bfstuff

I have a 40 year old aluminum tripod from when I used to do film photography before I married & started a family. I'm just now retired, and getting more serious about digital as a hobby, not a profession. I thought I was unhappy with the tripod trying to take eclipse pictures because it seemed too short. It stands about 56" high, but I'm 6'2", which means having to squat or sit on a stool to see the (fixed) LCD using live view during the eclipse. Afterward, I started looking for a taller tripod, and I was surprised to find that mine was tall compared to all that I was seeing. So, I decided to keep it and upgrade my camera body to one with an articulating LCD screen (and resolve some other bothersome issues) before the next eclipse in 2024.

My current main interests are primarily landscape and HDR worthy stills (mostly old stuff with nice grain & texture). I'm also investigating night photography and light painting. All of these pretty much call for a tripod.

If possible, I would like to get a better head for my current tripod base. The head I have is a pan head (vice ball), a little stiff, no levels, no quick release. When I took off the head I saw that the screw on the tripod that it attaches to is 1/4". Most of the "Pro" heads I see either don't have the mount thread size listed or show it as 3/8". I assume that 3/8" is the current standard? I see some 1/4", but those are listed as "mini" for small table top tripods, selfie sticks, & such. They don't seem as sturdy and don't have some of the features I'm looking for (levels, quick release, etc.). So, my question is, "Where to go from here?" Do I try to use the minis? Is there a better head out there with a 1/4 inch mount? Do I start over with the tripod search again, just to "upgrade" to one with a 3/8" mount? Is there an adapter? Or is there some other solution I haven't thought of?

BTW... I've read a lot of the other "tripod" threads out there, and (despite all that great advice) IF I get a new one, I'd still want to go want with a less expensive one, for now. My current base is easy to use and sturdy. I really don't think my current time/interest level/budget warrants a several hundred dollar investment in an expensive tripod base when the first priority would be determining what camera I want to upgrade to, and that's a decision I'm undertaking slowly, for now. That's why I prefer to stay with my current base.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

3/8" is the current standard, but you will still find ¼" periodically. The adapters listed from B&H are Manfrotto, and are pricey, but a thorough Googling will find less expensive alternatives.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=details&O=&Q=&ap=y&c3api=1876%2C%7Bcreative%7D%2C%7Bkeyword%7D&gclid=CjwKCAjwlrnNBRBMEiwApKU4PIo_EfNdZuf8wLe55rWUh7ZnHN_jcVW04_vRoLEXjb0bXEPsUnR51hoCP14QAvD_BwE&is=REG&m=Y&sku=382669

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

One thing attributable to Lester Bogen is that he pioneered the standardization of the tripod head mount in 1967. All "Pro" level tripods and heads since that time have used a 3/8" x 16tpi thread mount to join them together. Lester was a wonderful visionary and this is the ONLY thing that has ever been standardized across the industry to this day!
Any tripod with a smaller, or metric, thread mount is not technically a "pro" level tripod but clearly of lesser quality and will definitely lack stability. Many heads today still come with the 1/4" to 3/8" thread adapter so they can still be mounted on these lesser tripods, although many do not.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

If you dug a hole and stood in it, you would not have to sit OR squat?!?!
Necessity is the mother of invention!!!
That's what do, it works great and I don't have to by a new tripod.
Mine is one of those tabletop models!!!!
Hey, I'm kidding!!! LoL
SS

bfstuff

Yea, but the tripod might fall in on top of me. Maybe I should look for a really tall portable table!

bfstuff

Great historical perspective. Tripod is late 60s vintage. Maybe I should just look for/ask about an adapter. Thanks!

aellman Loc: Boston MA

I remember advertisements with Lester Bogen sitting on top of a tripod to demonstrate its strength. That 3/8 or 1/4 bolt must have hurt. >Alan

agillot

i use a old vivitar aluminum tripod also 40 yrs old , a real work horse .you will find the screw at a photo store , hardware store also , if you are handy at modifying the bolt .

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Most older/lesser tripods have a 1/4 connection. Most better heads are 3/8. I prefer and recommend a stainless steel adapter 1/4 to 3/8 in such an application.

Getting a tripod that goes taller is $$costly and heavier ! Cost vs peformance - I can recommend the Slik 700 pro. I use and can recommend KingJoy heads as found on ebay.

A.J.R. Loc: Devon, UK

In UK pack of 3, 1/4 to 3/8 inch adapters cost £2.99 (about $4) on line local camera shops might sell them singly for less.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

The tripod socket on my cameras receives a 1/4" screw. Do more expensive cameras receive 3/8" screws??

bfstuff

The Slik does look like a nice tripod for the price. It looks like it goes up to 71 inches working height, and Amazon has the legs only for just $99. I already ordered some screw adapters for my existing one, but I'm putting this on my Christmas watch list. Thanks for the tip!

bfstuff

I'l have to trust your judgement on that one. I don't think I want to give it a try!

BlueMorel Loc: Southwest Michigan

I have an old Black's BX45 tripod that was my Dad's, and I use it now. I just looked it up and there was one company online that supplies the quick release mount only. It uses a 1/4" screw. Unfortunately Black's (Canada company) is now out of business. This one is listed for pros and is super-sturdy. There have been only two listed for sale in the last couple of years, one at Goodwill and one on eBay but I assume they're long gone.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Only some of the older european cameras do ....That I am aware of ...