I shot some photos at the beach this evening. I'm happy with the images, but I'm not so happy about the sand and saltwater in my tripod.

I disassembled the tripod and cleaned the legs and other components when I got home. It was too late to prevent scratching the finish on the legs, but at least they move smoothly again and the grinding sound is gone.

I found this article about cleaning a gitzo (I have a feisol), which more or less matches what I did, though I don't have any grease for the threads: http://www.earthboundlight.com/phototips/gitzo-maintenance.html

Do you guys clean your tripod after every trip to the beach or other destination where gets it dirty? I do take care of my gear, but I'm not one to baby my stuff. In other words, I bought the tripod to take photos that wouldn't be possible otherwise, and so while I'm upset that it got dirty and scratched, I'm not going to stop using it in rough conditions (the other place I had trouble was in the Virgin River on the Narrows trail at Zion).

So I'm wondering what other folks do to keep their tripods operating smoothly. I don't mind if it's ugly, but obviously I don't want to mess it up so badly that it's not sturdy...

I have a set of Bogen 3221WN legs i got back in 05 that have been all over the world, and in all sorts of climates. All i've ever done is tighten the leg locks, and replace one of the leg angle lock thingies when i broke it in Korea in 07.

scratches add character and chicks dig scares lol

my Induro fell into the Hudson River one day lol i washed it off at the fountain and it's been working just as well as it did before.

the camera wasn't on it thank god lol but it still got soaked. i've used it in all kinds of weather and locations without issue. mainly just rinse it off with fresh water to clear it of any debris.

DisrupTer911 wrote:
scratches add character and chicks dig scares lol

my Induro fell into the Hudson River one day lol i washed it off at the fountain and it's been working just as well as it did before.

the camera wasn't on it thank god lol but it still got soaked. i've used it in all kinds of weather and locations without issue. mainly just rinse it off with fresh water to clear it of any debris.



slight difference between fresh and salt water

Let me reiterate, where i had the tripod fall into the water, the Hudson wasn't fresh water. Its a mix of salt and fresh, brackish, but more salt.

i used fresh water to wash it off...

'apply automotive grease'...dumb idea, better to use silicon grease which does not stain

When I'm jamming my tripod in sand, water, or mud, I prefer to use my Berlebach instead of CF. Wipe it off on my pants leg and the maintenance is pretty much done.

Chris_Platt wrote:
When I'm jamming my tripod in sand, water, or mud, I prefer to use my Berlebach instead of CF. Wipe it off on my pants leg and the maintenance is pretty much done.

Right, it makes sense to get a different tripod for dirtier uses. At this point, my photography budget doesn't allow it, but regardless of that concern I'm not sure I'm going to hike with a Berlebach or Dutch Hill or similar tripod. Perhaps it makes sense for the shorter beach excursions, though.

As for the grease, Wilt's recommendation sounds good. I have dry lubricant for my mountain bike. Does that make sense here?

wilt wrote:
'apply automotive grease'...dumb idea, better to use silicon grease which does not stain

The best solution I've found is in fact an automotive grease, but, it's silicone-based. Most auto parts stores should be able to sell you a large tube (like toothpaste comes in) of silicone dielectric grease. It's clear, waterproof, easy to apply (and remove), just the right consistency for the threads and hinge points on tripods. A lifetime supply should cost <$10.

Gitzo finally released their tripod grease to the market. Should work on all tripods.

dcains wrote:
...an automotive grease, but, it's silicone-based. Most auto parts stores should be able to sell you a large tube (like toothpaste comes in) of silicone dielectric grease. It's clear, waterproof, easy to apply (and remove), just the right consistency for the threads and hinge points on tripods. A lifetime supply should cost <$10.

+1 The biggest advantage is the fact that synthetic grease won't turn rancid, which could do far more harm to tripod components (whether they be aluminum or CF) than dirt, dust, and grit. The primary criteria is not so much lubricity (tripod legs don't spin at high speed ), but sealing ability to keep the gunk out of the threaded components.

I buy this stuff by the case: http://www.superkleendirect.com/superlubesyntheticgreasetube3ozmfgpnsyn21030.aspx and use it for many applications around the shop and home. Including my camera support systems. For those who don't want to order just one tube (which would last a lifetime of tripod maintenance) Dean's suggestion of an auto parts store works best. Just compare Superkleen's MSDS with a product at the store... and make sure the product is synthetic.

No matter what grease is used, nothing will be as good as simple maintenance after the tripod is used in not-so-friendly environments.

ChrisK wrote:
Gitzo finally released their tripod grease to the market. Should work on all tripods.

pretty much a molydisulfide grease

Never use grease, as it attracts dust and grit. I do use either Carnauba wax, or dry Teflon spray.

If I'm worried about salt, sand, dirt, mud or water, I use my Benbo. The lower sections won't suck up mud due to their design. The lower legs actually encapsulate the upper legs.

ChrisK wrote:
Gitzo finally released their tripod grease to the market. Should work on all tripods.

I was gonna buy some of this, but checked with Gitzo service first. Their reply was:

"I believe you are referring to item GSGREASE2 which is a tube of grease for Gitzo head but unfortunately this is not used on the tripod legs. If you wish additional grease on the tripod legs you might want to purchase what they call High Temperature Grease from any Hardware or Auto parts shop."

John

Absolutely, you don't want to hike far with a Berlebach. Best for short walks from the car.

minnend wrote:
Chris_Platt wrote:
When I'm jamming my tripod in sand, water, or mud, I prefer to use my Berlebach instead of CF. Wipe it off on my pants leg and the maintenance is pretty much done.

Right, it makes sense to get a different tripod for dirtier uses. At this point, my photography budget doesn't allow it, but regardless of that concern I'm not sure I'm going to hike with a Berlebach or Dutch Hill or similar tripod. Perhaps it makes sense for the shorter beach excursions, though.

As for the grease, Wilt's recommendation sounds good. I have dry lubricant for my mountain bike. Does that make sense here?

Hey John--

Interesting that the Gitzo service guy would say that. Here is a link from Gitzo where they specifically say that the grease if for the leg locks: link

Also the grease is shipped with the new Ocean Traveler with instructions on how to grease the leg locks.

I'm sure the High Temperature Grease would work fine as well.