| Contact Us | Company Info | Sign In |
 
  Hakuba/Velbon
  Product Information
  Dealer Locator
  News/Updates
  Literature Request
  Service & Parts Inquiry
  Dealer Login





Home > News & Updates

VELBON EXPANDS FAMILY OF COMPACT TRIPODS 
WITH TWO NEW MODELS -- THE MAXI347E AND MAXI347GB

PMA, ORLANDO, FL -- HAKUBA BOOTH #3412 (February 24, 2002) -Velbon announces the next evolution in tripods with the introduction of the specially designed MAXi347GB and MAXi347E. Velbon is a division of Hakuba USA, a leading manufacturer and distributor of professional-quality photographic, digital and video accessories and equipment. 
The new MAXi347GB and MAXi347E tripods join the original MAXi343E as part of a new generation of tripods that offer the advantage of much higher, versatile shooting positions, and convenient traveling options. 
While the two new tripods have many of the exceptional features as their "cousin", the MAXi343E, many new features have also been added. Hakuba has equipped the new MAXi347 tripods with its specially designed and patented panhead, the PH327Q Revolver. 
Where most standard panheads add length when a tripod is collapsed, the Revolver panhead features a one-of-a-kind flat design that allows for minimum compactness when the tripod is closed. 
"Consumers wanted a conventional panhead, instead of the ball socket head on the original MAXi," said David Breymeier, national sales manager of Hakuba USA. "Taking that idea one-step further, we created a revolutionary flat panhead that breaks down to a much smaller unit than the original version. Once again offering superior design with quality equipment."
-more-

MAXi347GB & MAXi347E Tripods...page 2


The Revolver is a three-way panhand that completely tilts to the side and has the world's thinnest, removable quick-shoe. The single handle operation allows vertical and horizontal tilting, as well as 180-degree side tilting. The panhead also includes a nylon-coated smart handle grip.
Although all three tripods are from the same family, the MAXi347GB offers an exciting new feature. Responding to consumer requests for better stability and more control over the positioning, Velbon has equipped the MAXi347GB with a geared center column that allows the user more flexibility in positioning and more precise control of the upward and downward movement of the center column. The MAXi347GB also comes with sturdy leg braces for greater stability.
The new MAXi347E has a lift center column. This simple lift column allows for quick and easy camera positioning -- the same as its cousin the MAXi343E.
These tripods are ideal for travel and fit effortlessly into a backpack or carrying case. Weighing in at 2.6 pounds, the folded length of the MAXi347GB tripod is 16.8 inches and extends to a full 63.4 inches. The MAXi347E also folds to a compact 16.8 inches and reaches 63.4 inches when fully extended. This model weighs a slight 2.2 pounds.
The extraordinary compactness is possible due to the Trunnion Shaft System, which allows each tripod leg section to reach to the very top of the joint. Because the bolts do not pierce the legs of the tripod, the legs have the ability to extend the entire inside length of the outer leg casing. The non-piercing bolt design operates like a trunnion -- similar to those of ancient military cannons. 
And, only Velbon's MAXi tripods feature the remarkable Trunnion Shaft System. 
Available in champagne, all three models have convertible leg tips and each leg can be extended or moved outward separately. Differing from current available tripods, the leg sockets are ergonomically designed without any unevenness. 
-more-

MAXi347GB & MAXi347E Tripod….page 3

Specifications:

MAXi347GB
Maximum Height 63.4 inches
Folded Length 16.8 inches
Weight 2.6 pounds
Leg Sections 4 sections
Manufacturer's Suggested Price: $139.95

MAXi347E 
Maximum Height 63.4 inches
Folded Length 16.8 inches
Weight 2.2 pounds
Leg Sections 4 sections
Manufacturer's Suggested Price: $119.95


MAXi343E (The Original)
Maximum Height 62 inches
Folded Length 17.5 inches
New Weight 1.9 pounds
Leg Sections 4 sections
Manufacturer's Suggested Price: $119.95 

Headquartered in Los Alamitos, California, Hakuba USA, Inc. is the US subsidiary of Hakuba Photo Industry Co., Ltd., of Tokyo, Japan. The parent company boasts a rich 45-year heritage and is distinguished as one of the world's leading wholesale manufacturers and exporters of a wide range of photo, audio and video accessories. Among the many products the company markets worldwide are digital accessories, aluminum cases, soft cases, video accessories, photography-related paper products, filters and photographic cleaning kits. Manufacturing facilities are located throughout Japan.
For additional information, please contact Hakuba USA at (800) 423-1623, or visit the company's web site at www.hakubausa.com.

# # #










Please email info@hakubausa.com for Comments/Inquiries.
Hakuba U.S.A. Inc. Copyright 2001. All Rights Reserved.