Suggestions for getting a leg lock fixed?

I have a set of Bogen tripod Legs (I forget exactly what model, but I can get that later tonight if needed - 1021 seems familiar). One of my leg locks is starting to sag. I have tried tightening the upper screw on the lock, but that has not helped the situation. I think that the lower screw is the one that needs tightened, but from what I can see, I am not sure that I can tighten it.

Any suggestions? Do I just need to send it somewhere? Can the repairs sometimes be done locally?

Thanks in advance.

Nathan

I'm not familiar with that model Nathan, but replacement parts are available for all of ours from most "pro" camera stores with a good stock. I haven't looked for them online, but Glazers in Seattle is our reliable source for Bogen parts. They've got an 800 # (actually 888) posted on their site. Worth a free call for advice and parts if you need them. Good folks.

Nathan,

A quick Google search revealed this.

I think you probably have the 3021 (or 3221 black version.) This is a classic "issue" with these tripods that happen over a long time and lots of use. I have both versions and they have been solid pods over the years, with the exception of having to tighten the leg locks as it gets older.

What you'll need to do (and the picture is helpful in the link above) is remove the plastic washer/cover thingie with a screw driver and then use a nut driver to tighten the nut. You'll have to play with it to get the "just right" adjustment. If you're good, you can press the plastic cover back over the nut - it actually acts like a lock washer too. But if you're like me, you'll lose one or two, or ruin it because it's plastic. If that's the case.... I ended up just carrying around a little nut driver in my camera bag and tightened every once in a while as needed. No biggie.

Hope this helps,

Lon

ps. I've since "upgraded" to a CF pod with twistlocks which I now love. :-)

Good post Lon. If indeed the 1021 has the same lock, you're on the money. We've got both a 3021 and a 3221, though they're little used now. Only thing I can add, we taped the correct wrench to the inside of one leg on each tripod. That's how common the adjust is with heavy use! And BTW- Glazers does (or did?) have a complete assortment of parts for those models, in case you break something. Can't tell you how often I've broken locking levers off or lost the set screws that lock down tripod heads. Fortunately both are cheap and easy fixes.

I had the 3021 and ran into the same problem. Somehow I got hold of a person at Bogen and they replaced the locks with a newer type. I put them on and have had no furthur problems.

Thank you! Thank you!! I think you are right Lon, mine is black and I suspect that it is the 3221. I will give that a try tonight. Looking at it, I had not realized that the little black plastic tab could come off like that. I figured that it was covering something metal, but I was not sure.

Thanks for your info Don and Hank. Nice to hear from you.

Nathan

Thanks from me too for all the good info re Bogen parts and resources!
Sandy r

"Suggestions for getting a leg lock fixed?"

A visit to the chiropractor?

--P

Skip the chiropractor -- visit a surgeon instead. There is nothing a small operation cannot fix.

Luckily... I did not need Preston's or Anil's suggestions! The other tips (prying off the plastic cover and using an 8mm socket) worked wonderfully. Thanks to all!

I will file away Anil's and Preston's suggestions for later!

Nathan

Just wanted to add that Bogen/Manfrotto may not be the prettiest camera supports, but they are eminently repairable. I used a 3021 with a Bogen 3-way pan tilt head for many years and there were a few minor repairs needed over those years. I'd just call Bogen's parts/repair department directly and they figured out what I needed. I was always amazed at how cheap the parts were.

Pete D.

Pete D said, "I was always amazed at how cheap the (Bogen) parts were."

I recently replaced the friction bushings in the leg joints of my Gitzo 1325. They were back-ordered - took a few weeks. About $50 including shipping. Ouch. Bogen is the distributor, BTW.