SEXY TRIPODS an exploration of GITZO Systematic series JOSE ANTUNES
SEXY TRIPODS - an exploration of Gitzo Systematic tripods author: jose antunes | Š 2012 To view this eBook properly select in Reader, View/PageDisplay, Two-up, and Show Cover Page During Two-up
How it all started Photographing tripods is something one does for a catalogue, under an assignment from the manufacturer. That's how far as I would go, until some days ago, when thinking about tripods. I use tripods, we all use tripods in our photography, but how many times have we taken the time to photograph a tripod? I mean, really photograph a tripod, not a tripod inscribed into a picture that is made to show something else? There comes a time, sings Neil Young and I guess the time was now. That's how this eBook - and a video made with these stills and some others also - started. Because the time to photograph a tripod, or tripods, was right. It all started with an email from my contact at Vitec, the company that owns Gitzo tripods. It read: Dear Jose, We have a new Gitzo tripod, and we would love you to have it, and let us know first what you think as opposed to the old version. So we have just shipped you both old and new version. GT3542LS new tripod GK3580SQR old kit (you can use the head in the new kit as well). Apart from your kind feedback, we would like to build a specific little project on the new tripod, so would you be willing to discuss this as soon as it suits you? I think it’s a very nice opportunity to start back with the MSoX. ... For those not knowing it, MSoX is Manfrotto School of Xcellence, the website I am a columnist for since early 2011.
Along with the email a big packet arrived through the post. The two tripods for me to try. The old and new version.
A little bit of advertising
Let me use Gitzo own words to explain what these tripods are: “Gitzo Systematic tripods are the strongest and most stable tripods available in the market and offer unsurpassed flexibility of use. These tripods are a unique modular system that can be quickly transformed into different configurations. The same tripod can serve both as a video and a photographic support. A wide selection of accessories allow you to keep growing your system according to your future needs, for still life, macro, outdoor, sport and wildlife applications. Systematic tripods are available in 6X carbon fibre and aluminium tubing. Aluminium tripods (Series 5 excluded) have been completely redesigned and upgraded to the same features of 6X carbon fibre models. Aluminium Systematic are now faster, lighter and more stable. A key innovation is the use of Gitzo latest aluminium tube1.2mm wall thick, 30% lighter than its predecessor, with Anti Leg Rotation system (ALR) and brushed matt black finish for improved locking performance and minimised reflectivity. Thanks to ALR, Aluminium Systematic tripods are now as fast to operate as the 6X carbon fibre versions. A part from the tubing, aluminium and Carbon Fibre systematic tripods now share the same features: G-Lock, removable self locking feet, three leg spreads and new upper platforms. These new platforms allow for a more solid connection of the head and reduced vibrations thanks to the safe lock techno polymer disc and a locking screw for the head. Systematic is Gitzo’s top of the range tripod family, the choice of exacting professional photographers who use long lenses and heavy cameras. Not only are Systematic Gitzo’s strongest and most stable tripods, they’re also modular, with a top casting element that opens and closes to allow each tripod to be configured with a flat disk, geared or sliding centre column, video half-ball adaptor, levelling unit or other specialised centre component. Now, Systematic has been refined, with significant improvements across strength, stability and rigidity; safety and security; set-up speed, ease of use and ergonomics. New construction and bonding techniques have almost doubled maximum payloads by distributing weight more efficiently to the 6X carbon fibre legs, which also feature the G-Lock system for greater power and ease of leg section locking. In addition, design details on the distinctive new triangular top casting make changing centre components even faster and safer.” and a bit more... “The Systematic range has been extended to cover Gitzo Series 2 in order to offer the advantages of mechanical strength and build quality at a more portable size and weight. Each Systematic Series has 3-section, standard 4-section and long 4-section tripods, with Series 3 and 5 also offering an extra-long 4-section model and Series 5 featuring the iconic giant 6-section tripod alongside an ultra-compact 6 section model. Systematic - the pinnacle of Gitzo technology, craftsmanship and quality.”
My take on these tripods
So, I had a GT3542LS new tripod and an old GK3580SQR old kit with a Series 5 Systematic Ball Head Quick Release GH5380SQR that I can use in both models. It was easy to spot differences: the new model has four leg section and is a bit smaller than the old one and the top, where the head fits snugly, is now triangular, apparently to give more support to the whole system.
The ratchet
The little big difference that I felt was more important was the inclusion of a ratchet locking lever that is now used to close and open the top casting quickly and easily, to change the head. I know this is not something one does every day, but having the "key" always on the tripod can make a difference from having to carry a wrench along with you. I know I am always displacing those little things, so it's good to know it now makes part of the tripod and goes with it everywhere. Also, Gitzo has a safety latch on the base of the head, so even if it's open the head does not come out unless a little button on the underside is pressed. Nice.
Long exposure tripod
This Systematic series 3 tripod fits my bill in terms of portable sturdy tripod for long exposures. It goes up to eye level, at 146.5 cm/57.7”, and can go as low as 9.4 cm/3.7” because it has no center column. Closed it has 57.5 cm/22.6” and weighs 1.96kg/4.3lbs, being able to take loads up to 25kg/55lbs. With rubber feet that hide built-in one piece spiked feet, legs that can be opened all at once and also close easily, and can be positioned in various manners due to the new leg angle selectors that also offer more grip room to make tripod setup and adjustment easier, and a strong hook under the head, the Gitzo Systematic tripod is about to become my long exposure tripod of choice from now on. I particularly like the Series 5 Systematic Ball Head Quick Release GH5380SQR I tried with it, although I've to think of getting another quick release head, that enables me a wider angle of capture. But for now this sturdy, rock solid head is all I need to work.
The photo series
I had something else in mind when I decided to do some pictures with the tripods. I had dreamed a green field with red poppies, but could not find one and then got the flu, that kept me at home for some days. I then decided that I was going to play with the tripods and photograph them in a kind of studio session working from high-key images to some low-key experiences. I entered this mission as if I was going to photograph a model, trying to show her sexy curves. I know tripods are not exactly curvy objects, but still I could play with light to get something done. That's what I did, in a session that took some days of work and fun and finally gave me the name for this eBook: Sexy tripods. It was a challenge to do and I've learned a few things along the way. Not just about the new Gitzo Systematic tripods but also about what one can do with time to spare and a willingness to try something different. The result is this collection that can be a starting point for you to look differently at your own tripod. I know I will from now on. I must admit it was not easy to start. I did quite a lot of frames that were not interesting and I could not get the feeling right. Along the way I felt that maybe this project was not such a good idea. But suddenly I got one shot, then a new one, and a collection began to take shape. And from white backgrounds to dark backgrounds and some long exposures I created a body of work that does show what the Gitzo Systematic tripods are all about. Some sexy tripods...
How it was done
I decided to publish this image at the end, just to show you how it was done. Light is magic and controlling it lets you do what your imagination asks you for. That’s the lesson of this eBook. Looking at the images is a lesson if you ask yourself how each of them was done. Look at the light, look at the shadows. Try it yourself. All the photos shown here of the Gitzo Systematic tripods were made at the same place. The initial shots of my younger son with the boxes and tripods were shot against a white wall, the end image, next page, of the tripod being used in the field was shot... well in the field, with a Canon PowerShot G1X. So this was my studio: a large window facing the afternoon setting sun and the evening light, Lastolite Softboxes and diffusers, black backgrounds, gobos, clothes pegs... Phottix Odin radio trigger, Speedlite 580 EX II and 430 EX, Canon EOS camera and various lenses, are all contributing to the magic. And me, chasing the light. Jose Antunes March 2012