Tipod ID

Just picked this one up off the local classifieds. I dont know too much about tripods, but it looks like its worth more than the $39 I paid. Picking it up tomorrow. Can anyone ID?

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It looks very similar -- although I think has a couple of minor differences -- to a tripod I bought at Kmart back in the late 70's. IIRC, it cost about $30 - $35 new back then... and was a bargain even at that, so I think you got a good deal if it's still in good shape.

Kmart put their "Focal" brand label on it -- which I quickly removed -- but I'm not sure who the maker was. Mine is clearly marked as made in Japan on a label around the elevator crank. Yours looks like it has the same feature set: camera mount on the bottom of the elevator, pivoting elevator shaft, another camera mount on the pivot mechanism, tilt/flip head, broad and pointed feet, etc. It looks like you may also have a quick release (or flip release) tightener on the main mount. Mine just has a double turning knob type locking gimmick, so you may have a newer model. While it's not the heaviest-duty or most rigid tripod, I've found it quite serviceable for 35mm film cameras with some heavy zooms, as well as some small video cameras and digitals.

Looks like the Spiratone Versatile I have (circa 1972). Does the column pivot to a horizontal position? IIRC it was also sold by Velbon. It's heavy, but it's pretty sturdy.