Luminous Landscape Forum
Equipment & Techniques => Cameras, Lenses and Shooting gear => Topic started by: Mike Guilbault on December 28, 2013, 11:41:20 pm
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I have the Gitzo 3540XLS Carbon Fibre tripod with a Really Right Stuff BH-55 ball-head on it. I'm looking for a hook to attach to the tripod underneath the head - something I can hang a weight on for extra stability. I've checked Gitzo and RRS websites but can't seem to find what I want.
any ideas?
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Hi Mike
Does the bung on the bottom of the centre column screw out ?? if it does you can get a spare hook if its the systematic type they do a top plate with a hook.
Jon
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if nothing else, a Manfrotto Super Clamp (AKA "Mafer Clamp") makes a handy thing to hang things off of as well as being handy for mounting a light and other things to. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=546356&Q=&is=REG&A=details
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When I get back I'll post an image of what I did. The bottom has that screwed in ring cap, I inserted a simple key ring & screwed the ring cap back. This allows me to hook my camera bag. I do use Gitzo tripod with center column w/BH-55. It works quite well for me cost less than $2.
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I don't have a centre column. There's just this bolt underneath. Looks like I need something to replace the bolt with that has a hook on it.
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I don't have a centre column. There's just this bolt underneath. Looks like I need something to replace the bolt with that has a hook on it.
Hi, Mike....I have the 3541XLS, but essentially the same tripod.
I got the center column. What is nice is that you can use it or not. If you don't want to use the column, that it out and use the bolt in the bottom to attach the ballhead mount. That bolt has a spring loaded hook, which disappears when not needed....of course, it is available with and without the column.
Kind of an enpensive solution to you hook dilemma, but, even with the height of this tripods, I do find many uses for the column.
Happy new year....John
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Looking forward to see that solution Sean!
John... I haven't been able to find any kind of hook available. Do you have a link to it?
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I've got one of these securing my Gitzo plate where my ball head mounts. I bet a guy could figure out how to fabricate a hook that attached to it. http://www.naturescapes.net/store/nsn-safety_plate-for-gitzo-tripods-gsp35.html
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I was going to look for the link to that safety plate -- it's a good idea considering the head plate is just held in by friction. And it appears that a simple hook may slide over one of the three arms inside the plate.
I replaced my flat center plate with a center column. I don't use it much, but when I need a little extra height it comes in handy. And I use the hook at the bottom all the time.
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Looking forward to see that solution Sean!
John... I haven't been able to find any kind of hook available. Do you have a link to it?
This...
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/898101-REG/Gitzo_gs3512s_Rapid_Column_Carbon_Fibre.html
http://www.gitzo.com/systematic-rapid-centre-column-carbon-fibre-series-2-3-4-gs3512s
Not cheap....but when was Gitzo cheap..??
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Thanks... if I can't find a simple hook solution, I may have to go with something like that.
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You need this Gitzo part. Unfortunately I don't have the part #
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Gitzo just wrote me back. This plate is an upgrade to my existing one and has the hook. Not sure if it's the same as the one you posted, but looks like it could be. $129 either direct from Gitzo or from Vistek
http://www.gitzo.ca/search?q=GS3321SP&x=17&y=8&t=products
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yes, that's the one.
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Hey Mike,
Here is my $2 version {actually it might be $.80. :( }. I use the end to hook the leg as u see, so it becomes my quick sling shoulder strap, I can leave my D800E attached to the BH-55 & off I go. Works for this cheap guy. ;D
Sorry for the quick iPhone pic.
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Nice one Sean. But since I don't have the centre column, the plate will end up being cheaper. ;)
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Hi Mike
You might not need the plate but only part number D4040.77 which is the nut/hook assembly .
Its holiday here and can't check until tomorrow.
regards
Jon
Have emailed the PDFs to you .
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Nice one Sean. But since I don't have the centre column, the plate will end up being cheaper. ;)
You don't need to suspend from the center plate or column, you can use Sean's solution by attaching his d-rings or hooks to the legs or simply putting your camera bag straps around all three legs.
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Hi Ellis
The part D4040.77 is the hook and its £18.83 + tax but you must have a female thread on the plate.
Jon
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You can buy this part; http://www.expeditionexchange.com/cart/product.php?productid=19859&cat=278&page=1 and attach it to the bolt that holds you ball head to the top plate. That bolt is a captive bolt so you'll have to force it out.
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http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/s.nl/it.A/id.7818/.f
Marc :)
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An amusing accessory for larger tripods is the triangular nylon fabric "shelf" with rim, attached to tripod by three leather straps. $35.00, Manfrotto. Park a water bottle, lenses you are swapping out, flashlight, whatever on the shelf. I use mine for astrophotography, to park drive battery pack, flashlight, cell phone running Sky Safari, lens caps, etc.
Once you have a hook, consider saving the cut at top only mesh bag from some oranges - compact, you can put rocks in and hang via mesh off hook. Or, if your waterbottle has a loop or carabiner, hang water, at 1.65 lb. per full bottle.
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I love Ellis's & Colorado Dave's suggestion. Save money for lens .....
Good ones.
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Hi All
Try looking for these eyebolts in Stainless Steel from chandlers I don't live near the sea but Im sure they mail order.
Get the right thread and your away light and cheap .
Jon