p.1 #1 · Cleaning Gitzo CF tripods after a dip in water
To be precise spring water.
I spent about 8 hours submerging half of the lowest section of the carbon fiber tripod in water. I know that unless you are using the Oceanic series Gitzo tripods have problems with salt water. Does it also apply to spring water?
If so what's the best way to clean it?
I neglected to buy those plastic bags to prevent wet umbrellas from dripping all over the floor. I would have used that to prevent my tripod from getting wet.
p.1 #3 · Cleaning Gitzo CF tripods after a dip in water
I used my Gitzo in salt water while visiting Hawaii, shooting at the ocean's edge. I just took it apart at the hotel and washed everything with fresh water and toweled it dry. No tools required!
At home, when I've cleaned the tripod, I will leave it disassembled next to the fireplace (warm, not hot place) to allow all the moisture to evaporate before reassembly.
p.1 #4 · Cleaning Gitzo CF tripods after a dip in water
It's not so much the fresh water, but the sand and grit that may/will get inside your tripod legs that need to be cleaned and maintained regularly. The RRS guide is good to follow, but I find it better to simply clean one leg and one lock at a time---and reassemble that leg and lock before moving on. A toothbrush and running water works well to get sand out of the threads.
Cleaning and maintenance is where you can really tell the difference in quality materials and workmanship with tripods. Gitzo and RRS tripods are outstanding.
