Beware- Gitzo tripod failures !!!

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Beware- Gitzo tripod failures !!!

milmoejoe
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p.1 #1 · Beware- Gitzo tripod failures !!!

Please forgive me for this (slight off topic) rant!

I (and many others) have a very serious concern with the newer Gitzo tripods.

This year's "Systematic" tripod systems feature an interchangeable "bowl" or "base plate" which has been completely falling out for a number of photographers!

This image is copyrighted by the owner

These tripods are shipped to you fully assembled with the tightening nut still loosened. Furthermore, the new design lacks the strength to keep this nut tightened with regular use! (Imagine having 1 lug nut attached to your wheel hub to keep your wheels attached!)

As you can imagine, this is a serious concern for nature and other photographers who carry their setup over their shoulder. There are a number of other discussion threads on other forums where photographers are experiencing complete losses of $10,000+ of equipment

I myself experienced this with a recent "upgrade" from the GT1325 to the newer GT3530LS. Fortunately, my bowl became dislodged indoors with no harm done. Others haven't been so lucky!

Meanwhile, Gitzo refuses to acknowledge the issue. Responses to affected photographers are along the lines of "This shouldn't be a problem...Simply tighten the torx screw...Why would you ever carry your expensive equipment over your shoulder? Yikes!?!"

At a minimum, I think gitzo needs to acknowledge the issue and educate their customers. Better yet, I think they need to stand behind their product and offer a "fix" (simple stop screw) or a refund. This is pathetic!

(edited 7/31/09 to fix dead image link)

Edited on Jul 31, 2009 at 02:55 PM · View previous versions

Mar 19, 2009 at 12:21 PM

Beni
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p.1 #2 · Beware- Gitzo tripod failures !!!

Probably do better on the gear forum. I don't think my 2 series has this issue, the plate is not replaceable as far as I know.

Mar 19, 2009 at 12:30 PM

EKhatch
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p.1 #3 · Beware- Gitzo tripod failures !!!

Am I missing something or are you stating that people are having their gear damaged because of a loosening screw they refuse to put a little loctite on? Don't take this the wrong way, I am just confused as to what the actual problem is.

Thanks

Mar 19, 2009 at 12:33 PM

milmoejoe
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p.1 #4 · Beware- Gitzo tripod failures !!!

Beni- after four years, I was unaware there was even a general "gear" forum... thanks!

EK- Did you check all the screws on your camera body to make sure they were all tightened before using?

Folks have no idea to watch out for this.

As I mentioned, having one external screw responsible for tightening the entire circumference of the bowl is not sufficient. The bowl starts to remove itself from the opposite end even when initially tightened.

Whats the purpose of a having an interchangeable base that's cemented in place? I'm not opposed to loc-tite, but again it's often too late after it's already happened.

Mar 19, 2009 at 12:47 PM

ChrisDar
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p.1 #5 · Beware- Gitzo tripod failures !!!

milmoejoe wrote:
Please forgive me for this (slight off topic) rant!

I (and many others) have a very serious concern with the newer Gitzo tripods.

I've never had a problem with any of my Gitzo pods but I must admit I always thought this connection was the weak point of their tripods. It is a very small lip and any loosening of the screw means it can pop out, especially carrying it over your shoulder, which I do all the time. They could easily make a better connection or a deeper lip that might give a bit of a warning that it was loose before it popped out. I keep the supplied wrench handy to give it a little tweak every once in a while, the same as I do with the allen wrench on my lens plates. You do have to check these connections unless (as the other poster stated) you use Locktite (which I don't like to use on camera gear).

I did change my top plates out for a Kirk replacement plate because they put a heavy duty hook underneath so you can hang a bag or pack to help stabilize the tripod for long lens shooting as well as a set screw for your ball head or Winberley to keep it from loosening up.

Mar 19, 2009 at 12:58 PM

EKhatch
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p.1 #6 · Beware- Gitzo tripod failures !!!

milmoejoe wrote:
EK- Did you check all the screws on your camera body to make sure they were all tightened before using?

Um yeah, because that's exactly the same thing. No but what I did do was check the very same connection on my tripod when I installed my ballhead. I am not saying it's not Gitzos fault, nor was I referring to the user loctiting the connection but if you want to take shots at me that's fine.

Mar 19, 2009 at 02:15 PM

milmoejoe
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p.1 #7 · Beware- Gitzo tripod failures !!!

EKhatch wrote:
nor was I referring to the user loctiting the connection but if you want to take shots at me that's fine.

EKhatch wrote:
Am I missing something or are you stating that people are having their gear damaged because of a loosening screw they refuse to put a little loctite on?

Maybe I am missing something?

Mar 19, 2009 at 02:25 PM

milmoejoe
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p.1 #8 · Beware- Gitzo tripod failures !!!

It's not as straightforward as you might think.

I mounted the Wh-200 to the head, fastened and balanced the lens, checked the connection as normal (pick up setup by the lens as normal), and within the hour the bowl falls out of the tripod.

Carrying the gitzo tool and constantly checking the connection is now a requirement.

Mar 19, 2009 at 02:29 PM

rprouty
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p.1 #9 · Beware- Gitzo tripod failures !!!

Thanks Joe, I appreciate the info and the reminder to keep checking everything.

Rod

Mar 19, 2009 at 03:04 PM

EKhatch
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p.1 #10 · Beware- Gitzo tripod failures !!!

milmoejoe wrote:
EKhatch wrote:
nor was I referring to the user loctiting the connection but if you want to take shots at me that's fine.

EKhatch wrote:
Am I missing something or are you stating that people are having their gear damaged because of a loosening screw they refuse to put a little loctite on?

Maybe I am missing something?

By "they" I was refering to Gitzo not being resposible enough to use a bit of loctite, not the end user. Sorry for the confusion.

Mar 19, 2009 at 03:50 PM

cgardner
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p.1 #11 · Beware- Gitzo tripod failures !!!

The simplest solution seems to be the most obvious one: don't buy a Gitzo tripod if you sling your camera attached to the tripod over your shoulder or use a big tippy lens. Its not like they have a monopoly on three legs with a 1/4" stud.

If enough photographers vote with their wallets sooner or later Gitzo may address the problem.

Mar 19, 2009 at 04:01 PM

Beni
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p.1 #12 · Beware- Gitzo tripod failures !!!

What other equivelents to the Gitzo 3 series are there? The manfrotto's have nothing comparable.

Mar 19, 2009 at 05:32 PM

Lars Johnsson
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p.1 #13 · Beware- Gitzo tripod failures !!!

I do carry my 500/4 IS & 800/5,6 IS on my GT5541LS. Before that I used my GT3530LSV tripod. I have never had any problems. And they feel very secure

Mar 19, 2009 at 06:07 PM

EKhatch
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p.1 #14 · Beware- Gitzo tripod failures !!!

cgardner wrote:
The simplest solution seems to be the most obvious one: don't buy a Gitzo tripod if you sling your camera attached to the tripod over your shoulder or use a big tippy lens. Its not like they have a monopoly on three legs with a 1/4" stud.

If enough photographers vote with their wallets sooner or later Gitzo may address the problem.

Wouldn't it be even simpler to just use the loctite that most likely came with the tripod, as mine did?

Mar 19, 2009 at 06:08 PM

Lars Johnsson
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p.1 #15 · Beware- Gitzo tripod failures !!!

Gitzo already have stop-screws/ locking screw on their top plates. And they had it already last year. If you have an older model you can replace the old top plate with a newer with the locking screw and hook. If you buy the tripod with the bowl, that's for video support

Mar 19, 2009 at 06:25 PM

milmoejoe
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p.1 #16 · Beware- Gitzo tripod failures !!!

Gitzo / Bogen is a great company and I've had nothing but great things to say about their products up until now. IMO, there is no viable replacement, competitor, etc. I am not suggesting boycotting the products.

Lars- I shared your same exact mentality for a number of years and would have never expected such an occurrence. Folks develop behaviors like slinging a tripod over a shoulder because past products safely allowed for this.

This is more of a recall issue vs. "Shoulda worn your seatbelt!" in my opinion.

I would like to see Gitzo / Bogen step up to the plate and provide alternatives.

Mar 19, 2009 at 06:29 PM

John Power
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p.1 #17 · Beware- Gitzo tripod failures !!!

I see you have commandeered Pondria's avatar

I hope you own a D30.

(or maybe Pondria commandeered yours

)

Mar 19, 2009 at 06:29 PM

Lars Johnsson
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p.1 #18 · Beware- Gitzo tripod failures !!!

milmoejoe wrote:
Gitzo / Bogen is a great company and I've had nothing but great things to say about their products up until now. IMO, there is no viable replacement, competitor, etc. I am not suggesting boycotting the products.

Lars- I shared your same exact mentality for a number of years and would have never expected such an occurrence. Folks develop behaviors like slinging a tripod over a shoulder because past products safely allowed for this.

This is more of a recall issue vs. "Shoulda worn your seatbelt!" in my opinion.

I would like to see Gitzo / Bogen step up to the plate and provide alternatives.

But Gitzo have stop/locking screws on their Systematic tripods top plates. It's not like you wrote at all................

Mar 19, 2009 at 06:36 PM

milmoejoe
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p.1 #19 · Beware- Gitzo tripod failures !!!

1. I took the picture

This image is copyrighted by the owner

2. Mine doesn't have it. It's now offered as a $70 "upgrade" and incorporated into current offerings. Sounds like a recall to me.

Mar 19, 2009 at 06:43 PM

Lars Johnsson
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p.1 #20 · Beware- Gitzo tripod failures !!!

But then you don't have a new and this years Systematic as you wrote. I bought mine already in august last year and it did have the new lock. And this is from the Gitzo catalogue that came out nearly one year ago

""new systematic plates and power disc
The Systematic tripod’s upper plates have been completely
redesigned for increased performance and functionality.
New features are the Safe Lock material that cuts vibrations and
improves tripod-to-head lock (as already used on tripod discs),
a convenient sand bag hook and a special locking screw to
securely lock the head onto the plate.
On series 4 and 5 plates the position of this screw is
adjustable to fit a wider range of heads.
Tripod discs have been upgraded to the new Power Disc.
Series 2 and 3 aluminum discs, besides the Safe Lock
material and the locking screw for the column, they now feature
a second additional locking screw to securely lock
the head onto the disc. The two locking screws, one for
the column and one for the head, ensure a stable and rock solid
connection among all the parts of your support system.
The attachment bolts are made of high quality steel with a
strength of 100kg per square mm, granting an exceptionally safe
and strong connection to your equipment""

""top flat plates
All new photo Systematic tripods are supplied with the new
generation of top flat plates. These plates are also available
as separate accessories in two sizes for series 3 and series
4-5 Systematic tripods and offer a convenient way to upgrade
previous Systematic models. The Systematic upper plates have
been completely redesigned for increased performance and
functionality.
New features are the Safe Lock material that cuts vibrations and
improves tripod-to-head lock (as already used on tripods discs),
and a special locking screw to securely lock the head onto the
plate.
On series 4 and 5 plates the position of this screw is adjustable
to fit a wider range of heads.
New plates also include, for the first time, a convenient sand bag
hook. This hook, made of machined aluminum, is provided with a
standard 3/8” screw attachment for various applications""

Mar 19, 2009 at 06:49 PM

milmoejoe
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p.1 #21 · Beware- Gitzo tripod failures !!!

I apologize, I got the date wrong.

From B&H
Item Qty Item Description
GIGT3530LS 1 GT3530LS 6x SYSTMATIC GIANT CF 3-SEC

Scheduled Arrival Date: 12/26/08

Mar 19, 2009 at 06:57 PM

Carmen Miranda
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p.1 #22 · Beware- Gitzo tripod failures !!!

milmoejoe wrote:
As you can imagine, this is a serious concern for nature and other photographers who carry their setup over their shoulder. There are a number of other discussion threads on other forums where photographers are experiencing complete losses of $10,000+ of equipment

Meanwhile, Gitzo refuses to acknowledge the issue.

Why should they?

You may want to carry a 400mm f4 by the stix, but I challenge you to name one tripod or head manufacturer that would encourage or condone such a risky and inappropriate use of their product.

The fact that cameras have straps doesn't mean you should be able to carry the same 400/f4 by the camera body either.

The Systematic plate was designed to be removed to accommodate other accessories, not swing a honkin' lens from it. I won't say I've never hussled down field with camera and stix attached, but if it ever gave way, I sure wouldn't be laying blame at Gitzo' feet.

If you insist on doing something outside of what a product is designed or intended for why trash the maker, why not fix it to your satisfaction or take your chances. How hard can it be to install grub screws or add a steel under plate if that put's you more at ease. Even so you'll still have significant risk issues. Even if the plate was fixed you'd simply be transferring your problem to the head or the 3/8th head screw.
But I guess you are suggesting that Gitzo should assume that risk too?

Get real.

Mar 19, 2009 at 07:13 PM

Lars Johnsson
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p.1 #23 · Beware- Gitzo tripod failures !!!

You got more than the date wrong

I have the new top plate on my tripod that I bought in August. Gitzo also say that all Systematic tripods has this, already before last summer. So you probably bought an old model and not the new one

And the one with a bowl is for video equipments

Mar 19, 2009 at 07:14 PM

Carmen Miranda
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p.1 #24 · Beware- Gitzo tripod failures !!!

Even with some of the recent plate "improvements", the way the Systematic top plate is secured remains the same.

Whether you use the bowl adaptor or top plate, they are still use the same pincher mechanism to secure.

The only way to completely secure the top plate would be to weld it to a fixed position or use a steel plate (like oversized washer) underneath the carriage and secure to the plate with an extended head bolt that had a 3/8 head screw on the top. Something that should be too hard to buy or machine.

Mar 19, 2009 at 07:33 PM

Lars Johnsson
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p.1 #25 · Beware- Gitzo tripod failures !!!

Carmen Miranda wrote:
Even with some of the recent plate "improvements", the way the Systematic top plate is secured remains the same.

Whether you use the bowl adaptor or top plate, they are still use the same pincher mechanism to secure.

The only way to completely secure the top plate would be to weld it to a fixed position or use a steel plate (like oversized washer) underneath the carriage and secure to the plate with an extended head bolt that had a 3/8 head screw on the top. Something that should be too hard to buy or machine.

But the weakest point is where you secure the ballhead/gimbalhead into the top-plate. And that is improved a lot with the locking-screw

Mar 19, 2009 at 07:53 PM


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