Kenny (Kenj8246) asked if it would be possible to remove the highly versatile tilt/swing column from his Gitzo 2227 tripod. I decided to give it a try. Why? Well, I was packing my gear for a backpack trip the other day and decided that I needed to shave weight wherever possible. Anything not essential had to go. That tilt/swing column wasn't necessary, but a good tripod was. I could just buy another, lighter 'pod for only about $500, or I could try to modify my 2530EX.
Turns out, this mod is silly easy. Tools needed: Ratchet wrench, 1/2" and 9/16" sockets. Parts needed: 3/8"-16 X 2" bolt and nut. Time required: <5 minutes. Cost: <$1.00
The column assembly is held on by a single 1/2" locknut beneath the spider. The post that the assembly swings on is a tight fit in the spider, so leave the nut threaded onto the end of the post and give it a couple of taps with your wrench handle to break it free (the nut protects the threads on the post). Remove the nut and washer and the column assembly comes right out.
Get a 3/8"-16 X 2" bolt from the hardware store--preferably stainless steel--and a nut to fit. Slip the bolt up through the hole in the spider and thread the nut onto it. There's a nice hexagonal depression in the top of the spider that the nut seats right into. Tighten the nut/bolt, put some Teflon plumber's tape on the remaining threads (helps keep the head from unscrewing) and thread your head on. Done:
Putting the column assembly back on is quick and simple, and nothing is damaged in the process (assuming you're careful with the tools and don't lose anything).
I'm a bit on the short side at 5'6", and this puts the viewfinder right at eye level with the legs fully extended--if you're taller, it will be a problem. This saves somewhere around a pound of weight, and should also make the tripod a bit more stable when using longer lenses since the head now sits directly over the center of the 'pod.
Since the same spider/column assembly is used on all the Explorer series 'pods (22xx EX, 25xx EX series), this mod will work on them all.
I had thought about doing that for a long time, but never did. I had drawn up a part with a larger flange on the top to help support the ball head. I never got around to making it.
tell me just what is the point in doing this? you already have a very stable platform to work with. to me this is like taking a large step backwards for this particular tripod and hobbling it.
CP: I remember someone--RRS?--made a platform that threaded on below the head for added support, but I can't seem to find it. What would be really nice is a platform that incorporates the nut so it makes better contact with the spider--but the point being weight saving, I think this will work just fine--especially if I can get my AUB off the column of my old 2220 EX. I think I used the wrong Loc-tite! An hour in boiling water has failed to free it.
sjms--Because I can; also because, as stated above, my long-range backpack just weighs too damn much. I'm not twenty anymore, and sixty pounds is ridiculous. As Colin Fletcher stated: "Watch the ounces, and the pounds will watch themselves". I haven't weighed the column assembly yet, but that hub has nearly as much metal in it as the spider. Since I can replace the column assembly in a couple of minutes--with one tool--I can't see how this is hobbling anything. I just have to get used to a tripod like all the "normal" photographers use. Besides, I'm only dong this for backpacking--the column is already back in place.
EBH--Well, for one thing, I have a 2530 EX, so I don't need to buy another 'pod (I already have three). I don't know the difference between the 25x0 EX and 25x1 EX 'pods, but looking at Gitzo's site, they appear to still use the same spider/column assembly. Changing the column--a foot or so of carbon fiber tube--for a "ground level" kit (is this the "standard procedure"?) would not save as much weight as removing the entire assembly, nor would it put the head directly above the center of the spider.
I know I'll miss the versatility of the tilt/swing column. I've been using an Explorer for most of a decade and will have to learn to use a regular tripod again. But that's what sacrifices are about. At least it's better than crippling myself with a 1-series or table-top tripod.
This mod is so easy, and so easily reversed, I can't see any reason it's not a good idea. Basically, I end up with both an Explorer and a standard 2-series 'pod--without, of course, a center column--but, being the right height, that's not a problem.
I recall that the 1 in the last digit indicates the safety locking screw on the platform. However, some of the 3 series have the screw, but not the number 1.
Thanks, EBH. When I got my 2530, I wondered where the locking screw had gone. Fortunately, the rubber stuff Gitzo put on the base seems to work exceedingly well--the head has never moved without a great deal of force.
Timm wrote:
CP: I remember someone--RRS?--made a platform that threaded on below the head for added support, but I can't seem to find it. What would be really nice is a platform that incorporates the nut so it makes better contact with the spider--but the point being weight saving, I think this will work just fine--especially if I can get my AUB off the column of my old 2220 EX. I think I used the wrong Loc-tite! An hour in boiling water has failed to free it.
sjms--Because I can; also because, as stated above, my long-range backpack just weighs too damn much. I'm not twenty anymore, and sixty pounds is ridiculous. As Colin Fletcher stated: "Watch the ounces, and the pounds will watch themselves". I haven't weighed the column assembly yet, but that hub has nearly as much metal in it as the spider. Since I can replace the column assembly in a couple of minutes--with one tool--I can't see how this is hobbling anything. I just have to get used to a tripod like all the "normal" photographers use. Besides, I'm only dong this for backpacking--the column is already back in place.
EBH--Well, for one thing, I have a 2530 EX, so I don't need to buy another 'pod (I already have three). I don't know the difference between the 25x0 EX and 25x1 EX 'pods, but looking at Gitzo's site, they appear to still use the same spider/column assembly. Changing the column--a foot or so of carbon fiber tube--for a "ground level" kit (is this the "standard procedure"?) would not save as much weight as removing the entire assembly, nor would it put the head directly above the center of the spider.
I know I'll miss the versatility of the tilt/swing column. I've been using an Explorer for most of a decade and will have to learn to use a regular tripod again. But that's what sacrifices are about. At least it's better than crippling myself with a 1-series or table-top tripod.
This mod is so easy, and so easily reversed, I can't see any reason it's not a good idea. Basically, I end up with both an Explorer and a standard 2-series 'pod--without, of course, a center column--but, being the right height, that's not a problem....Show more →
i kinda thought so. i myself would rather get a more appropriate set of legs. i too am not the spring chicken but some things i just can't give up, especially in travel where i can't estimate my support needs. i'm off to Beijing next week and have opted out of all but the basic package 14-24 24-70 70-200 D700 in a TT wired up 20 for me all handheld. when backpacking its still a whole 2540ex for me. the .5lb can be made up elsewhere easily.
my 2540ex came with the polymer compound anti slip platform. i still put a dot of blue loctite on it as it really didn't impress me too much with its grip. it is meant as an into vibe base.
hobbling as in reducing its capabilities by quite a bit
Holy smokes, that was easy!! And the Gitzo still retains the ability to carry the arm in a jiffy!! Thanks, Timm. I'm gonna go a little further and make a plate--aluminum or plastic--to go under the head for a little more stability. Excellent mod, my friend. Thanks again.
Seems like a very good idea to me. Although you lose the centre column, you still have the continuously variable height, and as long as you have an L bracket, you can still get close to ground level. It is still far more versatile than a normal tripod. So, standard Explorer for normal use, modified Explorer when weight matters. Personally I would not do this, but that's because weight is not an issue for me.
I suppose if you are loaded, then you could just buy another tripod, and lose the continuously variable height, but most of us aren't that wealthy.
So funny / interesting to see this post - I was just looking at modifying my 2541EX this weekend for the same reason. The EX's are a really versatile tripod but heavy and cumbersome on a backback. And - NO - I don't need another tripod!
A simple 1/2" cut-off of a 1-1/4" or 1-1/2" PVC or ABS plumbing pipe should act as an adequate spacer to base off the spider to the ballhead. Be sure it's a parallel cut. Bevel the inside bottom edge and it will seat up real tight. Double nut a 3/8" stud and you can re-use the balhead platform that's on the column.
Spend $5.00's and save $600.00! Or buy another lens!
mMontag wrote:
...A simple 1/2" cut-off of a 1-1/4" or 1-1/2" PVC or ABS plumbing pipe should act as an adequate spacer to base off the spider to the ballhead. Be sure it's a parallel cut. Bevel the inside bottom edge and it will seat up real tight. Double nut a 3/8" stud and you can re-use the balhead platform that's on the column.
Spend $5.00's and save $600.00! Or buy another lens!
I used the analytical scale at work (used for measuring beer ingredients) to determine exactly how much weight this mod saves, and was pleasantly surprised! Here's the breakdown: Column assembly, removed from 'pod, no head: 1lb 1.30 oz. Bolt, nut, and two 1 1/2" rubber washers to replace column assy: 1.52 oz. Weight savings: 14.98 oz--practically a pound! Add the savings by changing from an Acra Swiss Z1dp to an Acratech AUB and the savings is 1 lb 13 oz, which is significant by the fifth mile on the trail. The modified 'pod is also much less bulky and unwieldy to pack.
I used an angle grinder to thin the nut (BTW: you can find 3/8-16 nuts with face-to-face spacing of either 9/16" or 11/16"--it's the latter that fits the hole in the spider) to about 3/16 inch thick so it sits flush with the top of the spider, then added two 1 1/2 inch dia. rubber washers between the head and the spider. I enlarged the hole in the bottom washer to about 3/4", which makes the base of the head firmly contact the spider at it's outer diameter. The rubber washers also effectively lock the head onto the spider--I have to use a wrench to get it off. A drop of blue Loc-Tite would be an extra measure of safety, but I'm comfortable with this as it is.
I do miss the functionality of the tilt/swing column and the quality and function of the Z1dp (for fine macro work, that second panning motion is incredibly handy, not to mention making panos Q&D), but the less weight I have to carry the further I can go. This modified 'pod beats hell out of no 'pod or a table-topper--and has those nifty leg-angle locks that are only available on the EX series 'pods. Of course, when I'm not backpacking the column assembly and AS head go back on in a couple of minutes. Two 'pods--an ultra-light backpacking 'pod and a highly versatile do-everything 'pod--for the price of one: That's my kind of deal.
