Another Gitzo Discussion: Center Columns

[JoeKitchen]

So I too will be getting a Gitzo soon, specifically the Gitzo Series 5 Systematic 6x Giant, which does not come with a center column as is.  You can order a center column to fit into the tripod, hence systematic.  

I do not like geared columns, and will be getting the rapid center column.  I would prefer the short center column that Gitzo makes, but the only pictures that I have found of it are of just the center column.  Meaning that the images show the center column without the locking clamp (which is shown on the normal length rapid column) that holds the center column in place.  This piece is also the piece that attaches to the tripod: without it, you can not use the center column.  

I have not been able to find any definite answer to whether the short column comes with the clamp, or if you need to order the normal length as well in order to be able to use the short one, or if you can order the clamp by itself.  

Does anyone have the answer to this?

 

[jerome_m]

Do you mean that column: http://www.gitzo.com/systematic-rapid-centre-column-carbon-fibre-series-5-gs5512s? It is the shortest of the two rapid column for the series 5 and comes with the clamp.

[JoeKitchen]

Do you mean that column: http://www.gitzo.com/systematic-rapid-centre-column-carbon-fibre-series-5-gs5512s? It is the shortest of the two rapid column for the series 5 and comes with the clamp.

No, there is (are) a shorter one(s), about 35 cm long.  The # is GS5510KB and GS5511KB.  I am not sure if they are the same or one is slightly longer.  

Here is a link to it:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/569263-REG/Gitzo_GS5511KB_GS5511KB_Medium_Length_Center_Column.html

See here for the clamp on the normal length center column:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/898105-REG/Gitzo_gs5512s_Rapid_Column_CF_SER.html

[jerome_m]

It is described on the uk gitzo site. When I read this: http://www.gitzo.co.uk/series-5-6x-column, I understand that the GS5511KB is just the column without the clamp. It seems to be a replacement column for an existing kit. It does not appear to be a standard product.

Quite frankly, I would just take the longer column. A few centimetres of carbon tube will not make much difference in weight for that huge tripod.

[JoeKitchen]

Quite frankly, I would just take the longer column. A few centimetres of carbon tube will not make much difference in weight for that huge tripod.

The extra weight is not what I care about.  I care about being able to put the tripod in tight spaces or extending one/two legs to rest on a counter.  With a long center column, this is not possible, and I do not want to have to stop and change to the disk.  Not to mention, if I have a the camera in a position like this and I want to raise it up 1 or 2 inches, readjusting the center column is easier then (if the disk was in) fooling with the legs.  

Does anyone know if you can cut a carbon fiber center column and reattach the hook on the bottom?  (This is what I did with my aluminum tripod; I have about 6 inches of travel on the center column.)  Or is this more involved than just sawing and drilling? 

[Chris Livsey]

From the Uk site:
"These low level column kits are of intermediate length between the standard centre columns supplied with tripods and the very short columns previously supplied as separate accessories."

I think the "previously supplied" is the answer, ie no longer supplied so maybe e-bay?
But agree they look like they are meant to replace a std, column and are/were supplied without the lock. perhaps the lock would be available as a spare part via a dealer?

[jerome_m]

Does anyone know if you can cut a carbon fiber center column and reattach the hook on the bottom?  (This is what I did with my aluminum tripod; I have about 6 inches of travel on the center column.)  Or is this more involved than just sawing and drilling?  

You can't really do that, I think. Here are the parts for the column, retainer and hook. I think that the part where the hook screws in the column is glued to the tube. Separating them will not be easy. If you really need to do that: heat the bottom end of the tube with a torch till the resin fails, then remove the bolt assembly from the tube (if it is still usable) and cut away the destroyed part of the tube with a fine saw. Use protection against carbon dust when sawing. Glue back with epoxy.

Still: I don't really understand why you need such a short column: each leg of the Series 5 giant tripod is composed of sections about 45cm long. The standard column will be about 10 cm shorter than the collapsed tripod (some of its length is taken by the lock). I don't think it would interfere if you hang some legs on a counter. Still: if you want a shorter column, the only option you may have is to buy a complete standard column and a shorter tube as replacement part. The shorter tube does not necessarily have to come from gitzo, actually: a local metalworking company should be able to do one from aluminium tubing easily.

[ccroft]

I totally get why Joe wants this. He's got 2 legs splayed to a low position and one extended to the floor. As such the centre column is over the counter so it's the same as trying to use the tripod at a ground level position with the column: you have to raise the column so it doesn't hit the ground.

I've found myself in this spot a few times, and after looking at the exploded view I was almost ready to get out the saw. Then I had a closer look at my tripod, which is 2 series but I imagine it's pretty much the same for 5: the bottom hook threads into a  metal insert that's glued into the tube and it looks to be about 2 inches long. So the big trick would be separating this from the CF, which by the way I'd be doing after cutting the tube... If I was going to try it. I've decided against that. And I'm not shy when it comes to DYI camera mods.

You might try talking to someone with experience in this sort of thing. Custom bike builder comes to mind, but I expect it would cost almost exactly the same as ordering the short (or is that medium?) column. On the other hand, if you give it a go and it blows up, you just end up ordering the column later rather than sooner. And you end up with one column instead of two.

[jerome_m]

I totally get why Joe wants this. He's got 2 legs splayed to a low position and one extended to the floor. As such the centre column is over the counter

When I do that and the two legs on the counter are splayed wide, I usually arrange for the column to hang past the counter side, so it has plenty of space to extend down. The two legs splayed wide take too much space on the counter if I move the tripod further to the counter side.

When the two legs on the counter are not splayed wide, there is usually enough space under them for the column. The standard column is shorter than the legs.

You might try talking to someone with experience in this sort of thing. Custom bike builder comes to mind

Building a replacement column out of aluminium tubing should be relatively straightforward. Get tube in same diameter. Cut tube to length. Get bar in interior diameter of tube. Cut two caps. Drill and tap caps. Glue with epoxy.

[Chris Livsey]

Would it not be easier then to buy the aluminium centre column and shorten that?
You get the correct size all fittings including lock and can custom length?

[JoeKitchen]

First, going to Jerome's point, what if you need to have the tripod as back as possible?  Remember, these are small spaces and I need to capture as much as I can sometimes without using a super wide lens that would distort. 

Aluminum would be a good option, however it is not as rigid.  Plus, I am vain, aluminum CC on a carbon fiber tripod, just would not look right.   

[jerome_m]

First, going to Jerome's point, what if you need to have the tripod as back as possible?

Then the column would indeed be in the way. But, frankly, my point was that it is not a frequent problem and not that it is impossible to imagine a geometric configuration where the central column would be in the way.

Aluminum would be a good option, however it is not as rigid.  Plus, I am vain, aluminum CC on a carbon fiber tripod, just would not look right.

Rigidity or weight would not be a real concern for a very small column. OTOH, I agree that an original column would be nicer. I only suggested the DIY solution if cost or availability is a concern.

[Craig Lamson]

First, going to Jerome's point, what if you need to have the tripod as back as possible?  Remember, these are small spaces and I need to capture as much as I can sometimes without using a super wide lens that would distort. 

Aluminum would be a good option, however it is not as rigid.  Plus, I am vain, aluminum CC on a carbon fiber tripod, just would not look right.   

I'm the king of putting camera supports in very small spaces   Sometimes it takes a different tool.  I have an old tripod I found many years ago, and I don't have a clue who made..but its small enough to sit on a table, or a counter top and has a short center column. Has two section legs a that are about  12" a section.  Its superb for times when a regular tripod just wont work.  Its buried deep in my work van now but next time I'm shooting I'll grab a photo for you.  I imagine that someone must make something similar now.

Or for even shorter I have a Ry-o-pod named after an art director who years ago had me shooting everything for a project with the camera on the ground. Its simply a triangle of plywood with a small bolt with a rubber cover for feet, with a three way head bolted directly to it.  Again you don't need it often but when you do its the perfect tool. 
 
And finally this lightweight Manfrotto lets you run the center column on the HORIZONTAL for even more amazing camera placements. 

http://www.manfrotto.us/collection/8374.58969.1070647.0.0/190_new_series

I carry my gear and styling items in a tightly packed van so I prefer Alum instead of Carbon and I'm using Induro, AT413 and AT213.  Like them both.