Tripods & Grips
Gearmaster
The Gearmaster was manufactured in 1941 under US Patent by the American Bolex
Company. The Gearmaster was a fully geared tilt and pan tripod head for still
and movie cameras with a 1/4" thread mount. It features chrome plating, 360
pan compass and red spirit level. 
Post war model
The illustration to the left shows a later model Gearmaster. The size of the
tilt lock was increased to provide more leverage, and it was relocated the
opposite side which made it much easier to use.
Ambol Evn-Pan Tripod
After WWII, the American Bolex Company resumed its manufacture of photographic
accessories for still and movie cameras. The Evn-Pan was introduced in early
1946 and intended for the serious amateur. Although its features seem rather
basic today, it was a high quality, sturdy and light weight tripod for the
time. The friction head pans through 360 degrees and tilts through 190; it
features a single pan/tilt lock handle, interchangeable for left or right
handed use. Constructed of aluminum alloy and steel and weighing 5 lbs, the
tripod extends to a height of 64 inches and retracts to 29 1/2 inches for
storage. The feet are hardened steel spikes for outdoor use, and reversible
to rubber tips for indoor use. A 1947 brochure lists the price as $28 US,
tax included.
