Patricia,
I already got that Velbon Videomate 607 Tripod from B&H. Wanted to ask Allan, whether that one similar to C-500 series.

In my opnion, this 607 is solid and sturdy and gives a wonderful pan and tilt movements. I really LOVE this tripod. I took some PANORAMA shots from this tripod. It came out very well.
The fluid head is excellent for this price range.

Great. Good to let us know in your post if you have the item and what you think of it so that others can have the benefit of your experience. Now I can check the one at Long's to see if it's the same model - if I ever decide to get a tripod. I'm still looking for something that lets you move around more.

Patricia,
Nice to read your posts after every intervals of your visiting!!

That tripod weighs, just less than 4.5 pounds and comes with a cool semi leather(i guess) bag, with a strap, you can hang on the shoulders. Its platinum, so weightless!

I dont know whether Longs drugs will have this model.

I'll be going to take a look at these and other Velbon models either tomorrow or the day after, since I'm now in need of a light tripod. Hopefully, they'll be some in black mamba beside silver.

Frank, I like my rolls royces in the silver shadow model and my gs100ks and accessories in the same. (Okay, my rolls royces are in your dreams models.)

Ahhh, okay. Silver is fine. As long as underneath the silver coat you find solid titanium, like with my SLR. :-)

Sam, your 607 is even bigger (great price BTW!). The C-500 uses the smaller PH-358 fluid head, but is a black mamba. The next model C-600 uses a PH3-68 head and also a black mamba.

Frank, when you say base plate, do you mean the one the screws under the cam. Yes it is removable (quick release), just like the PH-368.

What are your comments on buying a 2 Way Mini DV Tape Rewinder?

Using this device should save wear & tear on the tape transport. Does it maintain proper alignment after rewind?

Has anyone used a rewinder? Any suggestions would be appreciated?

Thanks,

Joel

Joel, do a site search on this. There has been a lot of discusson. Some adamantly oppose, some use one religously. I use one for rewinding tapes for either re-use (I do re-use tapes I use for testing) or for storage.

Pat. Which model Hoodman are you referring to here? Have you tried it out? Thanks

Japanese made replacement batteries...
 

Yesterday I found new source for Japanese replacement batteries for any video or still digital camera.

It will be of special interest of Allan or living in Japan users as the prices are half the original!!!

Check out the big GS100/70 battery offered in silver (or black):
http://www.rowa.co.jp/cabinet/form.cgi?key=72

And the index page:
http://www.rowa.co.jp

Allan, thanks. Yes, I meant a quick release plate.