The international photographer (Jan-Dec 1935)

May. 1935 The INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER Fifteen The New Akers Light Tripod When a new tripod is introduced whose weight is only 17 V2 pounds and still maintaining absolute stability— its enthusiastic acceptance is self-explanatory. Such a tripod is the new Akers Freehead, which is now being offered by the Akers Camera Company, Inc., as their latest contribution to the field of professional cinematography. Recent years have witnessed a steady and definite trend toward the reduction of mass in mechanical design through the substitution of aluminum alloys for other heavier metals. And it is the utilization of these principles which are responsible for the great reduction in weight of the Akers Tripod. The freehead unit itself is entirely cast of a special tough aluminum alloy and the conventionally shaped spider is also cast of the same alloy. The freehead unit is held to the spider by a large threaded ring which allows its immediate detachment for use on a baby tripod or high hat. This feature was previously only available in the most expensive of the professional tripods. The tilt head permits a camera movement of 70° either forward or backward from a horizontal position, thus giving a total tilting arc of 140°. The novel design of the panorama head incorporates a micromatic adjustment, permitting control of both tilt and pan tension simultaneously. This is important, as it eliminates any inequality between panning and tilting. And by virtue of this a 45° pan and tilt dolly shot need never entail the fear of "stair stepping" on the screen. Individual locks are provided for pan and tilt action. On the Akers Lightweight Tripod there is a fiveinch spread between the tops of the legs. Extension of the tripod height is accomplished by means of duraluminum tubes which work in guides between the maple side legs. Single rapid-action locks tighten the tubes in the desired positions or disengage just as quickly for adjustment. The tilt table of this new tripod has no front or back. This is due to an exclusive feature which provides for a 360° adjustment of panhandle position. Right or left hand control is thus available to the operator. The length of the panhandle is readily adjustable. And when the tripod is not in action, it fastens to the under side of the tripod spider suspended between the folded legs and is consequently out of the way in a convenient, yet safe position for carrying or shipping. The users of Eyemos, DeVrys, DeBries, or any of the other type cameras will certainly agree that the new Akers Tripod fills a long-felt need in cinema equipment. Embodying all the desirable features and yet eliminating weight to such a marked degree, it is one of the outstanding developments of the year. OUTSTANDING FEATURES 1. Demountable freehead. Can be instantly transferred to baby tripod or high-hat. 2. 70° tilt either forward or backward, making a total tilting arc of 140°. 3. Individual locks for pan and tilt action. 4. Micromatic adjustment providing control of pan and tilt tension simultaneously. 5. Handle length adjustable. 6 Handle position adjustable over a range of 360°, thus permitting right or left hand operation. 7. Total weight 17'/2 pounds. FOR USE WITH THE FOLLOWING CAMERAS AKERS FEATHERWEIGHT MITCHELL DEBRIE DEVRY EYEMO ETC. THE NEW AKERS LIGHTWEIGHT TRIPOD PRICE $125 NOW READY FOR DISTRIBUTION ON EXHIBITION AT THE S. M. P. E. CONVENTION AKERS CAMERA CO., INC. 714 Santa Monica Boulevard HOLLYWOOD CALIFORNIA Please mention The International Photographer when corresponding with advertisers.