My Gitzo 1325 has a loose leg - where the leg fits into the metal hinge at the top that holds all three legs. It seems to be threaded but I think maybe the threads are worn or stripped. I can tighten the leg by turning it but it won't stay tight. It has gradually worsened and is now a very annoying problem.
I've been reluctant to remove the leg because I don't know I'll find. Is the repair as simple as unscrewing the leg, applying glue and then screwing the leg back in? I could use super-glue or epoxy. Which is the better choice?
If anybody else has repaired a similar problem, I'd appreciate some advice.
Thanks
Posted by Tom Webster on April 22, 2007 at 2:16 PM
I know I have seen something on the Internet regarding re-gluing Gitzo legs. If I remember correctly there was some sort of thin superglue that was used. I'd do a Google search on "Gitzo leg repair". I know the info is "out there".
Posted by Wayne Rhodus on April 22, 2007 at 3:22 PM
Buck, I have a Manfrotto 3021 BPRO tripod and I'm not sure if it would be the same for yours or not but on mine if you remove the center column you will expose a small circular opening (seen only with the center column removed) where you can insert something like an allen wrench and compress a spring. As you compress the spring (outwards) lift on the rotating collar and it should release itself and pull off. Under the collar you will find allen head screw that can be tightened to regain the original drag. Once done just snap the rotating collar back into place and your set.
Again, don't know if they are the same, but it worked for the 3021. Hope it helps, good luck!
Wayne - Thanks for the help, but I think the Manfrotto and gitzo tripods are different.
Tom - Good advice. I searched, but all I could find was some very old forum threads (1997) expressing skepticism about the new carbon fiber tripods and how photographers would have to cary a tube of super glue with them to make repairs on Gitzo tripods which could be expected to fall apart frequently.
Anyhow, if anybody is interested: I unscrewed the leg. There are about 1/2 to 3/4 inch of fine threads at the end of the carbon fiber tube. The threads were a little boogered up with the old dead adhesive and also they were worn in a couple of places. (This apparently is why the leg wouldn't stay tight - the leg wasn't unscrewing but was actually slipping.) I cleaned the male and the female threads with a bush and a wet paper towel. When dry, I applied epoxy to the male theads and screwed the leg back into its socket. I haven't field tested the repair yet but it seems to have fixed the problem.
Discussion
3 repliesI've been reluctant to remove the leg because I don't know I'll find. Is the repair as simple as unscrewing the leg, applying glue and then screwing the leg back in? I could use super-glue or epoxy. Which is the better choice?
If anybody else has repaired a similar problem, I'd appreciate some advice.
Thanks
Again, don't know if they are the same, but it worked for the 3021. Hope it helps, good luck!
Tom - Good advice. I searched, but all I could find was some very old forum threads (1997) expressing skepticism about the new carbon fiber tripods and how photographers would have to cary a tube of super glue with them to make repairs on Gitzo tripods which could be expected to fall apart frequently.
Anyhow, if anybody is interested: I unscrewed the leg. There are about 1/2 to 3/4 inch of fine threads at the end of the carbon fiber tube. The threads were a little boogered up with the old dead adhesive and also they were worn in a couple of places. (This apparently is why the leg wouldn't stay tight - the leg wasn't unscrewing but was actually slipping.) I cleaned the male and the female threads with a bush and a wet paper towel. When dry, I applied epoxy to the male theads and screwed the leg back into its socket. I haven't field tested the repair yet but it seems to have fixed the problem.
Easy as pie.