THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE WAS SENT TO ME ON NOV. 7 FROM CAMCORDER INFO:

Bogen has announced a new line of tripods dedicated to small video cameras. As the company press release states the new Mdeve tripods ''finally give video the portability, compactness, positioning flexibility, indoor/outdoor adaptability, and ease and speed of use that still photography has always enjoyed.''

The tripods feature a head mounted on a ball, all in a bright red color. The head features a leveling ball. The ball allows you quickly level the head and the camcorder.

The tripods are especially designed for camcorders and come in three models. The 754 for camcorders up to 13 lbs, the 755B for camcorders up to 13 lbs and the 756B for camcorders up to 11 lbs. Each one extends to different heights.

ANYONE HEARD NEWS OF WHEN BOGEN INTENDS TO HAVE THESE MODELS IN STORES?

Information on the new line of tripods can be found on Bogen's site here http://www.bogenphoto.com/news/rightscreen_one.php3?fileback=home&newsid=81 I checked several vendors and they all list them as Special Order. Merchants may not be stocking them yet, until market demand can be measured. Or they may not be available yet. Press releases in the photo industry can have a several month lead time before the product is available. An email to Bogen can best advise you on current availability.

Jeff

One reason that you may not be able to acquire a Bogen/Manfrotto product among other manufactorers immediately, is the lock-out of the west coast long shoreman, this past year. It took me over 3 months to acquire my new pod & head. The line up of ships off shore, delayed an awfull lot of goods being delivered in a reasonable time. Plus the long shoreman are "working to book".