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Archive 2012 · Adding Hook to Manfrotto 055MF3

  
 
hotwire
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Adding Hook to Manfrotto 055MF3


I have a manfrotto 055MF3. I want to add a hook to it for a camera bag, weight support etc. unfortunately, I am having a bugger of a time finding the lynch pin to make this work.

The centre column of this tripod separates into two pieces.
http://mediacdn.shopatron.com/media/mfg/2747/media_document/live_2/055MF3_20041118.pdf?1291221527
The joint on the top piece (R055,038) has a female M6 threaded hole where the bottom piece screws into (the screw is internal to the column). My simplest solution would be to jettison the bottom piece of the column, and screw the hook into the hole. For various reasons I have settled on an eye bolt over just a hook, mainly related to safety and easier modification below this point (for example adding a chain or caribiener).

For the love of all that is holy, I have not been able to, from local sources, find a single M6 eye bolt in stainless steel, and for the one place I have, they want a minimum order which is more than I need. Put bluntly, this piece is just not easily locatable in Canada.

So I throw it out for suggestions on how to modify my plan to use either more easily available components, or am I looking on ebay for the parts?

Last question: is this doable, or is this a red herring?

Thanks in advance.



Apr 06, 2012 at 10:04 AM
gardenvalley
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Adding Hook to Manfrotto 055MF3


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/M6-STAINLESS-314-A4-MARINE-GRADE-LIFTING-EYE-BOLT-/160297068727?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_BoatEquipment_Accessories_SM&hash=item25527328b7

Like this?

AFAIK North America is still using Imperial measurements whereas Europe is predominantly metric and so it`s hard to find Imperial here. I`m sure there must be metric fasteners somewhere.

Why not keep the centre column as it is and simply add a carabiner to the strap lug at the bottom of the column?



Apr 06, 2012 at 12:39 PM
gardenvalley
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Adding Hook to Manfrotto 055MF3


Or use the existing strap lug on the top casting and attach a carabiner?


Apr 06, 2012 at 12:56 PM
dcains
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Adding Hook to Manfrotto 055MF3


These seem to meet your description, and the shipped price is also reasonable:

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/M6-Marine-Grade-Stainless-Steel-Lifting-Eye-Bolts-/320834375092?pt=UK_Sporting_Goods_Sailing&hash=item4ab3380db4

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/M6-6mm-1-4-Marine-Stainless-Eyebolt-Eye-Bolt-316-A4-/280848339979?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_BoatEquipment_Accessories_SM&hash=item4163dd940b




Apr 07, 2012 at 09:02 AM
hotwire
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Adding Hook to Manfrotto 055MF3


gardenvalley wrote:
Why not keep the centre column as it is and simply add a carabiner to the strap lug at the bottom of the column?

That was my initial plan, but I'm not a fan of how the weight adds stress to the strap lug and in turn to the centre column.
gardenvalley wrote:
Or use the existing strap lug on the top casting and attach a carabiner?

Good idea I didn't ponder, but after some brief experimentation, I'm not sure I'm a fan of how it only pulls on the two legs.

Maybe I'm just being overly paranoid.



Apr 09, 2012 at 07:56 PM
hotwire
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Adding Hook to Manfrotto 055MF3


Did some more digging, and finally found a reference in Manfrotto's own literature on the intended use of the strap to support a counterweight, complete with picture: http://www.studioexpress.de/pdf/Manfrotto/Manfrotto_magfiber.pdf

Unfortunately, it's low resolution. At that end of the strap is the metal hook, and the snap buckle used for typically keeping the legs in the closed position. I can't tell what the *right* way to use it is...



Apr 09, 2012 at 10:52 PM





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