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Anyone have a Gitzo Ballhead, preferably a Gitzo Traveler ballhead, and ...

DustinLevine
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Anyone have a Gitzo Ballhead, preferably a Gitzo Traveler ballhead, and check something for me?

Hey all, as the title says, does anyone have a Gitzo Ballhead, especially a Traveler ballhead and check something for me please? I would appreciate it alot.

I have the '' Gitzo GH1382TQD Series 1 Traveler Center Ball Head '',

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1175122-REG/gitzo_gh1382tqd_series_1_traveler.html

2 weeks ago on a hike, the panning knob fell off!

The tripod was attached to my backpack and I head a ding, turned around and the knob was on the floor. I screwed it back on, tight as can be, knob is locked down, but the panning motion does not lock. The head just spins and spins.

So upon further inspection, I see there must have been a piece, something behind the panning knob screw, that applied pressure between the screw and the panning base inside, to lock it in place........I can see the screw is not long enough to reach all the way inside. There was something inside that took up the space.

So if someone has a similar ballhead, and can unscrew there panning knob, and tell me, or better yet show me a photo of the piece that I am missing, I would be forever grateful.

I'm hoping it something I can just pick up at a Home Depot or Lowes.

I found a diagram online, but it does not show anything on the blueprint of the ballhead. I also found that they sell a ballhead repair kit, but just comes with the knob, which I have, no the piece that goes behind the knob.

I already contacted Gitzo, and they still have the absolute worst customer service in the entire world, photography related company or any company for that matter.

I tried to fix an issue with this exact tripod legs 5 years ago, and it was the biggest headache dealing with them. Fast forward 5 years later, and its deja vu all over again, nothing has changed with them in 5 years. They are zero help from them what so ever.

It's a shame, because I really love this tripod for when I need something small and light, it is impressively stable for a travel setup. But with no customer service when you need help, I will never buy there products again.

Thank in advance to anyone that can help me out!

May 16, 2024 at 01:16 AM

mkuznicki
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Anyone have a Gitzo Ballhead, preferably a Gitzo Traveler ballhead, and check something for me?

As far as I can tell (without actually disassembling mine), the end of that stud is what locks the head. I don't see a separate (removable) piece in there. There's something at the bottom of the female threaded section that spins with the head, but I can't see a way to remove it, and certainly can't picture it falling out. My stud sticks out about 1/4" beyond the rim of the knob. Is yours about the same? I can get you a precise measurement if that would help.

May 16, 2024 at 06:46 AM

Abbott Schindl
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Anyone have a Gitzo Ballhead, preferably a Gitzo Traveler ballhead, and check something for me?

Have you looked at the parts diagram?
https://www.gitzospares.com/gh1382tqd-parts.html

I recently had a problem with my 1545T tripod and quickly found the issue by looking at its parts diagram (the column's antirotation lock had fallen out; getting a replacement was easy and solved the problem).

May 16, 2024 at 11:44 AM

Bobarino
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Anyone have a Gitzo Ballhead, preferably a Gitzo Traveler ballhead, and check something for me?

DustinLevine wrote:
Hey all, as the title says, does anyone have a Gitzo Ballhead, especially a Traveler ballhead and check something for me please? I would appreciate it alot.

I have the '' Gitzo GH1382TQD Series 1 Traveler Center Ball Head '',

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1175122-REG/gitzo_gh1382tqd_series_1_traveler.html

2 weeks ago on a hike, the panning knob fell off!

The tripod was attached to my backpack and I head a ding, turned around and the knob was on the floor. I screwed it back on, tight as can be, knob is locked down, but the panning motion does not lock. The head just spins and spins.

So upon further inspection, I see...Show more →

Here's a link to the parts diagram for the GH-1382TQD. Unfortunately, spare parts other than the knobs themselves, are not available. It appears you'll have to send the head to Gitzo for repair.

When dealing with Gitzo service, it's important to realize that you're calling a distribution company,,, and that company may represent many brand-name companies,,, sometimes 50 or more companies, When you call, you're talking to a receptionist,,, so immediately ask to speak with a repair tech,,, or more specifically,,, a Gitzo repair tech. If you can describe to that person the exact nature of the problem, he "might" simply send you the required part(s), but, he'll most likely ask you to send it in for repair. Gitzo doesn't show any internals for these heads, and I presume that's due to proprietary design protection.

https://www.gitzospares.com/pdfs/GH1382TQD/gh1382tqd-20180907.pdf

When did you buy your head? It may still be covered by the warranty if you registered your product with Gitzo at the time of purchase. Registering is free, and it can add 5-10 years of additional protection to the original warranty. If you didn't register, you may still be protected if you have the original receipt, which proves the purchase date, and whether you purchased from an authorized dealer.

FWIW, I'm in Canada, and Gitzo is distributed by Gentec International. I've dealt with them a few times over the years, and the service was excellent once I got through to the right department.

Good luck.

May 16, 2024 at 02:22 PM

sjms
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Anyone have a Gitzo Ballhead, preferably a Gitzo Traveler ballhead, and check something for me?

in the US for repair:

https://www.gitzo.com/us-en/support/spare-parts/

May 16, 2024 at 03:04 PM

DustinLevine
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Anyone have a Gitzo Ballhead, preferably a Gitzo Traveler ballhead, and check something for me?

mkuznicki wrote:
As far as I can tell (without actually disassembling mine), the end of that stud is what locks the head. I don't see a separate (removable) piece in there. There's something at the bottom of the female threaded section that spins with the head, but I can't see a way to remove it, and certainly can't picture it falling out. My stud sticks out about 1/4" beyond the rim of the knob. Is yours about the same? I can get you a precise measurement if that would help.

Thank you so much!

Whatever you see at the bottom of the female section that spins with the head, that is what fell out of my Gitzo Ballhead!

It is missing from mine, somehow it fell out when the knob fell out.

I wish I knew what it is, what it looked like, and can order the part. Gitzo USA is no help what so ever.

After talking with Gitzo Canada and Gitzo Italy (They both have phone numbers you can call and speak to live humans), I am just going to replace it with a Really Right Stuff BH30, and sell this Gitzo head for parts......The ballhead locks down fine, the friction knob is perfect, just the panning base rotates freely.

Thanks again

May 17, 2024 at 01:10 AM

DustinLevine
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Anyone have a Gitzo Ballhead, preferably a Gitzo Traveler ballhead, and check something for me?

Abbott Schindl wrote:
Have you looked at the parts diagram?
https://www.gitzospares.com/gh1382tqd-parts.html

I recently had a problem with my 1545T tripod and quickly found the issue by looking at its parts diagram (the column's antirotation lock had fallen out; getting a replacement was easy and solved the problem).

Yes, as I wrote, I looked at the diagram previously, and it just shows the knob.

As " mkuznicki " says, he sees a piece at the base, that piece is what I am missing, but not shown on the diagram.

May 17, 2024 at 01:13 AM

DustinLevine
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Anyone have a Gitzo Ballhead, preferably a Gitzo Traveler ballhead, and check something for me?

sjms wrote:
in the US for repair:

https://www.gitzo.com/us-en/support/spare-parts/

Yea I spoke to someone at Gitzo Canada and Gitzo Italy about that. (They both have humans you can talk to, Gitzo USA does not)

He gave me a rough quote that most ballhead repairs are around $100 via Gitzo USA.....depending on the problem. PLUS I pay to ship the tripod to them and pay for the shipping back to myself.

So I am probably looking at least $200, but most likely more, to replace a screw or something......And if something else breaks, another knob, screw, bolt, foot, anything, $200+ every time.

I told him it is probably a $1 piece of plastic or something I am missing. I'll even pay $20 for it, just please ship it to me, I can plug it in myself.

The same exact Gitzo ballhead with the exact Gitzo tripod legs included, Brand New is on sale for about $500 right now.

So I am not sending it to Gitzo for "repair'

I am just going to buy a Really Right Stuff BH30 to replace this head, and when the Gitzo legs die, I will replace them with a pair of RRS legs.

My big tripod setup is a Really Right Stuff model.......If I call RRS right now, a human picks up the phone. If I ask for a washer, nut, bolt, knob.....they will ship it out to me tomorrow, first thing in the morning, no questions asked.

May 17, 2024 at 01:19 AM

sjms
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Anyone have a Gitzo Ballhead, preferably a Gitzo Traveler ballhead, and check something for me?

I suggest the BH 40 over the 30. I have both hardly use the 30.

I agree about RRS. Been to their operation in SLC recently. Good people to deal with. I've done business with both generations of owners since 1990.

i do a considerable amount of travel in my work. my travel tripod is a RRS TQC/TFC14 (replaced by the Ascend). used a BH30 for awhile on it as i purchased it as a set for the past few years now i use the BH40 all the time as i have 2 of them one on my TVC24 too.

take a look at the new clamp too: ARC-LR (in pic and on my 40's) adjustable for those who use various make/width plates

NIKON Z 6 NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens 55mm 1/125s 12800 ISO

part of the RRS machine shop

NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S lens 24mm 1/100s 4000 ISO

NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S lens 120mm 1/500s 64 ISO

May 17, 2024 at 05:49 AM

Cinstance
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Anyone have a Gitzo Ballhead, preferably a Gitzo Traveler ballhead, and check something for me?

You would not be able to fold the Gitzo traveler tripod fully with a RRS BH-30. I have tried a few small heads and found that the 3 Legged Thing AirHed Pro has the bet fit. The legs can fully fold just like with the Gitzo head. It only weights 10 oz but the unique ball locking mechanism is amazingly good, and has a higher locking power than other much bigger ball heads. The panning base is also surprisingly good, almost fluid like. The lever release clamp is no good though, go with the screw lock clamp if you would like to try one.

May 17, 2024 at 04:56 PM

sjms
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Anyone have a Gitzo Ballhead, preferably a Gitzo Traveler ballhead, and check something for me?

the question is does that really matter?

hasn't with me. you can put a screw job on any of these. i prefer not to be pushed into corners by manufacturers irrelevant designs. some things just get old.

i didn't care for the original RRS Ascend because of the way the original head was integrated into the CP. they quickly offered a more universal design soon after. not giving options is not a good way to go.

May 17, 2024 at 05:30 PM

Cinstance
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Anyone have a Gitzo Ballhead, preferably a Gitzo Traveler ballhead, and check something for me?

I believe Gitzo had done its marketing research. Maybe not a design for you but there must be other people who like it (including myself otherwise I wouldn’t have chosen the traveler to begin with). I find the shortened folding size handy in a lot of occasions.

sjms wrote:
the question is does that really matter?

May 18, 2024 at 10:36 AM

sjms
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Anyone have a Gitzo Ballhead, preferably a Gitzo Traveler ballhead, and check something for me?

we believe what we choose to believe. both you and I. perspectives are funny that way

May 18, 2024 at 11:10 AM

hiepphotog
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Anyone have a Gitzo Ballhead, preferably a Gitzo Traveler ballhead, and check something for me?

Cinstance wrote:
You would not be able to fold the Gitzo traveler tripod fully with a RRS BH-30. I have tried a few small heads and found that the 3 Legged Thing AirHed Pro has the bet fit. The legs can fully fold just like with the Gitzo head. It only weights 10 oz but the unique ball locking mechanism is amazingly good, and has a higher locking power than other much bigger ball heads. The panning base is also surprisingly good, almost fluid like. The lever release clamp is no good though, go with the screw lock clamp if you would...Show more →

Never thought you would actually recommend a 3 legged thing. But you spoke from your experience and that’s what counts; never knock until you try it. Definitely will check that head out.

May 18, 2024 at 07:23 PM

Cinstance
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Anyone have a Gitzo Ballhead, preferably a Gitzo Traveler ballhead, and check something for me?

Try it and you’ll find out. It is rather inexpensive anyway. I actually bought a second one after trying the first. I have never seen a ball head before that can be locked so effortlessly, and I have used many ball heads over the years. It claims 88 lbs load capacity for a tiny ball, and it really has such a locking power. The neck probably would break before the ball could slip.

hiepphotog wrote:
a

Never thought you would actually recommend a 3 legged thing. But you spoke from your experience and that’s what counts; never knock until you try it. Definitely will check that head out.

May 18, 2024 at 08:07 PM

Cinstance
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Anyone have a Gitzo Ballhead, preferably a Gitzo Traveler ballhead, and check something for me?

This guy actually did some real tests (of the similar 3LT Airhed vu), even compared to a RRS BH-55. With his whole body weight hanging in the air, he could get the BH-55 to slip, but not the airhed pro:

https://shuttermuse.com/3-legged-thing-airhed-vu-ball-head-review/

May 18, 2024 at 08:36 PM

sjms
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Anyone have a Gitzo Ballhead, preferably a Gitzo Traveler ballhead, and check something for me?

its a shame he can't keep his data straight. at one point here refers to the BH55 at 50lbs then later at 40lbs capacity

ref1: Even the monster RRS BH-55 is “only” rated to 50lbs.

ref2: One of the heads is the Really Right Stuff BH-55. This head has a capacity of 40lbs and is considered by many to be the best on the market.

these days i use the BH40 (2 actually) only rated to 18lbs

no pics of the great hang exercise? would have been a neat pic to see.

the Vu does look pretty nifty visually. one of these days i'll go over to B&H across the Hudson by Path and eyeball it. in the meantime i'll press on with what i have.

May 18, 2024 at 11:06 PM

DustinLevine
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Anyone have a Gitzo Ballhead, preferably a Gitzo Traveler ballhead, and check something for me?

sjms wrote:
I suggest the BH 40 over the 30. I have both hardly use the 30.

I agree about RRS. Been to their operation in SLC recently. Good people to deal with. I've done business with both generations of owners since 1990.

i do a considerable amount of travel in my work. my travel tripod is a RRS TQC/TFC14 (replaced by the Ascend). used a BH30 for awhile on it as i purchased it as a set for the past few years now i use the BH40 all the time as i have 2 of them one on my TVC24 too.

take...Show more →

I did consider the BH40, but I think for my lightweight setup the BH30 would be best for me.

I do own the BH55 which I love and use when stability is more important to me than the weight I am carrying.

While the BH40 is smaller and lighter than the BH55, I think I will want it to be even smaller and lighter.

The BH30 should be even more rock solid than the Gitzo Traveller it is replacing, and I was already very happy with the Gitzos stability over the past 5 years.

I did see that new clamp you have on their website. But I was confused as to what the difference is between this new ARC-LR clamp the classic RRS lever clamp? I didn't understand what I was reading in the description. Is is just for adjusting to different size plates?

May 19, 2024 at 01:31 AM

DustinLevine
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Anyone have a Gitzo Ballhead, preferably a Gitzo Traveler ballhead, and check something for me?

Cinstance wrote:
You would not be able to fold the Gitzo traveler tripod fully with a RRS BH-30. I have tried a few small heads and found that the 3 Legged Thing AirHed Pro has the bet fit. The legs can fully fold just like with the Gitzo head. It only weights 10 oz but the unique ball locking mechanism is amazingly good, and has a higher locking power than other much bigger ball heads. The panning base is also surprisingly good, almost fluid like. The lever release clamp is no good though, go with the screw lock clamp if you would...Show more →

That is fine with me, I never ever fold up my Gitzo like that, with the legs folded up in reverse. I use to when I first got it years ago, but quickly found it taking me too long to open up when using it, so I always just store it closed like a typical tripod. Plus it is a lot thinner this way, and sits tighter & closer to the side of my backpack.

May 19, 2024 at 01:34 AM

DustinLevine
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Anyone have a Gitzo Ballhead, preferably a Gitzo Traveler ballhead, and check something for me?

Cinstance wrote:
I believe Gitzo had done its marketing research. Maybe not a design for you but there must be other people who like it (including myself otherwise I wouldn’t have chosen the traveler to begin with). I find the shortened folding size handy in a lot of occasions.

Yes the reverse folding legs are great to have it fold shorter, this is great for packing inside a luggage when flying. But now it is fatter with a much wider diameter across. And I never will be out hiking or in a city with the tripod like that. But for sure, flying international, I can see it definitely being a benefit.

May 19, 2024 at 01:41 AM

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