to stay with 8x10. I know that the Calumet "beast" is rather heavy. The 810M is quite heavy as well. I have a very, very sturdy (and heavy) FOBA (Swiss made) tripod, which will do fine. I will now need a head. I have always worked with a 3-way head, which allows me to finely adjust my framing. This is a must for me. I would hate to have to reframe my images during printing because of lousy framing. Moreover, I will often use a 600 mm lens, which implies that the beast will be rather extended. Rigorous framing can take a while already with a relatively light metal Wista VX and a 720 mm Nikkor lens . I have no idea of how long it can take with some 18 pounds of the Calumet with a lens or whether it is even possible. Can somebody advise me in my choice of the head? Would be the Bogen Super Pro 3 way head a good choice? What are the alternatives? Thanks to all.

[charlie_strack]

I'd look at the Bogen 3057 head if you want 3-way movements. It is

supposed to handle heavy cameras, but I haven't tried it.

 

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The smaller Bogen 3-ways would not likely work for 8x10.

 

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You could consider Ries, but they are expensive.

 

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Majestic heads, of course, are fine with very heavy tripods, but

might weigh as much as the camera.

 

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I will warn you: 8x10 contact prints are addictive.

[brian_ellis7]

I just went through this same process when I acquired an 8x10 two

weeks ago. I debated back and forth between the Bogen Heavy Duty head

3057 and the Bogen Super Pro Head 3039. The cost and specs of both

are very similar. I solicited opinions in the large format news group

and both heads received recommendations. I was tempted by Bogen's

reference to the 3039 as the "top of the line" head but I ended up

buying the 3057, mainly because it has a 4 inch square quick release

plate, whereas the 3039 appears to use the smaller typical Bogen

hexagonal plate. My camera is a Deardorff, it weighs 12 pounds, so

the larger plate was very appealing. So far I've liked the head the

two times I've used it but it is seriously heavy! I still have the

Bogen 3021 tripod and Arca Swiss head that I got years ago when I did

35 mm work. I remember how heavy I used to think that combination

was. Now it feels like a toothpick compared to the 3057 head (4

pounds) and the 3046 tripod (8 pounds). I don't do long hikes. If I

did I think I'd try to find something a good bit lighter but this

combination feels solid and I think it will be bearable for the

relatively short walks I take. I've been thrilled with the contact

prints so far and hopefully you will be also.

[sean_yates]

Majestic heads aren't that heavy and, if you look hard, can be had

used at very reasonable prices. I paid less than $30.00 for mine

because the seller listed it in "hand tools" on Ebay.

 

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If you get an older model, you may need to get an adapter/plug made

by any competant machinist - mine was $45.00.

[sergio_ortega]

Emil,

 

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Another opinion on the 3057:

 

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I've used the 3057 head on a standard Zone VI tripod legset with 8x10

for years. It is a seriously heavy and solid combination. If you

intend to go very far on foot to make your image it's likely not

the best combination.

 

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On the plus side: it handles very heavy LF cameras with ease, the

large mounting plate for the 3057 (which can also be used with

other hexagonal head QR Bogen units) provides excellent support for

heavy 8x10 and larger field type cameras with a large wood (or metal)

beds, the quick release system makes mounting and dismounting

large and heavy cameras very easy, its locking device is quite secure,

and the adjustable two-way bubble levels make camera levelling simple

if your camera does not have these devices attached.

 

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On the negative side: the side-to-side movement locking mechanism is a

large, metal wheel-type device that is not very deeply ribbed and

requires a lot hand strength to tighten and loosen, the fore-and-aft

tilt movement has a rather short rubber-coated locking handle that

tightens and loosens much more easily, but neither of the two

mechanisms afford much in the way of leverage to smoothly or

accurately position the camera. And, of course, it's heavy as hell,

though it looks like you could take a sledge hammer to it with no

adverse effects.

 

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Good luck, Sergio.

[stewart_ethier1]

I use the 3039 for 8x10 (a 15-pound Wisner) and it works fine. Some

respondents were concerned by the small hexagonal quick release plate,

but you can buy (for about $30) a four-inch plate that works with the

hexagonal quick release system. I've done this and recommend it, the

only drawback being that it is no longer a flush surface when you pack

your camera, so for example you can't rest filmholders directly

against the camera. That's a minor problem, and the tripod head is

te

[william_marderness1]

I use a Gitzo 1570M head for 8x10 and am happy with it. This is the

lightweight magnesium model. It is low profile and holds up to 26lbs.

[steve_barth]

Emil,

 

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I use the 3039 head on an old large Ries 'pod. I mount a Dorff 8X10

to it using the small hex plate. I am very satisfied with the

performance. I live in Salt Lake City and have carried the tripod

and camera nearly a mile from my truck in the Wasatch Mountains. A

setup any heavier than what I now have would be too heavy.

 

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Steve Barth

[adam_friedberg]

if you end up with the toyo 810m look for a toyo pro pan head II and

the anti twist plate. mac still has a few of these heads. i got one

for my 810g and it's great - it will hold any camera, is lighter and

more compact than the big manfrottos, and the anti twist plate makes

the connection much more secure than any qr and almost as fast.

it's a little pricey but worth it - if you look you might find one used

for nearly the same as the 3057 new.

[d2f]

I found myself in the same boat and deciding between the 3057 head and

the 3038 super ball head. Both can support the 3297 large plate which

I found was ideal for my Korona 8x10 camera. In the end I chose the

3038 ball head and 3297 large plate, holding the hex plate for my

RZ67II. This head mated to the 3258 tripod is a winning combination

for heavy loads such as a 8x10 camera.