I'm due to buy a Pentax K100D Super DSLR soon, and will need a tripod which will extend to eye level (I'm about 5' 8" tall) as I suffer with a balance disorder and will be taking wildlife and landscape shots.

Does anyone know off the tops of their heads if the Sony VCT-R640 Standard Tripod is compatible with the Pentax K100D Super?

Many thanks!

Every tripod and every camera I've ever seen uses a standard screw thread fitting. But... a good number of tripods, including most of the professional ones, come with some sort of quick release plate that screws to the bottom of your camera (with the standard tripod screw thread) so that you can attach it and remove it from the tripod quickly. If the Sony tripod has such a quick release plate just make sure you get one with your tripod and all will be well. Not too sure from their website - web page mentions it but the PDF manual just shows a standard screw.

Every tripod and every camera I've ever seen uses a standard screw thread fitting. But... a good number of tripods, including most of the professional ones, come with some sort of quick release plate that screws to the bottom of your camera (with the standard tripod screw thread) so that you can attach it and remove it from the tripod quickly. If the Sony tripod has such a quick release plate just make sure you get one with your tripod and all will be well. Not too sure from their website - web page mentions it but the PDF manual just shows a standard screw.

Many thanks for that Imp!

On Amazon it says it's got a quick release system. I assume that means it's got a detachable plate.

I've just noticed it says the tripod head only pans. With my mobility problems, should I go for one with a 3-way pan and tilt configuration?

No - it has tilt as well. Look here (http://www.sony.co.uk/support/ShowExternalPage.action?product=VCT-R640&supportProductModelName=VCT-R640&linkType=manual&isRegistered=false&site=odw_en_GB&pageType=manualPopup&sectiontype=Support&externalUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fpdf.crse.com%2Fmanuals%2F 3076954121.pdf&externalLinkType=manual) for details and a downloadable PDF manual.

No - it has tilt as well. Look here (http://www.sony.co.uk/support/ShowExternalPage.action?product=VCT-R640&supportProductModelName=VCT-R640&linkType=manual&isRegistered=false&site=odw_en_GB&pageType=manualPopup&sectiontype=Support&externalUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fpdf.crse.com%2Fmanuals%2F 3076954121.pdf&externalLinkType=manual) for details and a downloadable PDF manual.

Imp

You're a star! Thanks for being so tolerant with this complete novice!

I see the site you quote gives a price of £40 odd. Amazon are flogging them for £28:80.

Source: Amazon - Sony VCT-R640 Tripod (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-VCT-R640-Standard-Tripod/dp/B000069JXZ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1201817510&sr=1-1)

Mmm - check the manufacturer's website for specs THEN buy from the cheapest!

Mmm - check the manufacturer's website for specs THEN buy from the cheapest!

Very sound advice. I must admit, I tend to do some research on Amazon regarding specs first as I find it less confusing (as a novice) but cheated a bit on that one by asking on here.

With the camera, I did alot of research regarding specs online, and also asked friends who DSLR's for their opinions, and checked online reviews. I was going to buy everything from Jessops and try and get a deal, but I notice they no longer stock the Pentax, so will get it from Argos instead. I did go into Jessops at the beginning of the year and they were kind enough to let me have a look at one and handle it to see if it was right for me.

I used to be a big Pentax fan - had a succession of them - MX, Super A, P30, then I screwed it all up by rushing out and buying an istD when they first came out. I was over the moon with it at first but then it point blank refused to focus (even fire at all) at a night club opening night when some Radio One DJ I'd never heard of was playing silly buggers just for my benefit. Most embarrassing! That little episode, and few more like it, eventually drove me into the arms of Canon. However, from what I've seen, Pentax have at last realised the error of their ways and the K10D & K100D cameras look like the business. I'd be interested to hear how you get on with yours.

I'd be interested to hear how you get on with yours.

Imp

No doubt I'll be asking questions once I've got it!

Being a rookie with DSLR's, I'm not sure how much my opinion would matter, to be honest, but once I've taken some decent photos with it, I'll be posting photos on my WebShots (http://community.webshots.com/user/djelibeybi69?vhost=community) page, joining the ones already there taken by my Canon PowerShot A30.

BTW..."Imp In A Box"......Pratchett fan?

"Imp In A Box"......Pratchett fan?

I was beginning to think nobody else round here had even heard of him! :roll:

I was beginning to think nobody else round here had even heard of him! :roll:

Where do you think my screen name came from? :hihi:

That's also what I called my cat, even though people seeing the name on his disc used to pronouonce it "Des jolais"! Unfortunately he died aged 13 and a half after I'd had him from when he was about 6 weeks old. Must scan some photos of him onto my WebShots page.

It's so, so sad that a genius like Terry has been diagnosed with the early stages of Alzheimer's. His books have brought so much pleasure to so many people across the world.

Ah yes - I thought I knew it from some where but it seemed too much like a chat up line to say so!! :D

The collected brain droppings of TP fill my bookshelves - next to the Douglas Adams stuff. Lets hope he manages to squeeze a few more out before the Alzheimers gets to him. (Or maybe he's had it all the time!)