Movie Makers (Jan-Dec 1950)

414 BASIC MODEL of heavy duty tripod is seen above, mounted on triangle and with standard, interchangeable friction pan head. HIGH-HAT TRIPOD, for low-angle or cramped-quarter shooting, accepts any of pan heads discussed here. THE BABY TRIPOD, an adjustable base unit for use with interchangeable heads, is pictured at right. LETS TRY A TRIPOD: 2 Second and last of a series on tripod types and their uses FREDERICK G. BEACH, FACL IN Let's Try a Tripod: 1, which appeared last month in this magazine, we examined in order the following items of interest: six sound reasons for using a tripod; camera supports in the "pod" family, such as the unipod, neckpod, carpod and the like; light amateur tripods, generally of the still-camera variety, with an added pan head, and heavy amateur tripods, generally with the pan and tilt head as an integral part of the unit. We concluded by mentioning the heaviest class of camera supports — those tripods which are designed primarily for use by professional or commercial film makers. And, because of the considerable difference in both bulk and cost between these instruments and their lighter-weight counterparts, we promised to survey them separately in a second discussion. That discussion follows herewith. USE DETERMINES DESIGN As suggested last month, the selection of one type of tripod over another depends primarily on the work you wish it to do for you. Such is certainly the case with these heavier outfits, where a number of combinations can be made between the legs (or base unit) and a variety of pan and tilt heads. Since the design of the base unit (in a representative line of these heavy-duty tripods) is almost identical, let's examine it first in this survey. DESIGN OF THE TRIPOD BASE Obviously, the primary function of all tripod legs is to create a steady platform for the camera. Therefore, it stands to reason that the more contact the top ends of the legs have with the tripod base, the firmer they will hold it. Because of this, legs of the spread "V" type — with each upper point of the "V" gripping the tripod base — have become almost standard design in the heavy tripod field. Legs of this type are generally made of wood (often maple) which has been pre-treated to prevent moisture absorption and consequent warpage. The legs extend over two units only, thus providing for a generous overlap (and greater steadiness) between the upper and lower unit. The locking device is of the quick, wrist-action type, making for ease of adjustment and maximum rigidity even at full extension. The lower ends of these legs are equipped with reversible tips, one shod with a stainless steel point, the other with a rubber covering, for maximum grip on any type of surface. Directly above these points on each leg are small metal extensions known as "step-downs"; these make possible a positive insertion of the points into any soft or spongy surface. At the top end of each leg, on the underside of the metal base, are ring-bolts, or tie-down brackets, for anchoring the tripod with a tie-down chain when working from a car top or other moving platform. A gadget bag for extra lenses, exposure meter, filters and the like also may be hung from these rings. With allowances for slight variations in weight and size, all of the tripod base units illustrated on these pages have these design features. Manufactured by the Camera Equipment Company, they are soundly representative of the heavy-duty tripod in its various combinations. PAN-TILT HEADS VARY Since the base unit is generally the same, the variety of combination is attained by differing designs in the type of pan-tilt head being used. These are of three general types: (1 1 the friction head; (2) the geared head, and (3) the so-called gyro head. Simplest of the standard pan-head and base combinations is that comprised of a "V" type base unit and a friction-type head permanently installed on this base. Such a tripod is the Mini-Pro, Jr., a CEC combination which offers the serious amateur a maximum of steadiness commensurate with its construction. The friction head here provided is of lightweight yet sturdy aluminum, with adjustable tension on pan and tilt movements and separate locking devices for each path of movement. Two-way spirit levels are mounted at the rear to assure accurate leveling. This combination is regarded by the manufacturer as offering adequate steadiness for all but the heaviest of 16mm. commercial camera units. INTERCHANGEABLE HEADS For the larger units — such as a motor-driven, 400 foot capacity Cine-Kodak Special or the Filmo Specialist — a similar but sturdier version of the Mini-Pro is found in the Professional Junior tripod. Here, however, the