Thirty-something years ago, I needed a sturdy camera support that would enable me to take a series of photographs from ground level. After a bit of shopping around, I purchased a Leica Tabletop Tripod and a Leica Ball Head. Since that time my “Leica-pod” has traveled the world with me on hundreds of assignments and, a few scuffs and scratches aside, it’s as tight, ready, and able as it was the day I purchased it. It was pricey at the time (and still is), but worth every shekel.
Made of solid, black anodized aluminum, the Leica Tabletop Tripod consists of three legs held together by a single lock mechanism. Each of the legs can be rotated 360°, which makes it possible to configure the legs in any number of positions. When traveling, the legs fold flat, making it easy to stow away when not in use.
To go along with the tripod base, Leica offers a selection of ball heads in a choice of shapes and sizes. The most popular Leica ball heads are the Leica Ball Head (18 Long), and Leica Ball Head (18 Short), which are 5.3 and 3.3" tall respectively and available in a choice of silver or black.
The Leica Tabletop Tripod weighs about 5 oz, and the small and large ball heads weigh 8.1 and 8.8 oz, respectively. The total load capacity for the Leica Tabletop Tripod / Ball Head combination is a bit over 15 lb, and it doesn’t wobble under the load.
In addition to tabletops, I’ve used my Leica head-and-legs combination to position 35mm, medium-format, and even 4 x 5" field cameras on steps, ledges, rocks jutting out from waterfalls, rooftop ledges, the masts of sailboats, roadways, and railroad tracks (with full permission and safeguards in place!).
Leica’s Tabletop Tripod and Ball Head can also be used very effectively for bracing against walls, posts, trees, and other upright structures, and it makes for a very effective chest-pod.
Be advised, these pups are pricy. I paid about $169 for the legs and a tall silver ball head back in the day—a small fortune back then, and about half of the current purchase price, but considering the number of times this handy camera support system has saved the day, I have no regrets.
The “Things We Love” series articles are written by B&H Photo Video Pro Audio staff to talk about products and items that we love. Opinions expressed in the articles are those of the writers and do not represent product endorsements from B&H Photo Video Pro Audio.
13 Comments
I am a tripod "freak" and have owned this exact tripod-ballhead for many years, along with others from Gitzo and Linhof, among the best designed and made tripods from the film era. The Leica is as good at everything as Allan says. A really nice tripod. The favorite and most used of my modest collection is a baby Linhof, not sure of the model. Collapses to about 26 inches, two section center column, one stores inside the other, bubble level in the cast aluminum head. Very light, compact, sturdy, and easy to set up.
I have been using the combination (legs and long head) since I was a product rep for Leica back in the 80s. It's perfect for city hall meetings and courtroom assignments. The older ones also had a reversible head with medium format 3/8 mountin threads.
There is a slight mistake in the discription. The combination of legs and head do not weigh 15 pounds. I don't know what they weigh.
Right, it can support 15 pounds! The long ball head weighs about a 1/2 pound.
Got my pair (with tall head) in late 60s, used them ever since. Added the short head about 10 years ago, but don't often need it. The tall head just fits my large hands better.
Tried one and this Leitz tripod will not work for full size DSLRs and full size macro or tele lenses, Kirk(old Style) Platypod, Mathews Wedge and other flat "skid" devices are much more stable. Or if you want flexible top results RRS Ground pod.
On a table, I mounted a Nikon F5 with an 80-200mm plus telextender on the tripod with the long ball head and took pictures of ships transiting Vancouver, B.C. - no problem arose. I intend to use it with a D610 and a Sigma 159mm macro - heavy.
1005= "right on" (dating myself) - this combo has gone with me and continues to tag along in my adventures! As the man sez, woth every penny. From what else can be received for an investment that keeps giving year after year? Highly recommend.
I have had two of these for over 40 years! Best ever but one of them need ball head tightening. Anyone know how to get that taken care of?
Mine goes back forty-something years. Same bottom (plastic end protectors slightly different design), top 3.3" silver.
I forget what it cost. Built like a brick poophouse. Still use it often. Still tight, whether hot or sub zero temps.
I happen to own a Leica table-top tripod which pre-dates the model shown in the article, havinb been purchased at around the time I bought my Leica M3, in around 1959. I did not purchase a ball-head at the time, but have used various 'generics' since. The configuration of the legs makes it ideal for many purposes, one of those being to hold firmly against vertical surfaces.Like the camera which still performs as well as it did on the day of purchase, I expect it to see me out; and I am currently in my 81st year.
Ian Smith - Dunedin, New Zealand
Get in a hurry in sub zero weather trying to push down on ice and you can break a leg off a Leicapod. Frustrating, but it does happen.
Love it too. Check Manfrotto long kit table tripod ; Not as good, still Nice, and...Cheaper!
(and taller if you whish)