new tripod soon, what colour? at DVinfo.net

Dylan Couper · March 3rd, 2003, 06:21 PM

Unless I find a good deal on a used tripod, I'm probably going to buy a new tripod soon. Most likely a Bogen/Manfrotto 503 head/500 series legs.

The question is, should I get silver legs, or black? Black is $20 more.

Frank Granovski · March 3rd, 2003, 06:30 PM

Get the black. With silver, and in a studio setting with lights, you can get reflection from the silver legs. Don't believe me? I can show you some of my screwed-up pictures from bounced studio light reflecting off of my friend's (silver) tripod. (I have the black legs.) I suggest getting the Manfrotto case for the legs/head. You don't want scratches now.

Ken Tanaka · March 4th, 2003, 01:54 AM

Conversely, if you plan on shooting in the hot summer sun silver will be much kinder to your touch.

Of course, that may not be a major issue up there in the beautiful, moderate but moist climate of western B.C.

Frank Granovski · March 4th, 2003, 04:25 AM

By God, you're right about silver reflecting the sun/heat on those hot sunny days. I've lived away from those hot Winnipeg summers too long. You're also correct about our cool summers here in Vancouver. At least I find them cool; and when you head up to higher elevations, it gets darn cold! I hate camping in the mountains. The nights are very cold---too cold for this guy. Hey! It's my birthday today (March 4). I'm 49 now! Help. What should I do? I know, buy some more cam gear.

John Locke · March 4th, 2003, 05:31 AM

Wear more black?

Dylan Couper · March 4th, 2003, 09:54 AM

Happy Birthday Frank!

So one argument for silver, one for black.
The heat isn't as much an issue here.
Either one tent to impress the clients more?

Michael Buendia · March 4th, 2003, 10:05 AM

frank,

my b-day to! i knew i liked you for some odd reason ;)

mb4

Wayne Orr · March 4th, 2003, 10:14 AM

Most pros will opt for the black. I can't remember the last time I saw a set of chrome sticks. While we are at it, I am curious why you chose the 500MV tripod, as that uses a 100mm ball and is meant for a heavier load than most dv cameras. Not that you can't use it, but of course it is more expensive. It is usually shown with a heavier pan head, I think its the 516. This would be more appropriate for a betacam sized camera. Be certain the 503 will mate to the 100mm ball.

Jeff Donald · March 4th, 2003, 10:26 AM

Wayne, you forgot to tell Vinten their tripods aren't used professionals.

Ivan Hedley Enger · March 4th, 2003, 10:36 AM

Happy Birthday from me too Frank! Of course you should buy some more cam gear.

Have a nice day.

Best regards
Ivan

Alex Portugal · March 4th, 2003, 10:52 AM

My suggestion...as for what to do on the b-day...BUY MORE GEAR:)

Ken Tanaka · March 4th, 2003, 11:19 AM

Happy Birthday, Frank! Geez, we're the same age.

Wayne Orr · March 4th, 2003, 11:43 AM

<<<-- Originally posted by Jeff Donald : Wayne, you forgot to tell Vinten their tripods aren't used professionals. -->>>

You're right Jeff. I see so few Vintens in the field, I forgot about them. But I don't think matte grey is the same as chrome. BTW, have you seen the color of the Vinten Pro line? Opps. Forgot. Not available in the States.

Keith Loh · March 4th, 2003, 01:23 PM

Happy birthday Frank. Hope to meet you someday seeing as we're in the same area and I read your posts every week.

Frank Granovski · March 4th, 2003, 03:10 PM

Thanks for all the happy birthday comments---and happy birthday to you as well, mbuendia4. I was born late in the evening during a major Winnipeg snow storm (1954). The stork that brought me had to wear a parka.

Back to the legs, Black does look more professional also, as Wayne suggests, at least to me.

March 3rd, 2003, 06:21 PM	#1
Dylan Couper Wrangler Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vancouver, British Columbia Posts: 8,314	new tripod soon, what colour? Unless I find a good deal on a used tripod, I'm probably going to buy a new tripod soon. Most likely a Bogen/Manfrotto 503 head/500 series legs. The question is, should I get silver legs, or black? Black is $20 more. __________________ Need to rent camera gear in Vancouver BC? Check me out at camerarentalsvancouver.com

March 4th, 2003, 01:54 AM	#3
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	Conversely, if you plan on shooting in the hot summer sun silver will be much kinder to your touch. Of course, that may not be a major issue up there in the beautiful, moderate but moist climate of western B.C. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

March 4th, 2003, 05:31 AM	#5
John Locke Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Austin, TX USA Posts: 2,882	Wear more black? __________________ John Locke SursumFilms.com

March 4th, 2003, 09:54 AM	#6
Dylan Couper Wrangler Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vancouver, British Columbia Posts: 8,314	Happy Birthday Frank! So one argument for silver, one for black. The heat isn't as much an issue here. Either one tent to impress the clients more? __________________ Need to rent camera gear in Vancouver BC? Check me out at camerarentalsvancouver.com

March 4th, 2003, 10:14 AM	#8
Wayne Orr Major Player Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Northridge Ca Posts: 734	Most pros will opt for the black. I can't remember the last time I saw a set of chrome sticks. While we are at it, I am curious why you chose the 500MV tripod, as that uses a 100mm ball and is meant for a heavier load than most dv cameras. Not that you can't use it, but of course it is more expensive. It is usually shown with a heavier pan head, I think its the 516. This would be more appropriate for a betacam sized camera. Be certain the 503 will mate to the 100mm ball. __________________ Wayne If it was easy, they'd get a relative to do it.

March 3rd, 2003, 06:30 PM	#2
Frank Granovski Outer Circle Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hope, BC Posts: 7,524	Get the black. With silver, and in a studio setting with lights, you can get reflection from the silver legs. Don't believe me? I can show you some of my screwed-up pictures from bounced studio light reflecting off of my friend's (silver) tripod. (I have the black legs.) I suggest getting the Manfrotto case for the legs/head. You don't want scratches now.

March 4th, 2003, 04:25 AM	#4
Frank Granovski Outer Circle Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hope, BC Posts: 7,524	By God, you're right about silver reflecting the sun/heat on those hot sunny days. I've lived away from those hot Winnipeg summers too long. You're also correct about our cool summers here in Vancouver. At least I find them cool; and when you head up to higher elevations, it gets darn cold! I hate camping in the mountains. The nights are very cold---too cold for this guy. Hey! It's my birthday today (March 4). I'm 49 now! Help. What should I do? I know, buy some more cam gear.

March 4th, 2003, 10:05 AM	#7
Michael Buendia Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: los angeles, california Posts: 71	frank, my b-day to! i knew i liked you for some odd reason ;) mb4

March 4th, 2003, 10:26 AM	#9
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	Wayne, you forgot to tell Vinten their tripods aren't used professionals. __________________ Jeff Donald Carpe Diem Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Where to Buy? From the best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors

March 4th, 2003, 10:36 AM	#10
Ivan Hedley Enger Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Vestfold in Norway Posts: 103	Happy Birthday from me too Frank! Of course you should buy some more cam gear. Have a nice day. Best regards Ivan

March 4th, 2003, 10:52 AM	#11
Alex Portugal New Boot Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Brooklyn NY Posts: 22	Happy Birthday !!! My suggestion...as for what to do on the b-day...BUY MORE GEAR:) __________________ You Are What You Produce

March 4th, 2003, 11:19 AM	#12
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	Happy Birthday, Frank! Geez, we're the same age. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

March 4th, 2003, 11:43 AM	#13
Wayne Orr Major Player Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Northridge Ca Posts: 734	<<<-- Originally posted by Jeff Donald : Wayne, you forgot to tell Vinten their tripods aren't used professionals. -->>> You're right Jeff. I see so few Vintens in the field, I forgot about them. But I don't think matte grey is the same as chrome. BTW, have you seen the color of the Vinten Pro line? Opps. Forgot. Not available in the States. __________________ Wayne If it was easy, they'd get a relative to do it.

March 4th, 2003, 01:23 PM	#14
Keith Loh Air China Pilot Join Date: May 2002 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Posts: 2,389	Happy birthday Frank. Hope to meet you someday seeing as we're in the same area and I read your posts every week. __________________ -- Visit http://www.KeithLoh.com \| stuff about living in Vancouver \| My Flickr photo gallery

March 4th, 2003, 03:10 PM	#15
Frank Granovski Outer Circle Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hope, BC Posts: 7,524	Thanks for all the happy birthday comments---and happy birthday to you as well, mbuendia4. I was born late in the evening during a major Winnipeg snow storm (1954). The stork that brought me had to wear a parka. Back to the legs, Black does look more professional also, as Wayne suggests, at least to me.