Tripod

Tripod

The importance of a robust, sturdy tripod cannot be

overstated. Interior photography inevitably necessitates long

exposures – for which a heavy-duty professional tripod is

essential. Both the changing of film backs and pulling out

exposed sheets of instant-print film are substantial, jerky

movements throughout which the camera must be held rocksteady

to avoid even the slightest displacement from its

critical position. Resetting a camera position if it has been

displaced for any reason is a time-consuming and frustrating

business, as it involves rechecking all the settings, including

the focus.

Professional tripods are made up of two parts: the head

and the set of legs, both of which are bought as separate items

to suit the purpose for which they are required. A good head

and a good set of legs are each likely to cost a similar amount,

so allow for this when making your choice.

Though usually a little more expensive, it is best to buy

a black tripod as this eliminates the problem of its reflection

in glass or other reflective surfaces in the picture. Other than

being sturdy and black, check that the legs (including the

central column) extend to a height at least as high as your eye

level and preferably somewhat higher for extra flexibility.

Screw tighteners, rather than clips, for locking the legs in

position are also a sensible choice as they avoid any

possibility of a clip snapping off. The legs should have rubber

feet to prevent the possibility of any instability from slipping

or sliding on a smooth floor.

With regard to the head, it is essential for it to be heavy

and to have plenty of available movement in the three

dimensions, with large hand-sized handles with which to

make necessary fine and tight adjustments. It is also useful to

have the movement in each direction calibrated in degrees of

angle: by zeroing everything, the operation of roughly setting

up the camera in the first instance is speeded up; and if

different critical angles of a view need to be taken this

calibration makes it possible.

Finally, a quick-release plate is another handy, timesaving

device much to be recommended. It consists of a metal

shoe that is screwed firmly into the base of the camera, and

simply clicks in and out of the socket on the tripod head.