About time someone else has figured out the versatility of the system. I’m an urban landscape photographer in the Boston area, there’s always a fence or wall in the way when I’m shooting. I often use a tripod that’s a 362 (very short 2-section) for one leg, but a 366 for the other two. This allows me to put the short leg on top of the wall with the other two feet 8’ below. But wait, there’s more. The end of each leg uses a standard 3/8” thread, so I’ve added a mini ball head with a round camp for shooting over fences. Instead of a foot I clamp the short leg to the top rail of a fence. As for the apex, what I use depends on the job at hand. For the most part I use the CEX apex, which I have in 36, 28 and 22mm. If I’m sooting way up and using a monitor, I’ll use the LM series apex and a monopod to move or tighten the bowl head from below. In terms of cost, a number of lines have been discontinued, I’ve found them for 70% off. An LO-284c has the same legs as any other 284… There are endless innovations possible in this system. They sell an 80mm articulating rubber foot. I have wool furniture foot covers on mine. Clients with hardwood floors really appreciate that I’m not marking up their floors. Lastly, I’m guessing in South Africa you don’t have much need for a heated tripod leg, but in New England it’s the best thing in the world. I have what I call my self carrying tripod because when friends hold it on a cold day they offer to carry it for me. It’s a motorcycle grip heater - all of $11 on Amazon.
Just took delivery of 2 Leofoto tripods that I had to purchase to replace my 2 Gitzo tripods that were in my vehicle that was recently stolen. I was initially influenced by Hudson Henry and you Emil. Couldn't be happier with my purchase and saved a significant amount while still having the same quality of support.
@@emilvonmaltitz Thanks. I bought a LM-324 CL and a LS-284 CEX with a LH-40 ball head. For the tall legs I installed a Manfrotto Fluid Head. I had Really Right Stuff ball heads on my stolen gear but couldn't justify the expense as we have a lower valued dollar here in Canada with a high exchange rate.
@@davelindey8023 that’s a really nice setup. A good range of support options. I agree with you about the RRS head though. They’re the Rolls-Royce of heads but unless you’re in the US (with a US salary) they’re just too expensive.
one note on compatibility, the summit line has another brother, smaller, with a socket style spider, you put the 'plug' in, and affix with 4 small Allen screws, so is natively not compatible with the larger Summit series. there is an adaptor plate, socket-systematic top plate, so one can affix the smaller ball heads if one desires {the ones for 4/3rd and mirrorless cameras}-there is a video of this (Leofoto made it subtly inside the "LM-404C video, accessories for the system", where the Spanish presenter shows A7's on this head attached to a noga arm on the spiders' accessory thread socket).
Is that the original older design which is no longer available? I'm not familiar with the variant you mention, unless it's the Mr Q which is a brilliant miniaturized version of the Summit.
great video, one point the "SUMMIT" line are Systematic tripods, so you can add a column if you want, a 75/100 mm bowl adaptor, or leave the "basic plate' on, to affix ball or gear heads.
I thought I pointed that out, but maybe didn't do it effectively when I showed switching out a DC column with the flat plate. I'm hoping to show the fact that there's even more to the system than the designed modularity of the 'systematic tripods'.
Hi Nigel. Yes, they basically are the same thing. I’m personally not a huge fan of fliplock (as opposed to twist-locks) but I know several video users who prefer the former. We don’t get iFootage here in SA, but I have heard good things about them. I don’t think you need to worry about quality with the Mamba… all the Leofoto I have tested and used has been of a very high standard.
Great video thank you a lot. I was first interested in Leofoto tripods when I saw the video by Hudson Henry about his then new Summit LM-324 CL tripod that replaced his old tall Gitzo tripod! I didn't know that Leofoto is this versatile. There is another video where a RUclipsr showed how to deconstruct the legs from a LS-324 CEX to make it a LS-323 CEX! (Of course using parts of a LS-323 C.) I saw not much use to this modification because the maximum hights stays the same. Maybe you gain a little more stability because of one section less on your CEX! For transportation reasons this modification could be problematic. Your modification is far more usefull. However for my needs this Summit LM-324 CL would be enough! The modular camera support system I know is Novoflex! But Novoflex (as they produce there products in Germany) is very expensive! For example their tripod head that you can mount upside down! This way you can replace a leveling base by your ball head! 🙃
I suspect that might have been me who did that LS324 to LS323 conversion 😂 (which itself was on the back of a suggestion by a viewer). I agree though that this has far more utility than making a 323 CEX tripod. Novoflex are great (and pricey) but I was never sold on the idea of the upside down ball-head as it means that you have to have the horizon dead bang in the centre (no tilting up or down). If you use a leveling head like the CEX version or an add-on unit you have the option to still tilt down or up. Yes it can create complications with perspective but makes stitching with different angles much easier. I actually also own a Summit LM-324, but prefer the packability of the Ranger series. The Summit pretty much stays in the studio (I have the Rapid Column attached most of the time).
@@swaroopsankarsivadasan it would be! I have absolutely zero sway with Nisi international but am going to be chatting to our local distributor to see if they can raise the topic at the very least.
I'd love to build up a system around the refreshed 32mm Pro legs with maybe an updated Poseiden cover, centred around a CEX levelling head, and a 75mm bowl to swap in-out for more serious work. Just waiting for the product line to finish it's refresh. (Also, lifetime warranty now, yahoo)
That would be cool! I'm not sure they'll bring out a CEX version though. Again, if you have a CEX already you can add those legs. I imagine we'll get a 'wrapped' PRO at some stage. Leofoto have a policy that if there are enough orders, they'll custom make a line...so if you can impress upon your local Distributer that an LP-324CEXPRO is a marketable tripod....it can be made really easily (that's how South Africa got the 'Agulhas' - LP364CEX).
Would the LS-324 CEX and the LS254 CL not have done the same thing for you? Why was the LS-284 CL needed? I ask because I currently have the LS-365C CF and would love to just add LS-255C LH for special occasions. Love this idea of interchangeable parts and have been wanting to do it for awhile now, but never got around figuring out the model numbers. Thank you so much for this video!
That would be me being an idiot - I wasn;'t thinking when I was disassembling and reassembling and only 'clicked' when I saw your comment. Yes, you can do it with just the LS-254CL and the LS-324CEX.
@@emilvonmaltitz no worries! Thank you for the clarification. I just ordered the LS-255C LH and cant wait to see this beast of a tripod. I think it will be close to ~8' similar to what you had stated in the video but weigh a bit more with some of by added attachments. Thank you again for making this great video!
Unfortunately the latter at the moment. I’m going to mention the possibility to our distributor here who can at least plant the idea with Leofoto…it would definitely set th apart from other tripod brands.
Sure. There’s a view of the G4 (geared head on the Summit tripod) on the DC column and also a view of the LH-40 (ball head when it’s viewed). I think there also a few glimpses of a LH-30 on the close up images of the LS-284CL and LY-284C.
Unfortunately they don’t sell the apex only, have to buy a whole other set of legs. They told me they’re phasing out their most sturdy apex too. I really wish they’d open up the legs to a wider angle than barely 22 degrees. I’m still looking at them, but it’s like so close, but so far away.
@@firstclassfish01 i think you’ll get your wish about another angle soon. The new LS-324 PRO and the Mr Y apexs have an additional 42 degree angle (and I believe the first spread is now 23degrees). Which apex are they phasing out?
@@emilvonmaltitzI noticed just now some eBay listings saying 23 degrees, but it’s on the older models so I’m not sure if they used to say 23, but people measured them at less. The apex that has the quick release setup for the center tube, I think that was the LSPro and the LQ (not Mr.q?)On the US site we currently have zero options for legs with the water sealing. 43 deg, would be nice and was only on the Mr. Q. They told me everything would become X series. 🤷🏻♂️ it’s been awhile, I need to go over it all again. As always good videos and help. Cheers
A swiss army knife refers to something with everything you need. This is more like the Lego of tripods, where you can get pieces from one set and add them to another set to make a whole new kit.
Did you know that you can also modify your Swiss Army knife to your needs? There are videos out that show how and what is possible (as for Victorinox knifes)!
This flexibility is in fact killed by the fact that Leofoto doesn’t sell parts separately. That means you have to make extra costs buying two or even three tripods to build one of your dream.
Depends which country you’re in. I’ve chatted to our distributor and they’re happy to do special order of components. So you might not be able to buy an apex (like a CEX apex) or tubes ‘off the shelf’, but you can order it and it would come in on the next shipment…so for us in South Africa that’s every 6-8 weeks. Chat to your local distributor and see if they can offer the same.
Quite frankly they all copy from each other. There are several Leofoto only designs out there, but they certainly started as a suspiciously similar tripod to RRS. But as RRS’ prices it’s hard to blame manufacturers for coming up with cheaper alternatives.
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About time someone else has figured out the versatility of the system. I’m an urban landscape photographer in the Boston area, there’s always a fence or wall in the way when I’m shooting. I often use a tripod that’s a 362 (very short 2-section) for one leg, but a 366 for the other two. This allows me to put the short leg on top of the wall with the other two feet 8’ below. But wait, there’s more. The end of each leg uses a standard 3/8” thread, so I’ve added a mini ball head with a round camp for shooting over fences. Instead of a foot I clamp the short leg to the top rail of a fence. As for the apex, what I use depends on the job at hand. For the most part I use the CEX apex, which I have in 36, 28 and 22mm. If I’m sooting way up and using a monitor, I’ll use the LM series apex and a monopod to move or tighten the bowl head from below. In terms of cost, a number of lines have been discontinued, I’ve found them for 70% off. An LO-284c has the same legs as any other 284… There are endless innovations possible in this system. They sell an 80mm articulating rubber foot. I have wool furniture foot covers on mine. Clients with hardwood floors really appreciate that I’m not marking up their floors. Lastly, I’m guessing in South Africa you don’t have much need for a heated tripod leg, but in New England it’s the best thing in the world. I have what I call my self carrying tripod because when friends hold it on a cold day they offer to carry it for me. It’s a motorcycle grip heater - all of $11 on Amazon.
Who knew?!? Great information! Thank you!
@@ralfkrahe2493 my pleasure. Thanks for watching
Excellent video all round, thank you!
@@dominiclester3232 thanks Dominic, and thanks for watching!
Just took delivery of 2 Leofoto tripods that I had to purchase to replace my 2 Gitzo tripods that were in my vehicle that was recently stolen. I was initially influenced by Hudson Henry and you Emil. Couldn't be happier with my purchase and saved a significant amount while still having the same quality of support.
Brilliant! (Although not brilliant that your gear got stolen…sorry about that). What tripods did you get in the end?
@@emilvonmaltitz Thanks. I bought a LM-324 CL and a LS-284 CEX with a LH-40 ball head. For the tall legs I installed a Manfrotto Fluid Head. I had Really Right Stuff ball heads on my stolen gear but couldn't justify the expense as we have a lower valued dollar here in Canada with a high exchange rate.
@@davelindey8023 that’s a really nice setup. A good range of support options. I agree with you about the RRS head though. They’re the Rolls-Royce of heads but unless you’re in the US (with a US salary) they’re just too expensive.
Amazing system, great video!
Thanks Christian! And thanks for watching.
Thank you 👍
Pleasure...thanks for watching
Thanks very useful info.
Absolute pleasure. Glad you found it useful
one note on compatibility, the summit line has another brother, smaller, with a socket style spider, you put the 'plug' in, and affix with 4 small Allen screws, so is natively not compatible with the larger Summit series. there is an adaptor plate, socket-systematic top plate, so one can affix the smaller ball heads if one desires {the ones for 4/3rd and mirrorless cameras}-there is a video of this (Leofoto made it subtly inside the "LM-404C video, accessories for the system", where the Spanish presenter shows A7's on this head attached to a noga arm on the spiders' accessory thread socket).
Is that the original older design which is no longer available? I'm not familiar with the variant you mention, unless it's the Mr Q which is a brilliant miniaturized version of the Summit.
great video, one point the "SUMMIT" line are Systematic tripods, so you can add a column if you want, a 75/100 mm bowl adaptor, or leave the "basic plate' on, to affix ball or gear heads.
I thought I pointed that out, but maybe didn't do it effectively when I showed switching out a DC column with the flat plate. I'm hoping to show the fact that there's even more to the system than the designed modularity of the 'systematic tripods'.
You did, adequately, just not using the systematic concept, from Gitzo, which ties it all together.
Im considering the Manba LVM 324c instead of the iFootage TC 7. They look identical but the Manba is cheaper. Hoping the quality is too..
Hi Nigel. Yes, they basically are the same thing. I’m personally not a huge fan of fliplock (as opposed to twist-locks) but I know several video users who prefer the former. We don’t get iFootage here in SA, but I have heard good things about them. I don’t think you need to worry about quality with the Mamba… all the Leofoto I have tested and used has been of a very high standard.
@@emilvonmaltitz kind of you to reply, thank you
@@nigelbramley4188 it’s a pleasure.
Great video thank you a lot. I was first interested in Leofoto tripods when I saw the video by Hudson Henry about his then new Summit LM-324 CL tripod that replaced his old tall Gitzo tripod!
I didn't know that Leofoto is this versatile. There is another video where a RUclipsr showed how to deconstruct the legs from a LS-324 CEX to make it a LS-323 CEX! (Of course using parts of a LS-323 C.) I saw not much use to this modification because the maximum hights stays the same. Maybe you gain a little more stability because of one section less on your CEX! For transportation reasons this modification could be problematic.
Your modification is far more usefull. However for my needs this Summit LM-324 CL would be enough!
The modular camera support system I know is Novoflex! But Novoflex (as they produce there products in Germany) is very expensive! For example their tripod head that you can mount upside down! This way you can replace a leveling base by your ball head! 🙃
I suspect that might have been me who did that LS324 to LS323 conversion 😂 (which itself was on the back of a suggestion by a viewer). I agree though that this has far more utility than making a 323 CEX tripod.
Novoflex are great (and pricey) but I was never sold on the idea of the upside down ball-head as it means that you have to have the horizon dead bang in the centre (no tilting up or down). If you use a leveling head like the CEX version or an add-on unit you have the option to still tilt down or up. Yes it can create complications with perspective but makes stitching with different angles much easier.
I actually also own a Summit LM-324, but prefer the packability of the Ranger series. The Summit pretty much stays in the studio (I have the Rapid Column attached most of the time).
It would be great if we can buy just the apex that we want so that we can interchange them as and when needed, with the existing tripods we have.
@@swaroopsankarsivadasan it would be! I have absolutely zero sway with Nisi international but am going to be chatting to our local distributor to see if they can raise the topic at the very least.
I'd love to build up a system around the refreshed 32mm Pro legs with maybe an updated Poseiden cover, centred around a CEX levelling head, and a 75mm bowl to swap in-out for more serious work. Just waiting for the product line to finish it's refresh.
(Also, lifetime warranty now, yahoo)
That would be cool! I'm not sure they'll bring out a CEX version though. Again, if you have a CEX already you can add those legs. I imagine we'll get a 'wrapped' PRO at some stage. Leofoto have a policy that if there are enough orders, they'll custom make a line...so if you can impress upon your local Distributer that an LP-324CEXPRO is a marketable tripod....it can be made really easily (that's how South Africa got the 'Agulhas' - LP364CEX).
I assume flip lock and twist locks mix and match won't work?
I don’t see how you could mix the flip and screw locks as they have different end components. They’ll fit each other’s apexs though.
Would the LS-324 CEX and the LS254 CL not have done the same thing for you? Why was the LS-284 CL needed? I ask because I currently have the LS-365C CF and would love to just add LS-255C LH for special occasions. Love this idea of interchangeable parts and have been wanting to do it for awhile now, but never got around figuring out the model numbers. Thank you so much for this video!
That would be me being an idiot - I wasn;'t thinking when I was disassembling and reassembling and only 'clicked' when I saw your comment. Yes, you can do it with just the LS-254CL and the LS-324CEX.
@@emilvonmaltitz no worries! Thank you for the clarification. I just ordered the LS-255C LH and cant wait to see this beast of a tripod. I think it will be close to ~8' similar to what you had stated in the video but weigh a bit more with some of by added attachments. Thank you again for making this great video!
One question: Are the various bits available to be purchased as replacement parts, or do you need to by an entire tripods to cannibalize?
Unfortunately the latter at the moment. I’m going to mention the possibility to our distributor here who can at least plant the idea with Leofoto…it would definitely set th apart from other tripod brands.
@@emilvonmaltitz Yes, it absolutely would!😃
May I know the Tripod head that you have used in this video? Thanks!!
Sure. There’s a view of the G4 (geared head on the Summit tripod) on the DC column and also a view of the LH-40 (ball head when it’s viewed). I think there also a few glimpses of a LH-30 on the close up images of the LS-284CL and LY-284C.
@@emilvonmaltitz Thank you !!
👍👍👍👍👍
Unfortunately they don’t sell the apex only, have to buy a whole other set of legs. They told me they’re phasing out their most sturdy apex too. I really wish they’d open up the legs to a wider angle than barely 22 degrees. I’m still looking at them, but it’s like so close, but so far away.
@@firstclassfish01 i think you’ll get your wish about another angle soon. The new LS-324 PRO and the Mr Y apexs have an additional 42 degree angle (and I believe the first spread is now 23degrees). Which apex are they phasing out?
@@emilvonmaltitzI noticed just now some eBay listings saying 23 degrees, but it’s on the older models so I’m not sure if they used to say 23, but people measured them at less. The apex that has the quick release setup for the center tube, I think that was the LSPro and the LQ (not Mr.q?)On the US site we currently have zero options for legs with the water sealing. 43 deg, would be nice and was only on the Mr. Q.
They told me everything would become X series. 🤷🏻♂️ it’s been awhile, I need to go over it all again. As always good videos and help. Cheers
@@emilvonmaltitzand some still have that hollowed out apex that is weaker and others have the better one.
A swiss army knife refers to something with everything you need. This is more like the Lego of tripods, where you can get pieces from one set and add them to another set to make a whole new kit.
Fair point. 'Lego' would also work as a comparison.
Did you know that you can also modify your Swiss Army knife to your needs? There are videos out that show how and what is possible (as for Victorinox knifes)!
This flexibility is in fact killed by the fact that Leofoto doesn’t sell parts separately. That means you have to make extra costs buying two or even three tripods to build one of your dream.
Depends which country you’re in. I’ve chatted to our distributor and they’re happy to do special order of components. So you might not be able to buy an apex (like a CEX apex) or tubes ‘off the shelf’, but you can order it and it would come in on the next shipment…so for us in South Africa that’s every 6-8 weeks. Chat to your local distributor and see if they can offer the same.
I was surprised to know they blame Leofoto for IQ violation on DPreview. The victim is RRS. OK then, I blame RRS for insane prices. 😂
Quite frankly they all copy from each other. There are several Leofoto only designs out there, but they certainly started as a suspiciously similar tripod to RRS. But as RRS’ prices it’s hard to blame manufacturers for coming up with cheaper alternatives.