zenagain Loc: Pueblo CO

I am looking for some help ID'ing an old Manfrotto tripod. About 35 yrs ago my father gave me a Manfrotto tripod, it had a very unique feature that i had not seen before or since. Slightly below the knuckle there was a lever that slide sideways, engaging this lever caused all three legs to drop. Making it very easy to setup quickly. Upon releasing the lever it snapped back and locked the legs.
Does anyone have any idea what the model number would have been?
I am guessing he bought it in the 60's.
Maybe 70's.
Anyway any help would be appriciated.
That one was distroyed in a house fire and i would love to find another one.

Thanks
and does anyone else want to skip 2021 and head straight into 2022?

Marilyng Loc: Lorain,Oh.

To your question about 2021,no,I am so looking forward to 2021,it will be an awesome year!

Orphoto Loc: Oregon

While manfrotto was making tripods in Italy they were being imported into the US by Lester Bogen. You may want to expand your internet search to early Bogen models.

FalconeFotographx Loc: Michigan

My Manfrotto Video Tripod uses the same quick legs drop, however it is only about 6 years old I think. It is a 542ART Carbon Fiber, super light and strong as an ox! Very fast deployment and adjustment for different leg angles, etc. Hope that helps.

MrBob Loc: lookout Mtn. NE Alabama

Turn off your TV, take more pictures... 2024 will be here before you know it.

zenagain Loc: Pueblo CO

Thank you very much, as i am looking to replace that tripod only for personal reasons. The one you mention is very interesting for practical reasons.

zenagain Loc: Pueblo CO

If you are talking politically then yes, i would agree 100%. But, i am so tired of not being able to get out into nature, my favorite place to take my camera.

zenagain Loc: Pueblo CO

Thank you if I remember correctly my old tripod said something like. " Manfrotto by Bogen". On it. And had a Bogen head on it.

zenagain Loc: Pueblo CO

"Blow up your Tv,
Throw away your papers,
Move to the country,
build you a home".

If it where only that easy. I miss John Prine.

pendennis

You're probably referring to the Bogen 3051/3251 or Manfrotto 058 series. They have a lever at the top which will drop all three legs at once. It's a red ring that is rotated to accomplish the task. I have a 3251, and I'm in the process of replacing the ring; the previous owner damaged the ring.

It's a beast of a tripod, and I use it with the Manfrotto 229 (Bogen 3039) heavy duty head for medium and large format cameras.

zenagain Loc: Pueblo CO

Awesome thats it. The 3051. Found one for $299.00 on ebay.
Thank you.
I am going to look for one a bit cheaper but if not i am going to be spending $300.00 on a memory.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Exactly what it was. 3051 was silver. 3251 and 058 were all black.

P-J Loc: UK

Hi I was the UK Sales Manager for Manfrotto back in the 80's. >
The tripod you're describing is the Triaut Mn ART 058 or 058B. 'B' standing for the 'black version as opposed to the sliver/aluminium finish. This is the UK/European code. Sorry I can't remember the US name/model number)

It has stainless steel lower sections, with retractable spiked feet, which being heavier allowed the legs to drop down when the two levers were simultaneously squeezed allowing the legs to drop with gravity. It was a very underrated tripod in our opinion. It was quick & easy to use, but quite heavy & very robust In fact I used one throughout my time as wedding photographer over 20+ years, with the Mn 222 Pistol grip ball head & a Hasselblad 500cm camera + Mecablitz Metz 45CT5 flashgun mounted on it. If fully extended, it could reach a height of 9 feet. The centre column was geared so precise height adjustment was possible. It also had adjustable leg braces. With independent leg positioning it was great for slopes or even use on stairs etc. where one leg needed to be at a significantly different height to the other two. In fact I still have it. Though now as an Interiors, Architectural, Property photographer using a pro DSLR it's too heavy for my type of work, unless on a windy day shooting outdoors. I now use a Manfrotto carbon fibre, which is much more forgiving if I accidentally 'bump' any furniture. The Trial would take lumps out.

Hope this helps?

If anyone in the UK is interested in buying mine get in touch via here at UHH.

John Paquette Loc: Little Rock, Arkansas

Looking for 2022 to see if a any lessons has been learned.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida