[Konvas] Decent Tripod/Support System for a Konvas?

[Adam Frey]

I've been wanting to get a new (or used in decent condition) tripod/head 
combo for quite a while now, but haven't gotten around to doing so for 
several reasons, the biggest of which is, of course, related to a 
slightly malnourished wallet.

The second reason is that there are so many to choose from, I want to 
make sure that I get the right one.

The third reason is that, if I'm going to spend [insert: more than just 
a little bit of] good cash on one, then I'd want to invest in a decent 
system that can work with me as business expands and for the next 
umpteen plus years. BUT, if there are decent tripods out there to be had 
for under $500 that can also do a good job, then it might be worth 
getting that instead and upgrading in the future.

I'd like to invest in something that can handle my needs, which include 
EVERYTHING: from time-lapse (and stop-motion animation), to a fully 
loaded Konvas 1M, to a basic HDV rig (currently my Sony Z1U). I'd like 
it to be able to handle a jib arm as well (preferably, a jib arm that 
can hold my fully loaded Konvas - is that *too* much to ask for?).

I also want a smooth head - I'm tired of using heads that do just 
"okay". You know the heads I'm talking about - the ones that allow you 
to ever-so-slightly jerk it at some point during the pan (it's always 
frustrating when I see that in my post-process).

So, basically, my ideal tripod would, preferably, be affordable and 
could do everything under the Sun (btw: I'm also hoping that the 
temperature in Hell hits 0 degrees Celcius and that Pigs will grow wings).

With all that said, I know Todd really loves his Oconnor, and I have to 
say, looking at the load limits, Oconnor can handle some heavy rigs:
http://www.ocon.com/products/tripods.html

QuickSet tripods are also pretty heavy duty:
http://www.quickset.com/pages/ultra_stable_tripods/63.php

And, of course, there are quite a few other ENG/MoPic tripods to look at 
as well, including:
Miller (http://millertripods.com)
Cartoni (http://cartoni.com)
Slik Daiwa (http://slikbroadcast.com)
Vinten (http://www.vinten.com)

I'd have included Bogen/Manfrotto (http://manfrotto.com), but I'm not so 
sure that they make one that can handle a fully loaded Konvas, 
especially if I'm going to add a sound-proof Barney to it (and speaking 
of Barneys, I've got some great pics from Pierre Sam that I'm going to 
upload to the site sometime in the near future).

So, the question seems to be four-fold:
1) What tripods/tripod systems do you think can handle my needs?
2) What tripod/tripod system is the best bang for the buck?
3) What heads are recommended? (Geared or Fluid Head?)
4) Can I use a head from one manufacturer and a tripod from another, or 
should I stick with one brand?

I have a few older wooden tripods that I've collected and used/abused 
over the years, but they are (mostly) older and, by now, extremely well 
used. At this point, I've started working on the wooden legs with some 
really good glue and the heads are in need of some major TLC - should I 
send them out for repairs or forget about them?

I've also had a few "cheaper" video tripods that have done okay for the 
lighter cameras, but are also showing wear and tear. I believe it's 
getting to be time to start looking to move on to something better.

BTW: Can anyone think of other tripods that are geared toward the MoPic 
industry? I plan on creating a page on Konvas.org for tripods, heads, 
and supports, as they are a very big part of our work.


Thanks,

Adam Frey
Director/Cinematographer
Crimson Chain Productions
http://crimsonchain.com

Crimson Chain Productions
PO Box 35
Libertytown, MD 21762