Luminous Landscape Forum
Equipment & Techniques => Cameras, Lenses and Shooting gear => Topic started by: Rufous03 on April 04, 2011, 01:36:08 pm
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Has anyone resolved the problem with Gitzo's tripods where the legs fold under the head getting tangled? My old Manfrotto had stops that would not allow the legs to cross under the head. Gitzo seems to be ingnoring my requests for a resolve. Considering what they charge for their product, one would have thought their engineers would have thought of this before producing the product. This mostly comes into play when walking with the camera mounted and legs extended.
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What do you mean? I just open the legs, they don't get tangled even though they fold underneath the center column/head.
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If the legs are extended they tend to tangle at the ends, that does not happen with the Manfrottos I have. It makes it difficult to set up in a hurry, others I have spoken to have similar complaints, but have decided to live with it. I find it annoying and kick myself for not checking before I bought it, then again no one had stock for me to check with!
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I have the 3541XLS and I think I never got my legs entangled. could you elaborate a bit further at what you mean?
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As stated above when carrying the tripod with camera and lens and legs fully extended, the legs get hooked on each other because they are able to swing under the center point of the head. That is about the only way I can explain it. On talking with other photographers using the same tripod, they all have the same complaint. The legs of a Manfrotto stay straight and do not move under the center point, hence they do not get hooked on each other.
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I still don't see the problem and it sounds like a non-issue; just open them up when that happens. The leg locks on modern Gitzos don't have latches or other protrusions, so they don't catch anywhere.
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Thanks for your thoughts, but I find it annoying. Perhaps it is the different way we approach our subjects.
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do you use a centre column?
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no, as far as I know there is no center column available for this tripod. It would defeat the purpose of the sturdy camera mount
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it's a systematic 3... there's plenty of columns available for it...
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?ci=402&N=4289938225+4291428784 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?ci=402&N=4289938225+4291428784)
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for example :
This Gitzo GS3310GS Compact Aluminum Geared Center Column is for use with the Series 3 aluminum tripods in the Systematic line. Since these tripods accept interchangeable center columns, this compact column can be used to take full advantage of the variable leg spread on these units, so that you are not inhibited by the length of the column as to how low you can go.
The geared control of this column allows for even finer height adjustment and with its anti-rollback mechanism, it is more secure during raising and lowering of heavy photographic equipment.
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Thank you for the information, however this is a Carbon Fiber tripod, not aluminum. I checked it out anyway, and I do not think it will fit or resolve the problem.
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Thanks for your thoughts, but I find it annoying. Perhaps it is the different way we approach our subjects.
How is subject approach even relevant in this context? I'm really struggling to see how this is an issue, or even an annoyance.
I took off the center column from my S, but I think it might help with this "issue."
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I think you are talking about a different tripod, there is no center column on this unit. Being able to deploy the legs without trying to pull one leg out from under the head in a rush is annoying, you have to experience it in sub zero temperatures to appreciate it., Much faster to set up my old Manfrotto. The reason I purchased the Gitzo was the load capacity which was greater than my Manfrotto and gave me greater stability with a long lens, just the leg deployment is annoying, and I repeat here, others I have spoken to and worked with that have the same tripod are having the same complaiint, so it is not just me
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I have noticed the same thing happen on occasion. I have not found it to be a big deal -- I just make sure the rubber feet come together when I fold the tripod and place it on my shoulder.
Your tripod is part of the Systematic series and thus will accept a wide range of accessories, including a center column should you want one. This one should fit your tripod (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/548612-REG/Gitzo_GS3511S_GS3511S_Compact_Rapid_6x.html).
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I think you are talking about a different tripod, there is no center column on this unit. Being able to deploy the legs without trying to pull one leg out from under the head in a rush is annoying, you have to experience it in sub zero temperatures to appreciate it., Much faster to set up my old Manfrotto. The reason I purchased the Gitzo was the load capacity which was greater than my Manfrotto and gave me greater stability with a long lens, just the leg deployment is annoying, and I repeat here, others I have spoken to and worked with that have the same tripod are having the same complaiint, so it is not just me
As others have said several times, you can install a center column into a Systematic Gitzo even if it didn't come with one.
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I hate to disagree, however the on line Gitzo site indicates that there is no center column available for this tripod http://www.gitzo.com/product/72038.71837.72020.0.0/GT3541XLS/_/Series_3_6X_Systematic_4-section_Tripod_extra_Long. Looking at the tripod as I sit here, I see no way one would fit without changing the base plate completely which would defeat the purpose for which I purchased it
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I hate to disagree, however the on line Gitzo site indicates that there is no center column available for this tripod http://www.gitzo.com/product/72038.71837.72020.0.0/GT3541XLS/_/Series_3_6X_Systematic_4-section_Tripod_extra_Long. Looking at the tripod as I sit here, I see no way one would fit without changing the base plate completely which would defeat the purpose for which I purchased it
You can disagree all you want, it's not going to change it. On the page you linked, open Spare Parts tab, open the .pdf, and you can see how the center column attaches. It's the same setup as my 5540LS and I know for a fact it works.
Admittedly it's not an intuitive way to attach/detach the column - you have to loosen the horizontal screw on the edge of the top ring which allows you to pop out the center plate and replace it with a center column assembly.
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OK, I bow to your superior knowledge on this, but I still fail to see the advantage of the center column. It will stop the leg from passing under the mounting plate, but do I sacrifice that for the sturdiness of the current mounting plate? I am not trying to be sarcastic here, just an honest question which the local store seems to be unable to answer. They do not have center columns in inventory that I can try, so I would have to purchase it in advance without the option to return same.
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OK, I bow to your superior knowledge on this, but I still fail to see the advantage of the center column. It will stop the leg from passing under the mounting plate, but do I sacrifice that for the sturdiness of the current mounting plate? I am not trying to be sarcastic here, just an honest question which the local store seems to be unable to answer. They do not have center columns in inventory that I can try, so I would have to purchase it in advance without the option to return same.
It's just frustrating as several people said Systematics have center columns as options. Anyway.
I didn't test the sturdiness of mine with the center column. Mine is geared so it weighs a ton - putting it on eBay when I get around to it. I don't know what camera/lens you're using it with, and how much stability and dampening you need, but putting a column on it and keeping it at lowest position shouldn't make an appreciable difference unless you're getting close to the load limit of the tripod.
A more important question is whether one would want to sacrifice on weight and (marginal) stability by installing a column to alleviate or fix a problem I'm still struggling to understand. I played around with mine and can't see the issue.
Anyway :)
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I have two centre columns for my 3541. They do exist, I have the carbon quick one and the geared one. feel free to comment that there are no centre columns available.
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do you use a centre column?
On my Manfrotto I use one as I can remove and mount it horizontally when needed, other than that very seldom
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How are you carrying the tripod? I have this exact model and never had the issue you mention. Usually I hold it by one leg up near the base plate so that the tripod is horizontal (and the legs stick out a few feet behind me). Are you perhaps carrying it over your shoulder?
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The series of Gitzo your referring to has a large center section that accommodates the use of different base plates, fixed and adjustable. If you were to place stops to keep the legs from crossing when extended, you would never be able to put the legs in a close position for transport when collapsed. You may need a change.
db
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That would depend on how they place the stops, Looking at the Manfrotto design, they could have manufactured the hinge for the legs that way and it would be a non issue. The Larger base plate gives me the support I was looking for, but I missed the fact that this model did not have some sort of mechanism that would prevent the legs from folding under the head when extended carry was being used. As mentioned previously, someone indicated there was a center column avilable, but since no one here stocks it or has seen one, it would be unwise for me to order one and find out I was not happy with it, no returns policy on special order equipment.
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That would depend on how they place the stops, Looking at the Manfrotto design, they could have manufactured the hinge for the legs that way and it would be a non issue. The Larger base plate gives me the support I was looking for, but I missed the fact that this model did not have some sort of mechanism that would prevent the legs from folding under the head when extended carry was being used. As mentioned previously, someone indicated there was a center column avilable, but since no one here stocks it or has seen one, it would be unwise for me to order one and find out I was not happy with it, no returns policy on special order equipment.
Depending on where "here" is, online merchants in your country should be able to help with that - they generally have good return policies, at least in Europe (by law).
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That would be a nice law to have here! Unfortunately, most times if one "special orders" a product that is not a stock item, you are stuck with it unless it is defective.
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The series of Gitzo your referring to has a large center section that accommodates the use of different base plates, fixed and adjustable. If you were to place stops to keep the legs from crossing when extended, you would never be able to put the legs in a close position for transport when collapsed. You may need a change.
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Thanks for taking the time to respond. Perhaps it is my lack of describing the occurrence satisfactorily. When the legs are extended, you can pull one leg under the head/mounting plate. When I transport with a camera and lens attached, invariably one leg always gets in this position and when I attempt to set up the legs in a hurry, I always seem to get caught trying to open the leg that is caught under the head. I have also encountered other nature photographers that have the same complaint. It would require little effort on Gitzo's manufacturing line to machine the hinge with a stop similar to the Manfrotto design.
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How are you carrying the tripod? I have this exact model and never had the issue you mention. Usually I hold it by one leg up near the base plate so that the tripod is horizontal (and the legs stick out a few feet behind me). Are you perhaps carrying it over your shoulder?
Yes, always over the shoulder for distances, for me to carry horizontally with lens and camera attached, I would have to be a tad taller
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That would be a nice law to have here! Unfortunately, most times if one "special orders" a product that is not a stock item, you are stuck with it unless it is defective.
Again don't know where "here" is, but in the US B&H has several columns in stock and they are not special order items.
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http://www.amazon.com/Gitzo-GS3511S-Carbon-Systematic-Tripods/dp/B0017NCU3O
I believe Amazon has a return policy.
db
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Again don't know where "here" is, but in the US B&H has several columns in stock and they are not special order items.
Thank you very much for your time and input. I am in Canada, I have used B&H before with excellent service. Trying to find a column locally is impossible , even the Tripod itself was a special order.. no return! But I like it despite the little glitch, I have access to a machine shop, so perhaps I can modify the hinge and make a stop of some sort.
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http://www.amazon.com/Gitzo-GS3511S-Carbon-Systematic-Tripods/dp/B0017NCU3O
I believe Amazon has a return policy.
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I have never used Amazon, thanks for the heads up!
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Hi, sorry to "hijack" the thread but since I am about to ask a question about the very same tripod discussed I though this was the right spot.
can anyone having the Gitzo GT3541LS measure the hight of the tripod with only the first three sections extended?
I mean without the forth and thinnest section extended... I would very much appreciate it. I have looked at the Gitzo website and catalogue but to no avail.
If anyone in this thread owns the GT5541LS I am also looking for the same measurement. Thanks again!!
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My GT5540LS is 118cm (excluding head) with the lowest leg sections un-extended, not sure if it's different with GT5541LS.
5-series have significantly higher load ratings than 3-series tripods, and are rock-solid fully extended even with heavy photography cameras - although LF cameras in wind will be a challenge.
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can anyone having the Gitzo GT3541LS measure the hight of the tripod with only the first three sections extended?
I mean without the forth and thinnest section extended... I would very much appreciate it.
For what it's worth, I thought the GT3541LS was too short for my 6'1" height, so I bought the GT3541XLS. With the three largest legs extended, the leg length is about 64" and the height of the base plate above the ground is just shy of 59". The GT3541XLS is plenty sturdy and tall when in use, and yet surprisingly light and portable when collapsed.
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I have the 1348 which was replaced by and is nearly identical to 3541LS. It measures 49.5 in/ 125.7cm. Other than looking a bit worn (paint at the joints), after 8 years of service, it works like new and is rock solid with the digital gear as well as my 4x5 and 617.
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* but then again, I'm only 6 ft tall ;D
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The GT3541LS is 43.5 --- 44 inches tall with only the first three legs out (to the base plate).
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Well..my mistake.. so goes the internet search....http://www.naturescapes.net/store/gitzo-gt3541ls-carbon-fiber-6x-tripod-replaces-g1348-and-gt3540ls.html . I do own the 1348, so my measurement stands, and I'm not sure of it's successor....
obviously.
db
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I replaced my Gitzo's CF rubber tipped "feet" with aluminum inserts. I bonded them with epoxy which has held for 5 years.
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Thank you all for taking the time to measure your tripods! I really appreciate it.
I will open a new thread for the GT5541LS since no one in this thread seems to have this exact version.
curtphoto: I believe you meant to post in another thread... the one about "glue".
thanks again for your help.
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Regarding the OP's question. I too find it hard to understand why you have a problem with the legs or a leg folding under the base. I own a 3530LS and although the legs occasionally might cross over when carrying it, it's certainly not an issue that I find even remotely annoying as you can uncross the legs in a matter of seconds. There are a lot more annoying things in this world than such a trivial (to me anyway) issue as a couple of tripod legs crossing over each other. It's not like fishing line tangling up.
Installing a centre column on a systemic tripod will detract from it's ultimate stability and doesn't make sense unless you absolutely need extra height.
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the centre column is rarely about the extra height, but rather for finetunig the height.
Fully pushed in there is hardly any difference in stability to having no centre column. if you work with distances close to infinity, 10 cm height change don't do a lot, but at closer distance they do. but then, at infinity and with long lenses, tiny movements of the camera have a bigger impact than with short working distances.
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Regarding the OP's question. I too find it hard to understand why you have a problem with the legs or a leg folding under the base. I own a 3530LS and although the legs occasionally might cross over when carrying it, it's certainly not an issue that I find even remotely annoying as you can uncross the legs in a matter of seconds. There are a lot more annoying things in this world than such a trivial (to me anyway) issue as a couple of tripod legs crossing over each other. It's not like fishing line tangling up.
That's what I tried to understand as well - but we all have our pet peeves which are often hard for others to appreciate :)
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Phew, 3 pages already...
However it's always good to have an additional reason not to buy an overpriced Gitzo tripod.
Roy
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When you close your tripod properly, just wrap the legs with a length of velcro. This will keep them from moving and getting tangled. End of problem! Not ideal, but it would end the problem as it is something that really bothers you.
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Has anyone resolved the problem with Gitzo's tripods where the legs fold under the head getting tangled?
I'm surprised that no one seems to have mentioned that the ability of the legs to 'fold' under the spider of the 3541LS can be useful and may be an intended feature of the tripod. Try doing it (fold one leg under the spider with the other two extended normally) and you will see that you are able to angle the spider (and hence the head) at extreme angles, which can be useful in certain situations, or so I'm told (though personally I have never had the need). In any event, I carry the tripod as you do, and haven't had any problems with the legs.
Best,
David
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I'm surprised that no one seems to have mentioned that the ability of the legs to 'fold' under the spider of the 3541LS can be useful and may be an intended feature of the tripod.
Actually, it IS an intended feature of the tripod just as you describe. With respect to the legs crossing over, you can adjust the tension of the legs to make this harder to do. Each tripod comes with the necessary hex/star key to do this.