Tokyo, Japan (17 March 2005) – The excitement will erupt at this year’s Photo Imaging Expo, as photographers will be able to lay their eyes on a new generation in tripods only Mother Nature can provide.  Gitzo, maker of the original carbon fiber tripods and magnesium alloy photographic heads, has developed a way to advance the performance of a new line of tripods built from volcanic rock.

Gitzo is the first and only manufacturer in the world to create basalt fiber tripods. The volcanic-based basalt materials used to develop them from the ground up provide photographers advanced performance and durability at affordable prices. The new tripods are recyclable, provide stability and have easy-to-use features.

Suited for all camera types, ranging from compact digital to medium format film, the new tripods are more durable and better at absorbing vibrations, than aluminum models with similar dimensions. Basalt fiber legs are tougher than aluminum, yet they are 20 percent lighter.

Basalt fiber tube fabrication capabilities were developed for the space program because of the material’s lightweight and fire-proof properties. Gitzo utilized these while creating a new way of producing tripods. The basalt, a black lightweight rock, is pulverized, then melted at extreme temperature (1500 °C) and combined with other materials and spun into a strong fiber which is used to create multi-layer composite tubing. The result is a non-rotating tube of exceptional performance that meets the demands of today's professional photographers. The legs are assembled using Gitzo's "H.I.S.," a dual "screw thread and glue" jointing technology that provides greater durability and reliability than alternative methods.

It only takes seconds to open and secure the tripod with the new Anti-Leg-Rotation (ALR) system. Just loosen all twist locks at the same time and pull down the leg before tightening the twist locks, making setup a mere 15 seconds. Waterproof bushings were employed making it safer to use the tripod near and in fresh water. An added plus, basalt tubes won’t get hot and cold to your touch the way aluminum does.

Gitzo, as usual, left no detail overlooked. Even the stabilizing hooks that used to take up space and snag on clothing or equipment will no longer be problematic. A newly redesigned built-in, spring-loaded, retractable accessory hook provides a place to hang equipment, such as camera, sand or water bags, on the bottom of the center column.