Want to geek out a little bit over the simplicity and attention to detail that goes into the construction of a common piece of photography gear? You're in the right place.
I'm a total sucker for the television show “How It's Made.” I am completely mesmerized by the processes by which things are made, be it a fine violin or a simple coffee filter. I am also a sucker for good camera gear, so you can imagine my excitement when, while watching reruns on the Science Channel at 3 am, I was treated to an episode of the show that featured a segment on how Manfrotto tripods are made.
If you didn't already know, Manfrotto is a well-known manufacturer of great camera gear, including really good tripods and ball heads. Their products are designed and manufactured in Italy, and while they make everything from lighting modifiers (they are the parent company of Lastolite) to lens filters, their tripods are notorious for being considered some of the best in the business.
This quick yet satisfying video shows the assembly of the Manfrotto 190 model aluminum tripod. There's nothing mind-blowing or ground-breaking here, but it's still pretty cool, as a Manfrotto tripod owner, to see, well, “how it's made.” You may never look at your tripod the same way again. Enjoy!
What video it's not there??
Video is missing
Video works fine for me, though i would not consider the Manfrotto tripod and head as my favorites.. :-)
Looks like video only works in the USA.
I'm betting the process was a little more labor-intensive back in the 1970s for my old-timey Marchoni\Leica Tiltall tripod :-) All of the threads are brass and there's no plastic to be found, yet it's still about the same weight as my similarly sized Manfrotto.
Video Worked fine for me.(Trinidad)
Video unavailable .ca.