Section 1 The Basics
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Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Tripods
The best type of camera support is a sturdy
and well-made tripod. Its design, with each leg’s
length independently adjustable, allows it to be
firmly set in place on almost any kind of terrain.
When mounted atop the tripod, the camera can
be adjusted to the desired orientation and locked
in position. Exposures of any length can be made
with little danger of camera movement. Tripods
are manufactured in many sizes, from small
tabletop models to large, heavy units suitable only
for studio use.
Basic components of the tripod are identified
in Figure 2-43. They consist of the following:
• Quick-release mechanism. Part of the
tripod head, this mechanism allows rapid
dismounting and remounting of the camera.
• Tripod head. The device that connects the
tripod to the camera and allows various
degrees of rotation.
• Center column or centerpost. A vertical shaft
used on some tripods that can be extended
and locked in place.
A
B
Kinesis; Jack Klasey/Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 2-42. Camera support techniques. A—A beanbag
filled with beans, polystyrene beads, sand, or water,
holds a camera steady enough to make a time exposure.
B—Resting a camera on a firm surface helps to avoid
movement. C—Extra support can be obtained by pressing
the camera against a solid structure, such as a post, door
frame, wall, or tree.
C
Manfrotto
Figure 2-43. A sturdy tripod is the best camera support
available. Basic parts of a tripod are shown.
Quick-release
mechanism
Nonslip feet
Telescoping
leg sections
Leg lock
Center
column
Tripod head