Large Format Camera + Tripod Maintenance - Large Format Friday

Every couple of years, it's a good idea to gather up the most commonly used parts of your large format kit and give them a tune-up. Today I'm cleaning up my Induro CT414 tripod, Majestic geared tripod head, and 8x10" Tachihara field camera for an upcoming trip.
How often are you checking up on your large format kit? Let me know in the comments!
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Content by Mat Marrash: www.matmarrash.com
#largeformat #filmphotography
00:00 Spring Cleaning?
01:20 Joints = Weak Points
02:14 Center Column
03:35 Majestic Geared Head
04:57 Tripod Leg Removal
06:15 Cleaning the Legs
08:06 Reassembly & Tightening
11:04 Inspecting the 8x10
12:15 Dusting the Bellows
13:38 Ground Glass Tip
14:31 Packing the Pelican
15:52 Wrap-Up + Credits

[@erikepskamp1991]

Mat, ironic that you did all that cleaning and you put it all in a case that could use a little cleaning on the inside. Great video!

[@BobOgden1]

You may want to consider using something like loctite 242 (blue) on those screws that are coming loose. It'll stop them from backing out but it will still let you disassemble things with normal tools and force

[@paridecorsetti7022]

14:53 we know where all those leaves come from 😁

[@philipu150]

Thanks, Matt. My wife has been telling my for years that I must have a screw loose. Today my camera check proved her right.

[@stuartbaines2843]

Matt - just a suggestion you could use a drill to dimple the side of Aluminium boss where lock bolt sits. Stops a loose head sliding off 👍 A Good silicone furniture polish is equally good for cleaning tripod legs. An old clean tooth brush is handy to clean threads of collars. I wax my field camera wood work with a quality wax polish. A small amount of grease on racks. Nice collection of leaves 😅🍂

[@erichstocker8358]

Taking on the biker look to maintain your gear! ;-)

[@MatMarrash]

My current aesthetic is "hardware clothing aisle".

[@erichstocker8358]

@@MatMarrash Love that!!!!!

[@anthonycollingridge970]

Hi Matt that is a significant & sturdy tripod head. Its made my Sinar version go and cower in the corner in fright... Great video as always!!

[@manuelalvarez6566]

Looks like the camera bag needs to be cleaned out too.

[@MatMarrash]

That LowePro velcro interior holds onto everything! >__

[@hectorereyespinon]

Came here to comment on this too. Spent all that time cleaning the camera only to put it in the section with the most dirt, dust, and leaf litter. Oh well, I'm sure it's not that bad.

[@jimpurcell]

Very helpful, thanks!

[@joshhenderson9492]

This came at the perfect time, been shooting at the beach a lot and my tripod is crusty as hell right now lol

[@MatMarrash]

The crunching of tripod legs and locks is right up there with nails on a chalkboard!

[@joshhenderson9492]

@@MatMarrash Australian summers will make your tripod legs lock up real quick 🤣🤣

[@BrandonNedwek]

Great video, Mat! Would love a part II tearing down the Sinar. Mine has a few dry spots I'm tempted to hit with a tiny bit of lithium or moly grease but it makes me nervous haha.

[@MatMarrash]

No kidding Brandon, I would be equally nervous about a Sinar! May have to consult a few of my old Sinar manuals before tackling such a repair.

[@jimwlouavl]

While not sexy, this was darn useful. Thanks for doing it. I’ve been afraid to clean my tripod. I’m less so now.

[@MatMarrash]

Go for it! First time I disassembled and cleaned my tripod, I discovered it was missing a few pieces. Emailed the manufacturer and they shipped the replacements out the next day for a couple of bucks. This stuff is meant to last a long time.

[@LaurRants]

Idk what you're talking about, Jim, did you see those shades? Mat's too cool for school 😏

[@jimwlouavl]

@@LaurRants It did have a Top Gun vibe.

[@jimwlouavl]

@@MatMarrash That’s one of the unsaid advantages of buying pro-grade equipment.

[@RodUSMC75]

I thought this was the preview of "Maverick" when I say you with those shades! LOL

[@LaurRants]

"you've seen how i handle my equipment" [War flashbacks to him breaking shoes, bags, glass while out shooting...]

[@MatMarrash]

Is each season going to need its own blooper reel?!

[@dylangergutierrez]

What a coincidence, I was just servicing my 4x5 field camera last night! Feels much better now that I've tightened things up. Question: I discovered while looking things over that I am missing the pivot rivet for my rear standard. Do you have a recommendation for replacing this? EDIT: For anyone else wondering about this, I found small machine screws and nuts from the hardware store, as well as tiny washers. I had to cut down the screw so it fit, but it works pretty well! I also used Loctite Blue in the nut to keep it closed.

[@ericholmquist8966]

I use loctite on those damn little screws that use to mystically disappear. Magic, no more AWOL nuts and screws. Do not use the permanent stuff!

[@patrickherzog2]

so why in the world do you not do a quick Vakuum of your backpack when you take so much care for camera and Tripod ? i am stunned

[@orencohen2074]

Having a hard time finding the .375 to 1.5 adapter for majestic head. None on ebay that I could find. B&H discontinued. Any suggestions on where to fins one?

[@MatMarrash]

Hey Oren, if you're not a member, there were some individuals selling them on the Large Format Photography Forum. You'll have to be a registered user for at least 30 days to view Buy/Sell/Trade listings.

[@flipflopsLF]

Going to PhotoStock in June?

[@MatMarrash]

I'm planning on it! Been way too long since I've experienced "Pure Michigan".

[@flipflopsLF]

@@MatMarrash Great. Maybe you can have Bill on LFF. And, vice a versa.