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This message is being forwarded to Tweeters (by Dan Victor) because the
original sender is *having trouble* with his mailer. Please copy this
email address with any responses to MartinMuller at email.msn.com

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "MartinMuller" <MartinMuller at msn.com>
To: "Jack Kintner" <kintner at nas.com>, <tweeters at u.washington.edu>
Subject: Re: new kind of tripod mount -
Date: Tue, 3 Jul 2001 07:36:02 -0700

Jack, tweetes,

I have used the Bogen/Manfrotto grip action tripod head for many years now,
for both scope and camera. The quick release plates ($ 10 a piece) are a
nice feature. Just like other quick release designs it allows you to change
from scope to camera (telephoto lens in this case) in mere seconds. The
Manfrotto design has an extra safety latch which nakes the quick release
design fool (or Martin in this case) proof.

I like the grip squeezing action a lot. I never have to grope around for
release knobs or handles sticking out at odd angles while looking through
the scope or camera. The tension on the grip can be adjusted for relatively
fluid action (but not like a fluid head). I pan all the time and find it
very easy. It's like getting used to the 45 degree offset of the scope
eyepiece....practice.

The only drawback I know of is for those of us who still use manual focus
lenses while following a moving target. When taking pictures you need one
hand to squeeze and release the pistol grip, one to focus the lens, and one
to push the shutter button. This is easily (and cheaply) solved by buying
some hook & loop adhesive-backed tape, putting the tapes back-to-back, and
wrapping this tightly around the base of the pistol grip. When dealing with
(or anticipating) a moving target, sliding the tape up a bit squeezes the
pistol grip slightly, creating as it were fluid head action. The higher you
move the tape, the lighter the action.

It has worked well for me for at least ten years now.

Cheers,
Martin Muller, Seattle
MartinMuller at email.msn.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jack Kintner" <kintner at nas.com>

> I'm a free-lance photo-journalist, more journalist than photo, but just
> found something you all may like to check out. It's called a "grip action
> ball head" and is a bogen product, now called Manfrotto some places.

SNIP