Gitzo gilux tatalux

I just bought a GItzo gilux tatalux (4 section tripod) at a thrift store. It came with what look like a g275 head (there is nothing written on it except "Brevete", which just means patented). It look like this brand is really good today. Was it ever so? It look like an old version that predate the internet, since I cannot find much information about it.

How should I "test" it to feel safe before I put my camera on it?

I bought is because it look like a really nice travel tripod (really sort when folded, and not heavy).

Thanks,

I am not familiar with that exact model but it is a Gitzo in good condition so the question is, as a lightweight travel tripod, how many of your kids will it support?

Gitzo tripods have weight ratings that bear no relation to their capabilities, for example my (ex) G1329 Mk2 was rated at 12 kilos yet showed no distress with my 110 kilos.

I won't go on but I will say that the safest place to put you camera is on top of a Gitzo tripod - probably why I have 4 of them

Don't worry just use it and enjoy it!

Gitzo has always been a quality manufacturer of tripods. Many think that the earlier tripods (made in France) are actually indestructible. The designs are regularly modified and they have many models to suit both all sizes of cameras/lenses as well as short and tall users. They and American company RRS are at the top of the support quality rankings. You've got a good tripod.

Thanks, I will give it a test run and give feedback.

The only draw back I see now is the lack of quick release, the head look like on the left of this picture: http://www.360icon.com​/Info/images2/gitzoben​.jpg

Wow, that is some ballhead! You're presumably looking for an Arca-Swiss type of head, and from where you live FLM and Linhof from Germany are good choices and they both make small and medium sized heads. I used a Linhof Profi for years and it was solid, very durable and reliable and worked well in the cold. The FLM designs look more old-fashioned if you're interested in a head that kind of matches the legs, but they are very well made and reliable too. You can replace the round base with your choice of Arca-Swiss type clamp. The heads are not cheap but you can look for a used one.

Those "Old" ball heads are not the best ergonomically, by today's standards, and not the lightest - but they work!

I would suggest that you just use it for now and get something nicer (it probably won't be better) later.

Just my thoughts.

Thanks all, I really appreciate.