How do you set up a tripod for use?

Question

How do you set up a tripod for use?

Answer 1

It depends.

As a tripod I extend the legs to *almost* the height where I want it, lock them and spread them - locking the spread, then use the center crank adjustment for "fine tuning" the height. You want some leeway to go higher and lower using that adjustment. The quick release plate goes on the camcorder. The left-right panning is tight enough where it does not slip and the up-down panning is similarly tight. The camera should be level (adjust the legs, many tripods have a level built-in just for this). I like to use a LANC to control the zoom and focus (and depending on the camcorder, to take photos).

As a monopod, two of the three legs remain retracted - only one leg is extended. The center crank adjustment is tall enough for my hand to use the space as a handle. One hand holds the extended center pole, the other holds the tripod handle and controls the LANC.

As a makeshift "steadicam" device, the three legs are fully retracted, the center crank adjustment is fully extended so the bulk of the weight is toward the bottom where the legs are - depending on the camera, I might add a 2.5 pound weight to the bottom of the legs to act as a counter balance. Heavier cameras require the counterbalance. Generally, this configuration is one handed - maybe a little stabilization gently holding the tripod handle.

Mounted to a flatbed dolly and rolling on a smooth surface for dolly follow shots is handy.

Extending only two legs and have them remain in place while you  "arc" the camera gives the impression of a makeshift "crane" shot.