Professional Cameraman's Handbook, The, 4th Edition

chapter 8

Tripods

A tripod is a telescoping three-legged stand that is used to support a movable platform (tripod head), to which a camera is secured.

8.1 TRIPOD TYPES

There are several basic types of tripods, including the following (see Figs. 8–1 and 8–2):

1.  standard legs—approximately 4 ft (1.22 m) when closed, approximately 6 ft (1.83 m) when extended

2.  sawed-off legs—approximately 3 ft (0.91 m) when closed, approximately 5 ft (1.52 m) when extended

3.  baby (low) legs—approximately 2 ft (0.6 m) when closed, approximately 3 ft (0.91 m) when extended

NOTE: The length of each unit has a ± factor of 6 in. (152 mm).

4.  hi-hat—approximately 4–6 in. (102–152 mm) high, nontelescopic

NOTE: Each leg of this low mount has a flange (instead of ...