I was wondering how you clean your gitzo tripods.
I went to the beach and used it, and although I didn't roll it around in sand, for some reason the Glocks now grind when I open and close them, because they are full of sand.
So I have two questions, the first is could I just wash the whole tripod with water, or submerge it in my bathtub or something? Maybe take it all apart, wash it all down, and put it back together?
Second, what type of lube could I use on the glocks once I've done the cleaning.
Could that silicon lube that you use for underwater camera housings work, or would it not be necessary and something else better?
Secondly, I'm thinking about buying a 1531 as its small and good for traveling, but I'd want to bring it out into salt water to do a few beach shots, would it be ok submerged in water? Or would I have to look for the more expensive waterproof one?
Thanks, I've taken my Gitzo apart once to look see, and I don't have paper bushings, I only have plastic ones, the inners of my tripod don't look anything like his.
I'm guessing they've updated the design, so would I still use white lithium grease?
Those are older style legs but the method for cleaning would most likely be the same, I'm sure lithium grease would be fine because it doesn't freeze in the cold or run in the heat.
dlaurin10 wrote:
Those are older style legs but the method for cleaning would most likely be the same, I'm sure lithium grease would be fine because it doesn't freeze in the cold or run in the heat.
go light on the grease on the G-lock threads. and make sure to grease only the threads. there are cinch sleeve in the collar that you don't want to gum up. also take care to line up the bushings to align with the anti spin ridge on the inside wall of the leg tubing. if you force it you will be calling them and buying new bushings.
Yeah I've taken it apart out of curiosity, I was just wondering more what grease to use.
That and I was wondering if I use it in saltwater, would I have to clean it right away, or could I rinse it in fresh water when I got back to the hotel, then after my trip when I get home I re-grease it all.. Sorry should have been more specific.
Basically what's the procedure of using the tripod on a trip to a saltwater beach??
BTW, I may have cracked one of my white sleeves.. I think I don't remember now... Where would I get replacement pieces from? Would I have to call bogen or could I just check out some online catalog with prices listed?
I mean the peice works fine, I just think it has a slight crack and I'm OCD about such things.
your distribution is from Japan. i think in your case if you have a good camera dealer that selld gitzo you may need to go through them.
as to the grease. white lithium grease can be found in auto supply stores and in better or more industrial type hardware/building type stores for bearing/wheel lube
sjms wrote:
go light on the grease on the G-lock threads. and make sure to grease only the threads. there are cinch sleeve in the collar that you don't want to gum up. also take care to line up the bushings to align with the anti spin ridge on the inside wall of the leg tubing. if you force it you will be calling them and buying new bushings.
I don't think I'd use grease of any kind. I think a dry lube (teflon based) might be a better choice. That way there is nothing to which dirt/sand can stick. In fact, I'm not sure you'd need any lube at all.
JohnJ80 wrote:
I don't think I'd use grease of any kind. I think a dry lube (teflon based) might be a better choice. That way there is nothing to which dirt/sand can stick. In fact, I'm not sure you'd need any lube at all.
J.
That may be good advice. I always just the smallest amount of lithium grease deep in the threads but not sure it is needed. Can't recall if there was any old grease in there for the first time taking it apart. Never noticed anything stuck in the grease after either...however if is not needed, why add something that may collect dirt and does nothing to make it easier to use.
Originally there was grease in it BTW.
Though a dry lube sounds like a good idea.
Been having a hard time finding white grease anyway! People look at me funny when I ask for it.
adamdewilde wrote:
Originally there was grease in it BTW.
Though a dry lube sounds like a good idea.
Been having a hard time finding white grease anyway! People look at me funny when I ask for it.
Sounds like the white grease that are used in bicycle shops.
If you think it needs a lube, there are many different kinds of dry lubes. I have one I use that I got from my local bike shop that goes on as a liquid but very rapidly dries into a teflon film. Specifically designed for mountain bikes so it won't hold sand on the chain.
Hmm.. JohnJ80 that sounds like something I'd want.
Though funny thing. I just went to my local shop today and picked up a GT1541T for my trip in two weeks, and when I got home I noticed in the box, Gitzo has supplied me with a tube of black grease for tripod maintenance!!
