Tripod Heads

[DeeJay]

I am very new to photography and as such apologise if this is a silly question.

My dad has given me the old tripod he used to use years ago for his film camera. The thing is, on the pole that sticks out the top of the tripod there is no head or platform to attach my camera too. There is a male screw thread which can screw into my D80 but obviously this is not ideal.

My question is could I save myself some money buy buying a good tripod head now and attaching it to my current setup? Then I could save up for better tripod legs later.

I have looked around on google and wikipedia but can't seem to find any pictures or answers, help please!

 

[DorsetDude]

If you mean "on the pole that sticks out the top of the tripod" where you've said "on the pole that sticks out the top of the camera" then you should be ok, assuming the threaded bit is standard size for these days and will fit a new tripod head. (3/8" anybody?)
Then all you need is a quick release plate to mate your D80 with the new head and Bob's your auntie's live in lover from Rhyl.

 

[DeeJay]

They were indeed some silly typos there! Sorry about that!

Thanks for the information. I'll monitor this for any updates on the thread size...

 

[Martyn...]

They were indeed some silly typos there! Sorry about that!

Thanks for the information. I'll monitor this for any updates on the thread size...

Its either 1/4 or 3/8 ... most decent heads are 3/8, if the bit on your tripod is 1/4 you can get an adaptor to the 3/8 of the head (about £1)

 

[Ozei]

.... My question is could I save myself some money buy buying a good tripod head now and attaching it to my current setup? Then I could save up for better tripod legs later.

You might end up paying more by buying the head and legs separately.

Here's a selection to look at http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/tripods.html and another (the owner - Stuart - is a member on this forum) http://www.digitaldepot.co.uk/tripods/tripods.html

 

[Alastair]

A couple of quid for a 1/4"-3/8" adapter on Ebay, then buy the head you want.

 

[DeeJay]

Thanks for that guys!

digitaldepot.co.uk looks like a good store with some reasonable priced tripods too.

I'll have a think, but I think I'll go the way of the adapter and head.

 

[Martyn...]

Thanks for that guys!

digitaldepot.co.uk looks like a good store with some reasonable priced tripods too.

I'll have a think, but I think I'll go the way of the adapter and head.

The male screw fitting on top of the tripod you have may be reversible, it may be 3/8 on the other end, worth checking

 

[Ozei]

Thanks for that guys!

digitaldepot.co.uk looks like a good store ........

They are a very good store.

You could PM Stuart and see if he has any specials: http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=289391&highlight=digital+depot

 

[DeeJay]

@Martyn - Interesting, I'll have a look tonight for that.

@Ozei - Thanks for the link!