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Nope - but looks like Pete could do with cutting his finger nails!
I have the 347E, a slightly later model with the pan/tilt head, with which I'm very happy. It's surprisingly stable and strong for such a small, light tripod and opens to a reasonable size.
Although I've since bought another, heavier tripod, I don't regret having the Velbon as well.
Pure class I'd say Keith!
Only the best from ePHOTOzine...don't forget we have a lot of newcomers who may think that picking up a tripod in one hand is not possible. 
Okay, it was a crap photo!
Any more comments???? Anyone gonna answer the original question from Conrad or u gonna take the pee out of me for the rest of the night...lol.
I've got the similar one with the pan and tilt head (can't remember the model number). It's great for the weight (I carry it stuck to the side of my rucksack when hiking). I use it with an S2 Pro and it does the trick. HOWEVER, it's a wee bit rickety and doesn't feel as solid as heavier tripods. I sacrificed an S2 Pro to the Numpty God when I turned my back on it while it was sitting on this tripod. Handle with care, though, and I think it will treat you right. 
Pete
Okay, so let me see: so Chris has a similar, later model and says he's satisfied with it - although he deemed it necessary to buy a heavier tripod later. I'd be interested to know why: was the Velbon not as sturdy as you wanted it to be, Chris, or did your later, heavier choice do things the Velbon couldn't do?
And peedeephoto Pete: your similar model is, as you say, a wee bit rickety. That's exactly what I'm trying to avoid.
So - none of you would recommend the reviewed model unreservedly?
Pete (editor Pete): you do not mention, in your review, things like lowest possible height achievable with the reviewed Velbon. Does that mean the lowest height is the unextended length you mention for this model?
You see, guys, I'm trying to do the impossible: buy something that fulfills my needs with a modest budget. My real preference is a nice Manfrotto I saw - not as light as the Velbon, but very sturdy, and with a very low minimum height. Unfortunately out of Santa's budget (more than I paid for my SLR...). Now, the Velbon is more or less within Santa's budget, but it has to be really sturdy, otherwise there's no use in buying it. If you know what I mean.
And since, in my own country, I've only been able to find this model available through mail order or internet order, I cannot try it out myself. And any further help would be appreciated.
Conrad
Conrad, the 347E is pretty well the same but with a different head. AFAIK the legs/trunnions are the same as the 343E.
My second tripod is a Benbo Trekker, bought because I can get it into all sorts of wierd angles and low to the ground - which the Velbon cannot do.
However, I still think the Velbon is excellent if I want to travel light. I've happily used kit as heavy as a 10D with 100-400 lens on it - although I wouldn't do so totally unattended.
HTH
Chris
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