Originally posted by rdenney I haven’t had problems at any shutter speed or focal length with my Gitzo Mountaineer GT3532 tripod and Arca ball head. I used to have problems with my Bogen, which is the big one—and I still use big Bogens (Manfrottos) with large-format cameras. I followed the same strategy with my Pentax 67 as Richard describes.
With the 645z, I use mirror pre-release out of habit, but to be honest I’ve never been able to see any improvement from it, or from the 3-second timer. Most of my Kennecott Copper Mill photos were shutter speeds of a second or longer, and I used only mirror pre-release. Not a hint of motion in any of them. That’s using the Gitzo.
Most of the vibration on the 67 is from the first curtain opening, not from the mirror. A strong tripod is really necessary, plus damping strategies, plus avoiding shutter speeds from 1/15 to maybe 1/60.
Tape a laser pointer onto the camera, and project the beam onto a wall 30 feet away. Watch the spot wiggle (a helper will be needed) with different strategies. That will help identify the beast approach with your tripod.
Rick “who always thought Gitzo was overhyped until buying this one” Denney
I hadn't heard of the laser pointer test. Great idea. I'll grab the laser level I use for loudspeaker set up.
Ah Gitzo...have 4 of them. All 25+ years old. The 645Z sits on Gilux Studex legs (about 7.5 lbs) and the original big Arca Swiss ball head. Solid and precise.
This brings up the question of what Arca QR plates to get for the 645? None of my other cameras take 2 so I have a mix of brands. They are just slightly different widths, so I'm always messing with the clamp adjustment when switching camera orientation.
Thanks,
barondla