Found Something.. a tripod

[tonycortes]

I was going through my father's art stuff and I ran into a tripod.. I picked it up and it felt like it was made out of metal, but very light. It has a label that says bogen 3021 and two other labels that says 501 and Bogen Manfrotto "made in italy" The head was missing so I couldn't sit my camera on it, but wow was it smooth when I moved that sucker. I'm guessing it's meant for camcorders.

so did I just find a descent tripod?? or is it some weak stuff?

if it is worth keeping, where can I get the head and how do I know if it's missing anything.

[condyk]

I think that is a very decent tripod. You probably need a head for it. The Manfrotto 488 RC2 is very good value.

[tonycortes]

thats good news. and i just raised that sucker. it's taller than me.. lol

[tonycortes]

okay i'm sorry i worded the post wrong.. It does have a HEAD, but I need a plate, where do i get it?

[DavidW]

The plate for a Bogen Manfrotto 501 video head is the 3433PL, according to the information I have here. See here (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=details_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=162661&is=REG&addedTroughType=accessory_detail&addedTroughValue=162660_REG) for order information from B&H.

To be honest, you may be happier unscrewing the set screws (if they're set), unscrewing the head, and putting a 488RC2 on the legs. That's a head more aimed at still photography. You'll find a huge plate like the 3433PL annoying on a DSLR, and the lack of the third axis and a facility to pan separate to moving the head may also be limiting.

I'd still get a new plate for the 501 head, pop over to a video forum somewhere, and sell the 501 head, which should hopefully more than cover the cost of a 488RC2.



David

[tonycortes]

thanks. I'll probably keep it as I'm learning videography since I'm great with video editing (VEGAS) and planning to purchase an SONY FX1

[DavidW]

Well, it sounds like the perfect solution, then - sort out a plate for the video head and maybe buy a ball head for your DSLR as well. On many Manfrotto tripods, you can change the centre column, and a second centre column can be easier than messing around changing the head in the field.



David