I've been searching and searching on ebay for tripods and tripod heads and have missed what appeared to be some pretty good deals. I need something that will reliably support my Crown 45.

I'm not a purist so my choices are between Giottos and Manfrotto for legs - I've been looking at a Manfrotto 3221 as well as Giottos GB 3 or 4 series or the newer MT 9 series. I seem to have narrowed the choice of head to Manfrotto 3047 and Giottos 5001.

The question: has anyone here had any experience with any of these units? Does anyone have other recommendations?

You may want something heavier-duty for your 4x5 than what I use with my Century 2x3, but FWIW I've been using a Bogen-Manfrotto 3001 tripod with a B-M 410 medium geared head (cat. no 3275). The geared head is designed to accept a quick-release plate. It's all marvelously quick and easy to set up, adjust, and take down, and I will never go back to those tripod heads with the three rods sticking out!

I've researched the B-M 3001 and 3021 and figured they were a bit lightweight. Years ago, when I first had a Speed, I used a Star-D, one of which I have now, but I really want to upgrade. The Star is adequate but not a brilliant tripod. I have no idea what it's rated for in terms of maximum load, but I've settled on 22 lbs as desirable.

From what I can tell, the Manfrottos are excellent tripods in general. I'm glad to hear you're pleased with yours. The 410 looks like a really great head but is, sadly, a little over my budget.

Thanks for your reply,
Numinous

I use a 3020 tripod with a joystick head on it for just about everything in the field (35mm to Speed Graphic at least) The Speed, with it's limited movements acts more like a big box camera than a view camera, so the ball head makes quick work of setting the camera level.

When I backpack with a Crown I use a 3001. While I probably wouldn't put a 15" teleoptar on the camera with a 3001 underneath, it works, being lighter weight, it's also a bit shorter.

I've found that I like a tripod that can get the ground glass to at least eye level, the 3020 does that.

I have the 3050 tripod with a 3047 head, and while I use this in the studio, I think the 3047 head is overkill and awkward on anything less than the 3050.

I just did a run out to the Grand Canyon and Los Angeles and the 3020 was the first think in the car.