GEM perplex

A few photos on some things I'm mulling over. My rolling pier (vintage 1968) is "OK" but I'm used to more stable configurations. So while I'm debating what mods that system needs so I can roll it out of the garage and use it easily, I am also coming to realize that for go-somewhere-else uses I don't need the pier with the wheels.

I have an adapter for my AP mount on my ATS pier which is way too high and another one on the Optical Craftsmen pier which is about right. However, my lowest tripods for a Newt are the Berlebach and the Losmandy standard G11.

So I set up the 10" f/6 on the G11/Berlebach and it seems fine in terms of stability, but to keep the height right the legs have to be set at an angle that runs risks with stepping on, or tripping over, the legs. The G11 tripod is also too high.

I think that what I'd like is to modify the standard G11 tripod maybe by getting some aluminum pipe or steel pipe and having it cut to fit the tripod and hit the ground at the right angle. Any advice on what gauge pipe and/or aluminum to get would be helpful, as I have no knowledge of how to spec something like that. Other solutions also welcome.

Greg N

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As you can see better in this pic, the standard g11 is too high. It would need to be about the height of the Berlebach: around 23" to the base of the G11 head where the level indicator is.

I'm reluctant to cut the existing legs, you never know when something might come in handy. For some time I thought I would never have a use for the G11 tripod, but that's maybe not true since I acquired the f/6 10". Greg N

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