Manfrotto 117B Professional Video/Movie Tripod

Manfrotto 117 / 117B reliable heavy tripod – It is a solid but heavy tripod for still photography and video/movie use. Originally the Manfrotto 117 was primarily sold as a studio/still photography tripod. It only changed slightly, over it's production history. I have often used it out in the field with my Hasselblad and 4x5, as well as in studio. I also used the taller Manfrotto 3036 for years, it unfortunately required frequent leg-lock maintenance to handle heavier gear. The 117, being demonstrably more stable and reliable, always had reserved seating in the boot. In more recent years, Manfrotto re-released it as the 117B, which is simply the last 117, but painted black and now promoted as a video/movie tripod. I have been using two 117's for over 20 years with minimal need for anything but minimal maintenance.