There is probably a tripod model for every fourth camera. Whether small, large, heavy, light, with three legs or only one, for standing, clamping or with a suction cup, flexible, made of metal, wood or plastic. There is a mounting option for every application. A tripod that clearly stands out from the crowd are the models from Platypod.
However, if you don’t know that it is a tripod, you will first wonder what you can do with the accessories. Currently, Playpod offers the Playpod Ultra and the Playpod Max, which are very similar, more about the differences later.
First of all, it is a very robust metal plate, the shape of which is somewhat reminiscent of a swimming board. There are various openings and holes in the plate and a screw in the middle. This is where you screw your tripod head with the camera. This stable base makes it possible to place the camera safely on any flat surface. Due to the small surface area that the plate takes up, you can also place your camera in places where you would not find space even with a compact tripod.
In addition, four screws are included in the scope of delivery. These are sharpened at one end and fitted with rubber caps at the other. They are screwed into the four threads at the corners. This can be used to compensate for uneven ground or to create even more stability when the screws are driven into the ground (e.g. on a meadow).
Two holes are provided for fastening with normal screws, for example to a wall or a tree. As the aluminium plate is rust-proof, this would be a possibility to fix a pinhole camera outside for a longer period of time, of course the camera should also be weatherproof. There are no limits to creativity.
Platypod currently offers two models, Max and Ultra. The first difference between the two models is their size. Max has a size of 133 x 197 x 5 mm, weighs 416 grams and a load capacity of up to 135 kg. The Ultra is 85.3 x 129 x 4.3 mm, weighs 91 grams and has a load capacity of up to 45 kg. The scope of delivery is also slightly different. For example, the Max comes with four screws, a screw box (which can be attached directly to the plate), a thread adapter with 1/4-inch male threads on both sides and a pouch. The Ultra also comes with four screws, but these come in a case, a snap hook to attach the tripod to the outside of a bag, for example, and a tension strap.
The tensioning strap allows the tripod to be attached to a branch or railing, for example. Both plates have recesses for this and the strap can also be purchased separately.
Both Platypods are of high quality and will probably last a lifetime. Which model is right for you depends, of course, on the camera you use. A lightweight SLR or compact camera can be attached to the Ultra very well. You should go for the Max if you want to take pictures with a Hasselblad or medium format camera.
The storage of the screws on the Ultra is very practical, the additional case on the Ultra is a bit awkward. Speaking of the screws, I am not very enthusiastic about the fact that they are sharpened. Although this is practical from time to time, they are very sharp and therefore a bit dangerous. If you use the screws with the rubber ends and then want to change something on the tripod head, you quickly grab one of the points.
Die Platypods ersetzten natürlich kein Dreibeinstativ, dass wollen die Macher aber auch nicht. Die Platten machen für mich Sinn, wenn man entweder sehr viele Bilder mit ungewöhnlicher Perspektive macht, bei denen der Einsatz eines normalen Stativs unmöglich ist, oder auf Reisen. Besonders für Ersteres gibt es nicht viele Alternativen. Bei Reisestativen gibt es dagegen schon etwas mehr Auswahl, aber eine so kompakte Befestigungsmöglichkeit für seine Kamera zu finden, wird dann doch etwas schwer. Besonders der Ultra findet sicher in jeder Tasche ein Plätzchen.
Beide Produkte wurden freundlicherweise von Enjoy your Camera zu Verfügung gestellt. Dort sind natürlich der Max und der Ultra auch verfügbar.
Both products were kindly provided by Enjoy your Camera.