gosox13 Loc: Chicago

I need help identifying my tripod because I am thinking of selling it. It is very sturdy and well made. My recollection is it is a Gitzo, but I can find no brand name or model markings on it. I purchased it about 30 years ago and used it primarily for nature macro work because of the ability of the legs to extend low to the ground with the leg locks open, and also used it for video because it extended to 55" high (without considering the tripod head). I also have two removable center columns. Photos are attached. Can anyone identify what I have? (My tripod head is a Bogen 3047, which I also will probably sell). Thanks

Tripod


tripod locks


center column sections

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

That's a Gitzo reporter(maybe). Don't know the model as it has only 3 sections. The 026 and 126 are 4 section so much smaller. I have both of the ones I mentioned. Otherwise they a=re identical!! ;-)
SS

Rongnongno Loc: FL

I would call home security on that one, illegal immigrant w/o proper ID, what a shame!!!

gosox13 Loc: Chicago

So you are suggesting it is in fact a Gitzo but was a gray market import? In those days I bought some of my equipment from 47th St Photo in NYC, so I guess that's possible, even though I usually wanted U.S. warranties when I purchased equipment. Also, didn't foreign versions of Gitzo equipment still have manufacturer or model markings on them? As an amateur hobbyist, I just don't know enough about this. I do remember that I wanted a very good tripod because with nature macro photography (mostly flowers in my case) the slightest movement could ruin the shot, and the tripod was not inexpensive.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

:lol: :lol: 13, I am not suggesting it, it is in fact a Gitzo!!
I don't know what exact model.
Google" Gitzo 126 images", and you will probably pull up a lot of them.
Mine are 14.75" folded and weigh 2.75 lbs. They are 4 section and I use them for travel. Otherwise they look identical. Good luck! ;-)
SS

gosox13 Loc: Chicago

Well, I removed the center column (don't think I ever did that in all the years I owned this tripod), and lo and behold look what I discovered! This confirms it is in fact a Gitzo Reporter (Performance Gilux), as you said, although I still can't figure out which particular model number I have in this series. The photos you suggested I look at made me aware that some Gitzos have their identity hidden under the center plate, which led me to this discovery. I'll try to track down specs for this series so hopefully I can figure out what model number I have. Thanks very much for your help.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

13, I had been racking my tiny brain!!!
It was just about to explode when I finally remembered where I had found all the info on my tripods. The Gitzo Holy Grail. ....Google, ....www.company7.com....Have fun and enjoy! :thumbup:
SS

gosox13 Loc: Chicago

Thanks. I actually ran across Company7's gitzo section in my web search last night (Google, of course!). It appears they are selling more recent Gitzo models than my vintage model, which is no longer manufactured. I found a couple articles about Gitzo's history today and learned that models of my vintage were made before they were assigned numbers. So, my tripod is simply a Series 2 Gitzo Reporter Performance, with "Reporter" indicating Series 2 (28mm leg size) and "Performance" meaning that it has leg spreading. Here is the "key" to these vintage models:

Series 00 (16 mm): Loisir (later, Table)
Series 0 (20 mm): Weekend
Series 1 (24 mm): Total/Sport (later, Sport)
Series 2 (28 mm): Reporter
Series 3 (32 mm): Studex
Series 4 (37 mm): Super Studex/Pro Studex
Series 5 (41 mm): Tele Studex

Standard = no leg spreading
Performance = leg spreading
Rapid = non-geared column
Cremaillere = geared column

Very interesting. Never knew exactly what I had.
Thanks again for all your help.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I'd put money on Gitzo. There are too many similarities on yours to the one I own.
--Bob