Abstract: A camera supporting tripod is described with a hip to which legs are attached. The legs are adjustable as to length. In addition, the tripod includes a center shaft mounted to the hip for tilting movement. The center shaft is also adjustable as to length. Manually actuated hydraulic mechanisms are provided for releasably holding the legs as to length, for releasably locking the center shaft to the hip to prevent relative tilting, and for releasably holding the shaft at the length to which it is adjusted. An instrument supporting head on the tripod includes friction brake panning and tilting mechanisms designed to apply a variable drag to these motions and also for smooth operation.

Abstract: A guidance apparatus for controlling universal coupling movement of a tripod head includes control or guiding means operatively connected to the head of the tripod and extending therefrom to contact the upper torso of the individual using the tripod independently of the individual's hands. The individual's upper torso movement controls the universal movement of the tripod head. The guidance means preferably includes a guidance arm having a portion for contacting the shoulder front of the individual and a portion extending beneath the shoulder and between the upper arm and the upper torso. The portion extending between the upper arm and the upper torso is conveniently gripped by pressing the upper arm on the guidance means against the upper torso during movement of the upper body in controlling the tripod head.