Has anyone observed a similar problem when using a center column on a Gitzo Systematic CF tripod?

Roman

milmoejoe,

Thank you for your post, which helps others become aware of the issue.

Clearly, from at least one other report on this thread as well as what can be found on google, you are not alone in experiencing the issue, but seem to stand alone in the face of criticism for having brought it to our attention, which is too bad.

Without understanding the motivations for the criticism of the messenger, I do very much appreciate the message!

I was all set to buy a Gitzo tripod this summer, and now, thanks to you and your post, I know to examine the base plate retention system more carefully, and will give greater consideration to alternative brand tripods that do not have this issue, or perhaps look for an older used Gitzo model instead.

If a design already exists on older models, as well as alternative brand models, that does not require as much constant attention to the retention system, then it seems prudent for Gitzo to consider addressing the issue, especially if it is unique to their later design.

One of the reasons I switched to Arca-Swiss/Wimberley/RSS dovetail lens and camera plates was precisely because I didn't like having to retighten Bogen lens and camera plates all the time. Checking and rechecking and rechecking is an unnecessary nuisance when more reliable retention designs are on the market.

So count me among the few who "get" where you are coming from. And thank you for stepping forward and sharing your concern, so that folks like me could learn, and not learn the hard way.

So, has anyone else followed the link and looked at the solution? This is great, (why didn't I think of this, D'oh, kinda great!) and if they are available soon, my Gitzo plans are back on for this fall.


Paul B wrote:
FYI, looks like a solution will be available from both Naturescapes (scroll down to post by Greg Downing) and the previously mentioned individual at some point.

http://www.naturescapes.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=154592

Lars Johnsson wrote:
I don't know if there has been an up-tick or not. This is the first time i have been reading about it. And there are Thousends of people in every country using Gitzo tripods. And you can't wiggle the plate loose with your fingers after tighten the screw. It's impossible if not the screw or plate is broken.


And now it has happened to me after only three days of field use. The base plate loosened itself completely and easily could have fallen out. I pulled it off with one hand. I was using only a 1 series body and 70-200/4 IS, so no excessive force was applied to the legs/plate. Gitzo quality control of final assembly is rubbish. They should tighten the locking screw much more. If you must use a 3 series, carry the special tool at all times and check for tightness!

EBH

I look at like riding a horse. Always check the cinch strap on the saddle before mounting up. Or a preinspection on a car, always check it out before a long trip. Just routine checks and maintenance. No problems here carrying a few wrenches.

Regards,

Roger

I am currently shopping for a 3 series so this is useful info. I also agree that it makes sense to check out a new item like this carefully. However, I would expect that if an $800 tripod comes with a plate installed, it would be ready to use. Otherwise it should be un-attached for the user to install. Anything else is incomprehensible to me. It should be installed properly or not at all. My $250 Velbon came ready to use. I would expect nothing less from a top end tripod.

mhayes5254 wrote:
I am currently shopping for a 3 series so this is useful info. I also agree that it makes sense to check out a new item like this carefully. However, I would expect that if an $800 tripod comes with a plate installed, it would be ready to use. Otherwise it should be un-attached for the user to install. Anything else is incomprehensible to me. It should be installed properly or not at all. My $250 Velbon came ready to use. I would expect nothing less from a top end tripod.

Actually mine came with a bowl installed as it's the LSV model, I installed the supplied plate and tossed the bowl, so maybe that's a good thing.

Regards,

Roger

mhayes5254 wrote:

Actually mine came with a bowl installed as it's the LSV model, I installed the supplied plate and tossed the bowl, so maybe that's a good thing.

Regards,

Roger

Mine came the same way and I did the same. I put a drop of Loctite 243 in the threads before tightening the nut. No loosness after a year and a half of travel.

xrayvision wrote:
mhayes5254 wrote:

Actually mine came with a bowl installed as it's the LSV model, I installed the supplied plate and tossed the bowl, so maybe that's a good thing.

Regards,

Roger

Mine came the same way and I did the same. I put a drop of Loctite 243 in the threads before tightening the nut. No loosness after a year and a half of travel.

Naturescapes.net has come up with a fix for this issue in case anyone is interested.

http://www.naturescapes.net/store/product.php?productid=453

Regards,

Roger

What's the big fuss? It isn't like something was broken, just tighten it for god sake. Is it so hard to do? I tighten my G1349 when I bought it new 9 years ago, never had to do it again since and still super tight. People are expected to be spoonfeeded everything these days.

You might not have read through the entire thread or any of the relevant links. The problem is with the very newest systematic tripods, not models that are 9, 7, 4, 3, or even 2 years old.

Many have suggested just tighten it before use. Someone said it was like riding a horse, check the saddle and tackle before you go. Thats all well and fine, but the problem has been both with people who haven't checked the screw at all, based on previous experience with older models never failing, and with people who are anal and check it before, several times during, and even after the shoot.

Even the anal tighteners have reported cranking down the screw, and having the plate loose by the end of the day, or even within a few hours while carrying with their expensive big white glass attached. How would those horseback riders feel if just after checking and tightening the saddle it slipped and they went under the horse anyway?

Someone on the NatureScapes.net site has a rocket scientist friend (No, really, he is an independent contractor for NASA) that took a few minutes and designed an awesome fix to keep the baseplate mounted and secure even if the screw were to fall out.

The big fuss is multithousand dollar lens dropping from a tripod and meeting an untimely/ undeserved death. People do not expect to be spoonfed everything, but rather to have the new equipment work as dependably as your tighten once and never worry about it again for 9 years design, something the current design seems to have a few problems with.

Gitzo has know for a long, long time that photographers carry big lenses over the shoulder with their tripods. They should continue to say its not a recommended procedure, but they also should recognize and step up to at least make their system better. They didn't, the Naturescape guys did.



wlachan wrote:
What's the big fuss? It isn't like something was broken, just tighten it for god sake. Is it so hard to do? I tighten my G1349 when I bought it new 9 years ago, never had to do it again since and still super tight. People are expected to be spoonfeeded everything these days.

I just received one of the naturescapes.net Gitzo Safety Plates yesterday. These Safety Plates should now be pretty readily available for owners of Gitzo systematic tripods who are worried about loose or loosening base plates. You may want to take a look at these products.

Best regards,

Roman

It's alright, I don't mind the criticism

Folks seemingly miss the fact or refuse to believe that the hex bolt tension indeed loosens after a days use in the field. Yes- literally tons, if not hundreds of thousands of fellow gitzo users have tripod that have worked flawlessly throughout the life of the product (as I also experienced with my previous G1325 in the past). That's great! Fact is it's an issue on *my* newer GT3530LS model and that's what matters for me. It may ring more clearly for you when you're transporting this setup on a tripod setup you've invested $1000+ in

Great solution. Do they have anything yet that would work with the 1321 leveling base?

PORSCHE917 wrote:
Has anyone observed a similar problem when using a center column on a Gitzo Systematic CF tripod?

Roman


I'm curious about this one too.

Just ordered a safety plate. Thanks for posting the link

DavidP, no- they don't have a solution for users with the leveling base (yet).

Porsche, fraga- I haven't heard any issue specific to center columns. Given the reduced stability with center columns, I don't imagine most folks with heavier setups are using them.

thanks!

Milmoejoe:

Thanks for the update. Although I have a center column for my Gitzo 5541LS (the "5541"), I have never used it.

The netscape.net safety plate is terrific device. I ordered one of these safety plates as soon as I learned that they were available in limited numbers for sale, and promptly installed it on my 5541.

Best regards,

Roman

Having had the base plate lift up on me with my 500mm and wimberley attached to the plate no longer attached the 3541xls (luckily it did not crash to the ground) I think I may be buying one of those safety plates from netscapes even though now I check the plate screw everytime I use the gitzo.

sperraglia, sorry to hear it!

Here's a thread with more info on the plate

http://www.naturescapes.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=57&t=154592