No diplomacy involved. I was just patient. I used Bogen Imaging's contact information at their web site and the person to contact me was Mr. Lackey. Only problem... it took them something like a week and a half to reply.
It seems glaringly apparent that Bogen Imaging is a real POS when it comes to customer service. They could have used this topic to turn lemons into lemonade. Instead, they've fostered even more contempt.
I think I will follow Gunn's lead and buy all future Gitzo products from outside the country.
Hey, I don't want to hijack this thread but I think this is kinda on topic.
About7 years ago, I purchased a used Mamiya system in a Zero-Haliburton case which was about 15 years old.
A couple of months ago, I decided to clean up this case to use for my digital equipment and wanted to replace the functioning but loose latches.
I looked around on the net, found an email address for the company, emailed, got a reply in a day or two, explained that I was just refurbishing and the latches were not broken but I just wanted to replace with new latches which I was willing to purchase. I asked if they might be able to send me a parts catalog that I could order from. The service rep asked a few more questions, thanked me for calling and said they would get it right out. Less than a week later, a box arrived with new latches, and invoiced at no charge.
Now that is service and it made me a loyal customer
"The court is still out on the Giottos--I'd sure like to handle one, or at least read a really in-depth review."
Okay okay, I'm really tired of the "court being out" on the Giottos. I was researching the Gitzo 2220 on google and came acros this topic in the FM forums, and I just had to register a forum identity so I could let you all know that for cryin' out loud, I'll go get a Giottos if nobody else will! Okay I'm just joking around, but in all seriousness thanks Timm for posting this warning. I've been considering the Gitzo Explorer series and the Giottos MT series, and from what I've concluded, people have reported numerous very unhappy experiences with Gitzo / Bogen, while Giottos owners have claimed that a quick call was all it took to get a part shipped to them asap, without twisting any legs or raising voices.
But whenever I've asked about the Giottos, or tried to read reviews, all I get is "nobody knows yet..." So I'm just going to test the water and go for it. I'll most definitely post as in depth of a review as I can, and I'll let anybody know who wishes such. I am brutal with my tripods, I shoot at the beach and it is commonplace to see something like this:
Thanks for the reply, Gunn. Do you have a contact for the source in HK?
cd, it has a lifetime warranty--just contact Mr. Lackey at Bogenimaging.com and he'll take care of you! OOOH! Bad Timm!
Thanks again, Mark. I still have not heard back from Bogen or Mr. Lackey! POS, indeed--and this thread is definitely costing them some business!
Well, Jerry, unfortunately, Bogen isn't Zero, and Zero makes cases, not 'pods!
Matt, welcome to the forum! Be sure to take some time to surf this forum, there's a lot more here than some guy whinning about his tripod!
And please do post a review when you get that Giottos! I'd really like to see a close-up of that hinge for the swing-column. I'm interested in the idea that the 'pod can be used without a column and head--could come in really handy when I need to go ultra-light.
The last product I bought was a G1228LVL. I was the high bidder on Ebay. There are several Hong Kong dealers that always have Gitzo tripods listed....just run a search. By the way, the G1228 is wonderful. I use it with a Acratech head and a Really Right Stuff quick release. You won't believe how light, compact and strong the combination is.
I use the AUB, also. Great little head--starts to show some slop at ~200mm--but simple, light, compact, and the best customer service I've had the pleasure to experience!
The QR plate that I bought with the AUB didn't quite fit my N80. Nikon bodies have a little bulge around the tripod thread, and the plate wasn't clearanced for it. I sent AcraTech an E-mail, and had a reply from the owner of the company within hours--and a modified plate three days later!
This lack of snow is sure getting you pissy. Daarla says that a fulltime nightwoman might just take your mind off those pesky tripod problems. It has really mellowed out Roger. I hear you on lack of customer support, but I wonder if we couldn't improve on those little gizmos (or are they Gitzmos ?) in my machine shop. Perhaps a new collet design.
Timm, I've got the same problem. I gave up because Bogen was worse than worthless. I was shipped wrong parts twice after I called and called and faxed requests for the part.
I eventually turned the part upside down and have been using it ever since. I still want the part but it pisses me off that I'll have to pay for it now.
That's bad news, Jeff. So even if I knucle under and pay for the parts, I won't be out of the woods? I'll try turning them upsidedown, but I'm pretty sure I've tried every orientation possible. RIght now, friction tape is doing the job.
Alan's lathe is starting to look like a good idea--if it works, maybe I'll send you a set--or use them to lure you out to NE Oregon!
I would file a complaint with the BBB. It is amazing how companies will go out of their way to help when there is a complaint filed against them. If it is a limited Life time warranty they should clearly articulate this.
Timm wrote:
That's bad news, Jeff. So even if I knucle under and pay for the parts, I won't be out of the woods? I'll try turning them upsidedown, but I'm pretty sure I've tried every orientation possible. RIght now, friction tape is doing the job.
Alan's lathe is starting to look like a good idea--if it works, maybe I'll send you a set--or use them to lure you out to NE Oregon!
I thought about machining my own part. But, since the upside down thing worked I just "forgot" about it. Now that I have a 1325 pod I'll probably send the damn thing back to Bogen so they get the right part replaced.
No need to lure me. I like NE Oregon and will be spending at least some time there this spring. I'll be drving through for a Palouse trip in May for sure.
It has really mellowed out Roger. I hear you on lack of customer support, but I wonder if we couldn't improve on those little gizmos (or are they Gitzmos ?) in my machine shop. Perhaps a new collet design.