Steve'sDigicams

pws442 · Nov 10, 2007, 5:28 AM

I am searching for a truly compact mini tripod. I bought one 30 years ago in Tokyo that supported my Nikomat FT2. Its folded size is only 8 inches, and extends to 42 inches in 8 sections that lock with a ball-bearing mechanism. Brand name was King. Had a crown as its logo.

Alas, one of the bearings has given, and its sturdiness is quite questionable now. I broke my C2020 a few years ago when a leg gave, and it fell forward. Gingerly, I use it with my C5050, but realize I am skating on thin ice.

So, I bought a Sunpack 620-005B, misreading the minimum height as the folded height. It is 13.77 inches folded, as are most all I have found online.

Is there anything that can get down to single digits when folded? And still extend a reasonable length? Mostly photos of me and the wife using a remote. Nothing fancy.

Here is a shot of the King vs the SunPack

VTphotog · Nov 10, 2007, 2:49 PM

Quick check at Adorama shows a Velbon BR-5 which folds to a bit over 8". The load rating is not much, but should be adequate for your camera if you aren't using add-n lenses or other accessories.

brian

pws442 · Nov 11, 2007, 9:00 AM

VTphotog wrote:

Quote:

Quick check at Adorama shows a Velbon BR-5 which folds to a bit over 8". The load rating is not much, but should be adequate for your camera if you aren't using add-n lenses or other accessories.

brian

I found that itfolds to 14.2 inches usingthis link: http://www.adorama.com/VNBR5SG.html?...&item_no=2

The Sunpak is half an inch less, but still 5+ inches more than my un-trusty old King! Thanks for the thought anyway.

VTphotog · Nov 11, 2007, 5:31 PM

Must have been looking at something else. Since I have also been looking for something easy to carry, I checked B&H and found this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...od_Black_.html

Not sure if it would be rugged enough for my purposes, though.

brian

pws442 · Nov 12, 2007, 4:42 AM

Thanks, it certainly looks like a clone of mine, just with an additional 2 inches.

khrome · Feb 27, 2008, 5:49 PM

Coincidentally, I found this thread because I am also looking for a compact tripod. I've been using the Hakuba for 3 years, and it's starting to get flimsy. I don't think it will last 30. ;-)

I like the size of it though, and I was wondering if anyone has seen something like it but with flip levers to lock the legs? Does this even exist?

The problem I have with the Hakuba is that the legs are like radio antennae - you are limited to the length they extend. If you put it in the middle, they will slide closed. Another problem is they are hard to pull out sometimes - this leads to accidentilly elbowing the person sitting next to you. Could be embarrassing if you don't know the person ;-) In general, the Hakuba is a pain to handle, especially if you need to set up in a hurry.

Nov 10, 2007, 5:28 AM	#1
pws442 Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 3	I am searching for a truly compact mini tripod. I bought one 30 years ago in Tokyo that supported my Nikomat FT2. Its folded size is only 8 inches, and extends to 42 inches in 8 sections that lock with a ball-bearing mechanism. Brand name was King. Had a crown as its logo. Alas, one of the bearings has given, and its sturdiness is quite questionable now. I broke my C2020 a few years ago when a leg gave, and it fell forward. Gingerly, I use it with my C5050, but realize I am skating on thin ice. So, I bought a Sunpack 620-005B, misreading the minimum height as the folded height. It is 13.77 inches folded, as are most all I have found online. Is there anything that can get down to single digits when folded? And still extend a reasonable length? Mostly photos of me and the wife using a remote. Nothing fancy. Here is a shot of the King vs the SunPack Attached Images

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Nov 10, 2007, 2:49 PM	#2
VTphotog Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Extreme Northeastern Vermont, USA Posts: 4,308	Quick check at Adorama shows a Velbon BR-5 which folds to a bit over 8". The load rating is not much, but should be adequate for your camera if you aren't using add-n lenses or other accessories. brian

Nov 11, 2007, 5:31 PM	#4
VTphotog Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Extreme Northeastern Vermont, USA Posts: 4,308	Must have been looking at something else. Since I have also been looking for something easy to carry, I checked B&H and found this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...od_Black_.html Not sure if it would be rugged enough for my purposes, though. brian

Nov 12, 2007, 4:42 AM	#5
pws442 Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 3	Thanks, it certainly looks like a clone of mine, just with an additional 2 inches.

Feb 27, 2008, 5:49 PM	#6
khrome Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 1	Coincidentally, I found this thread because I am also looking for a compact tripod. I've been using the Hakuba for 3 years, and it's starting to get flimsy. I don't think it will last 30. ;-) I like the size of it though, and I was wondering if anyone has seen something like it but with flip levers to lock the legs? Does this even exist? The problem I have with the Hakuba is that the legs are like radio antennae - you are limited to the length they extend. If you put it in the middle, they will slide closed. Another problem is they are hard to pull out sometimes - this leads to accidentilly elbowing the person sitting next to you. Could be embarrassing if you don't know the person ;-) In general, the Hakuba is a pain to handle, especially if you need to set up in a hurry.