quick release plates and tripod heads

S

steve997

Member
Hi guys,
I bought a Bogen 3273 quick release adaptor & plate for my Glidecam/HVX combo. I'm now looking at buying a tripod... obviously looking at the Cartoni Focus, Sachtler 4/6 and Vinten 3. Having worked as an online editor all my life, the camera side is new to me hence the following question:

Since i have the Bogen release plate on my Glidecam, should I/must I purchase a Bogen tripod to make it adaptable so that if I remove the camera from the Glidecam and need to shoot with tripod I can easily lock the camera on the tripod head ?

Alternatively, am I looking at this incorrectly... ie. should I buy a tripod based on it's own merits and then get two quick release plates that fit both the tripod and the Glidecam ?


As you can see, I'm confused..

Regards,
Steve

ps. anyone know where in LA I can play around with some of the above Tripods before I buy?
 
You can always put another quick release adapter on top of any type of tripod you buy, only if you never want to remove the plate from the camera. I have the same setup on my Glidecam, Kessler Crane and Bogen Monfrotto tripod and it's really handy to never have to remove the plate. Also I don't have to worry about stripping the threads in my camera.
 
I have the same Bogen adapter on my tripod, figrig, steadi, jib/crane, and mini dolly. Very convenient to just take the camera off one and slide it on another.

From what I've seen playing with pods/heads in the stores, while some plates look very similar to others, one brand seldom, if ever, wroks in another brand.

Personally, I bought a head to match my release plate - but then I dont lock my camera down often. I just got a Bogen 501, and it more than serves my needs. If a particular head is important to you, then I would say definitely go with the head and change the adapter on your other gear.

As for stores, you can cruise over to Samy's on Venice at Abbot Kinney. Smaller store than Fairfax, but close to you. The service is terrible, though. I had $2000 in my pocket to buy some wireless audio, a new tripod, and a $300 camera bag and couldnt get a salesperson to give me the time of day. There were no other customers in the store. I walked out but not before letting the manage know and he was less concerned with his bad staff and more concerned with trying to still make the sale. Didnt work.

So either go to Samy's Fairfax, great service always, or my favorite, EVS over in Burbank. (Address says Glendale, but when you get there you will swear you're in Burbank.) Great sefice always, but it's a small store, it gets busy, and you might have to wait. There is plenty in the showroom for you to play with while you're waiting, though. Again, small store and I dont know if they stock everything you are looking at. Service will be great and a;; the guys really know what they are doing and they know their product and they - as a rule - will not recommend you crap. They'll sell you crap if you insist, but they'll advise against it.

Finally, Filmtools (there are others, these are just the stores I frequent). Filmtools put the tools in Filmtools. These guys know nothing, are less than helpfull, and I hate this store, but there is nowhere in LA as well stocked as them and open on the weekends.

They're on Burbank in Burbank.

Check out their webs, though, and check stock online before going. All these stores - if it's on their web, they sell it in store.

-GageFX
 
Thanks guys... appreciate the help.
GageFX.. yes you are spot on about the bad service at Sammy's in Venice. I went there to purchase a Glidecam4000 and Smoothshooter ($1800+) and the guy didn't have the time of day for me.... I ended up buying online. I'll check out the other guys in LA this week... thanks again !!
 
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