using waist level VF on tripod above head.....

[francis smith]

I want to use my Yaschicamat (plain old) on a tripod-- above my

head. I want a head that will allow the holder -- or whatever the

platform is called-- to swivel thus that I can look up into it from

below. I'd like this on a tripod that is around 6 feet tall. I'd

rather not go out shooting with a ladder. My little Geo Metro

convertible could not hold it! Also, in general, I want a good

tripod for less than 200 bucks. Ideas?

[derek_simpson]

There are things like the bigger Benbo that would allow this but probably not at the price. It occurs that a little ingenuity would allow you to mount the yashi inverted on a flash bracket or similar out from the head - an advantage when trying to get same head underneath. Taken further possibly counterweight the opposite end for stability. Just a thought. The bits are out there in bargain bins and it would not cost much to try. It might be as stable as some of the mechanical giraffes on the market.

[alan_dale]

I've used a TLR on a tripod tilted on its side with an ordinary ballhead. That gave me an additional 3-4 inches. Otherwise, how about a sturdy plastic "milk crate" as a step stool? I keep one in the trunk of my car and have used it as a step stool/emergency carry all. I'm sure you could rig something up to hang your camera upside down with a magic arm and camera platform from Bogen, but I think the crate is a better and cheaper solution.