Beware- Gitzo tripod failures !!!

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Archive 2009 · Beware- Gitzo tripod failures !!!

milmoejoe
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p.2 #1 · 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.2 #2 · 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.2 #3 · 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.2 #4 · 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.2 #5 · 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

milmoejoe
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p.2 #6 · Beware- Gitzo tripod failures !!!

FYI- I do have the current model. I got it as soon as it was available. Thanks for your projections

Regardless of which plate you're using (upgraded or not) the risk of it falling out from the base remains the same.

There are also several ways to remedy the problem yourself (e.g. drill and insert pin). This is an obvious fix but 1. the material is magnesium (flammable) and 2. reportedly reduces the structural integrity.

Mar 19, 2009 at 10:21 PM

Lars Johnsson
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p.2 #7 · Beware- Gitzo tripod failures !!!

So why carry those big super-tele lenses over your shoulder still attached to your tripod if you are so worried

I can't see or imagine the plate falling out from the base. Only if you unscrew it before.
Mine have never even been loose or anything else in all those years I have had mine over the shoulder. And I have lenses like the 500 and 800mm. Not any of my friends that use big teles have had any problems either.

It's not like you are supposed or gitzo have promised that you can carry 5-10 kg attached to the tripod and head over your shoulder

Mar 19, 2009 at 10:36 PM

nctemper
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p.2 #8 · Beware- Gitzo tripod failures !!!

Gitzo is aware if the problem...but

But Bogen Production Manager Mr. David Fisher is hiding under his desk and won't acknowledge the problem.. or at least warn people to carry lenses attached to the tripod..

I have tried to call him but only talk to the receptionist...she gave me his email address and I sent him a link with lots of complains about that very problem..

For a $800 tripod we can expect service..that's what their Headquarter promised..

I am waiting... that promise has been "empty" for 3 weeks now.

Mar 19, 2009 at 11:41 PM

milmoejoe
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p.2 #9 · Beware- Gitzo tripod failures !!!

Lars, I get that you and your friends have big white lenses...thats fantastic.

You are missing my point.

Mar 19, 2009 at 11:56 PM

Samureye
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p.2 #10 · Beware- Gitzo tripod failures !!!

Thanks for rising this concern, Joe, although I usually try not to carry my equipment that way. I was not aware of the problem and I'm planning on buying a Gitzo this year.
For the money these tripods cost, I think it's rather ridiculous if we have to resort to Loctite or other options. Heck, for that amount of money, they should even have a built-in GPS

Just my 2 cents...

Mar 19, 2009 at 11:57 PM

JFB318
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p.2 #11 · Beware- Gitzo tripod failures !!!

Thanks for sharing your concern Joe. Geez, why shoot the messenger that is trying to save you from losing an expensive lens. If you don't like what he has to say, go ahead and sling it over your shoulder

Mar 20, 2009 at 12:21 AM

EB-1
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p.2 #12 · Beware- Gitzo tripod failures !!!

Obviously I don't understand the problem. Is the 3530LS afflicted?

EBH

Mar 20, 2009 at 12:40 AM

gearhead5
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p.2 #13 · Beware- Gitzo tripod failures !!!

Thanks to the OP for the heads up on this problem. I always carry my tripod over the shoulder and now I am concerned; guess it's time to break out the Loctite!

Mar 20, 2009 at 02:01 AM

Jim Victory
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p.2 #14 · Beware- Gitzo tripod failures !!!

Thanks for the headsup Joe!

I have always carried my tripod over my shoulder but I have always been concerned about the mounting bolt or head coming loose rather than the plate. Therefore I always attached a sling to my "Big Whites" and put it around my neck when carrying it over my shoulder. I figure that way if whatever comes loose it will still be around my neck and not plummet to the ground.

It is a shame that such a design flaw couldn't be remedied with an alternative attachment process with fail safes in place.

Jim

Mar 20, 2009 at 05:09 AM

Sven Jeppesen
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p.2 #15 · 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.

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

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!

This year's "Systematic" tripod systems feature an interchangeable "bowl" or "base plate" you wrote.
It's not the truth. I belive only one of all the systematic tripods has that. 95% of the tripods only have the plate for photo. And of course Gitzo don't tighten the screw very hard before you have picked the plate that you will use together with the tripod. Just tighten the screw and the problem is solved. Can't understand the whining about Gitzo refuse to acknowledge the issue

Of course that when you buy 2 different top plates, you have to tighten the screw yourself after putting the plate you like on the tripod

Mar 20, 2009 at 05:42 AM

milmoejoe
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p.2 #16 · Beware- Gitzo tripod failures !!!

Sven- I don't mean to disagree, but your statement is inaccurate. The systematic series tripods all have interchangeable base plates. Which one you choose is up to you (flat, video, leveling, etc). Maybe only 5% of them ship with video bowls. Who cares?

"And of course Gitzo don't tighten the screw very hard before you have picked the plate that you will use together with the tripod."

I'm sorry but this is not implicit knowledge. Do you bring a torque wrench and double check the lug nuts on a new car before you drive off the lot? I don't think so.

The tripods only come with one base. There is no "choice" to be made, not a "some assembly required" ordeal. It ships fully assembled and connections are seemingly tightened. For whatever reason, folks seem to think I was lackadaisical about checking the connection. Let me be clear: I DID! I set everything up with care and followed the general rule of thumb to pick the setup up by the lens, check for insecure connections, etc.

It's easy to sit back and laugh at folks who experience this misfortune. Unless you shoot with a heavyweight tripod with a long lens stowed over your shoulder, you likely won't comprehend the issue. I assure you the tables turn when it is you looking down at a pile of $10,000 in broken glass.

Regardless, I got off lucky and experienced no such misfortune. Google the issue and you'll find several examples. I've seen it happen to unsuspecting folks in the field. No need to school me on how to carry or check my tripod- I'm fully aware of the issue.

This first step of recognition was posted yesterday

This "issue" has come up more in the past 3 months than in my previous 5 years working with Gitzo. That does concern me greatly. And those concerns are shared with the engineers, customer service personnel, and brand manager working in Italy.

David Fisher
Product Manager, Gitzo Brand
Bogen Imaging USA

Mar 20, 2009 at 11:53 AM

kshea
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p.2 #17 · Beware- Gitzo tripod failures !!!

Ugh, looks like no Gitzo upgrade for me this year.

~K

Mar 20, 2009 at 12:16 PM

Carmen Miranda
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p.2 #18 · Beware- Gitzo tripod failures !!!

milmoejoe wrote:
It's easy to sit back and laugh at folks who experience this misfortune. Unless you shoot with a heavyweight tripod with a long lens stowed over your shoulder, you likely won't comprehend the issue. I assure you the tables turn when it is you looking down at a pile of $10,000 in broken glass.

It's not that anybody is laughing, it's more like utter astonishment at people who insist that products be engineered to protect them from their own stupidity or that someone else is liable for their own risk taking.

Not in a hundred million years would the systematic plate fail if the your tripod was used in the manner in which it was designed. Even Canon or Nikon would not approve of transporting their long glass in the manner. The fact that you can get away with it for the most part is a testament to the strength of the system. The fact that it may fail from time to time should come as no surprise to all but the most foolhardy and irresponsible.

If some woman got $10 mill for spilling her $1 worth of McD's coffee, maybe you should get $10 trillion for dropping $10K worth of glass?

Now that the rally cry has been "acknowleged" by management, I'm sure it won't be too long before new Gitzo's will be sporting big yellow warning labels saying, "Do not carry tripod over the shoulder with camera attached." LIke that will make any difference.

No joe, you won't hear me laughing, but you won't get my sympathy either.

Good luck.

Mar 20, 2009 at 02:20 PM

RikWriter
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p.2 #19 · Beware- Gitzo tripod failures !!!

Carmen Miranda wrote:
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

Mar 20, 2009 at 02:40 PM

Carmen Miranda
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p.2 #20 · Beware- Gitzo tripod failures !!!

Sorry, but that's bull. MOST nature photographers carry their long lenses that way.

I still drink coffee in my car too. But at my own risk.

Mar 20, 2009 at 02:44 PM

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