Over the weekend I had a small win an that's always welcome, especially if there's a financial saving attached to it. I went in search of a cheap bicycle for my nephew and expected to have to search through several second hand stores to find one but was fortunate enough to find exactly what I was looking for at the very first. You can see the post about my nephew's bike here if you like. I lingered there, wandered the aisles a little as I'm always happy to find a bargain and thought I might get lucky. As it turns out, I did.
I'm not much of a photographer and my equipment isn't of professional quality; I buy good brands but tend to opt for the lower end of the range as I use don't get the use out of it and so figure it's best to save some money. That means the equipment isn't always user-friendly, and certainly this is the case with my tripod.
I have a Manfrotto tripod that works, but isn't high enough and has annoying features when adjustment is required. Again, it's not designed for professional use. I've put up with it though and for under $150 AUD it's worked fine. I've always wanted one that is easier to adjust and comes up to the height I need but haven't wanted to spend the $300+ on getting one brand new.
This is where we circle back to that second hand store from the weekend.
I found a Manfrotto tripod there that caught my eye. It has one of those pistol grips on the head which loosens off to change the angle of the camera and tightens easily with no messing about. It's not the trigger version, which I really want, it has a little rolling wheel instead which isn't as good, but it's way better than I have now. It also extends to the right height for my physical stature so no more bending down to the camera. It will take about the same to deploy and extend as the one I have now, but the additional ease of use with the head-section, the angle adjustment, will be nice.
I took a good look at the tripod, made sure it all worked and then saw the ticketed price...$39. That did the deal and it came home with me.
I'm not one of those people who always has to change things over to the new version; I tend to use something until it breaks or is ineffective then replaces it. In this case I didn't do that, but I've had over seven years of use from my last tripod and for the price of $39 for this new (old) one I thought it was ok to treat myself.
Shopping isn't something I do a lot, I just don't need much stuff usually and especially not on the weekends as there always something better to do. Last weekend though, I shopped and was happy to do so. I don't know if it was luck or destiny that provided those two items on Sunday but I picked up two good bargains at great prices and went home happy.
Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default - Tomorrow isn't promised so be humble and kind
Any images in this post are my own
That is a fair price for a consumer level Manfrotto, and let’s say something breaks on the head, you can just replace that part.
I thought so too, although I’m not sure what retail would be on this thing if new. I’m guessing $250-$300 at least. I think I did ok.
Really nice find for someone that don’t really enjoy or feel the need for shopping - I’m in that team too :)
I wondered how much was the original price of the model you found, was it 300$ + too ?
Except the rent and food, my last expenses are only dedicated to tools and materials, last one was a Berkey filter... and Hive mostly :)
I really enjoyed reading your story, with all the considerations about the technical elements of the tripod as well as the luck factor !
I hope you’re doing well
I'm not sure, but based on what I've looked at over the last few years I'd say at least $250+ so I think I got a good deal.
Tools are a good purchase. Always. For me, if I'm buying a tool, it means I'm doing some DIY and that means saving money by doing something myself. I see tools and equipment as an investment.
Thanks for taking a read and for your comment. I appreciate it greatly as it's the engagement that keeps me here mostly.
Yes, it seems to have been a good deal, that's for sure !
On the subject of tools, having trained as a craftsman (cabinetmaker), I have an almost "sacred" relationship with all the instruments that enable the transformation of matter and resources, and I completely see this too as a form of investment, even if it is less directly quantifiable than some others !
You're most welcome ! It's funny how many seem to want to share their life adventures, but are so uncurious about others' sharing ^^ That hasn't always been the case for me here, but as I share much more accomplished texts, I'm always looking for feedback... So we understand a little better the pleasure of commenting and receiving a thoughtful comment :)
Perhaps the funniest thing is the comments of those who do not read anything other than the title !
Have a good day '
My grandfather was an expert craftsman who created many amazing pieces: Carved mirror frames, clocks, tables, chairs...but he could create anything in wood from the most mundane to the most delicate and intricate. He would have said something like you just said above also.
Agreed, although I'm very careful about what I put here with most of what and who I am remaining private. I think people start to care when a relationship is formed and that takes time. I've worked at it for the five+ years I've been around Hive and have some great ones that would endure off Hive also. And...with your commenting to me, my responses...that's relationship building. 😎
Have a good day and rest of the week. I'm done with Wednesday (just after 18:00 here now) and only two more days to go and it's the weekend!
It made me curious to see some of his creations, even if I can imagine a bit, and maybe - surely - my images don't match ! :)
Yes, I think I'm pretty close to this idea of not wanting to be identifiable, without being fully anonymous, or rather without contours and form for the people I interact with here... I think it's also beautiful, because even being like this, a lot of things come through the articles, a lot in their succession notably! But, I agree that it's interesting to find the right balance, as in everything.
In these terms, it makes relationships perhaps longer to weave and build, but when they are on the right track, they can also be longer lasting than simple relationships of connivance or interest, as human relationships can show us !
Cheer up for this final sprint to the weekend, and by the way, congratulations for the Weekend community, I'm still following it from a bit (too) far, but the desire to share is growing !
I wish you a really pleasant day 💫
Damn, for $39 it's an absolute steal I'd say.
Yep, I think I'll get several years of use out of it and for $39 I'd say that's good value.
Amazing value, with some proper care it might just serve you well for half a decade or so.
You are so lucky at $39 it is a good deal considering that the brand new model is about $250.
I reckon so too, it was a lucky day.
I have to admit that for that price it's a bargain. I am not the shopping type too and I tend to use things long enough before I change them, even when it comes to phones. If it's not broken, there is no need fixing it, that's my approach too. I tend to use thing and maximize their use but the one you saw is a bargain and it's understandable why you had to get it. Tripod for you, bicycle for your nephew, he would be thrilled 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
I'm pretty happy about the tripod and the price was good. If it was any more I'd not have bought it, but $39 was good value.
It sounds like you're the same as me and seek value out if the things you have and buy. It's a good way to be.
It's a good way sir and I love getting maximum value. Never a fan of just throwing things away. I am glad you got value for it and I can't wait to have you start using it ❤️❤️❤️❤️
That is a bargain. Great finding, let it serve you well
I'm pretty confident it will be a good thing, that it'll do what's required. 😎
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You really enjoyed your shopping. Thanks for sharing
Indeed, finding a bargain on something I actually need is always enjoyable.
Sounds like a worthwhile upgrade. I don't know much about photography but I don't think you should be bending over to use a tripod ^_^;
Yep, you're right...Bending over to tie my shoe laces hurts my back so no point adding to my woes. 😜
Yeh that's not ideal O_O definitely worthwhile then!