Manfrotto Tripod Legs Slipping [Archive] - AusPhotography:: Australia's Premier Photography Forum::

wideangle

10-06-2010, 12:44pm

What's the go with Manfrotto Tripods? My legs have been slipping gradually over time on my 190xproB when pressure such as a camera is put upon it. Annoying as you can imagine - set the shot up and then one of the legs starts to contract! Is this a fault, or is this normal over time, and can something be done to fix it? I have tried looking at the screws but a normal screwdriver doesn't fit in it. Thanks in advance for your help and insights.

flash

10-06-2010, 12:49pm

can you take a photo of the screwhead, I may be able to identify it for you, maybe it is a "tamper proof" screw, in which case go to your local auto pro or repco shop and buy a set of "tamper proof" drivers, they only cost a few dollars, check to see the set that suits your screw

ameerat42

10-06-2010, 2:20pm

Is it a clamp system? Yeah, show us a pic.

James T

10-06-2010, 2:29pm

You should've got a 'key' with the tripod (usually comes clipped onto one of the legs). Just use that to tighten up the clamps. Failing that, I think a bog-standard allen key should do the trick shouldn't it?

kiwi

10-06-2010, 2:32pm

this thing ?

http://photovideo.com.au/manfrotto-clipon-spanner-p-4292.html

James T

10-06-2010, 2:42pm

this thing ?

http://photovideo.com.au/manfrotto-clipon-spanner-p-4292.html

That's the one.

flash

10-06-2010, 2:56pm

well thats not a screw thats a nut and a standard old socket should fit it!

Blueywa

10-06-2010, 3:25pm

If you bought the unit new it should have had this attached, there is a number 5 inside which suggests its 5mm.

wideangle

10-06-2010, 3:40pm

Thanks for all your replies, yes I will have to have a look around for the box as the plastic thing did come with it. Failing that an allen key sounds like it will do the job then? The nut looks like one that you would find in a car wheel. So I take it that they need tightening up from time to time.....do other peoples loosen over time?

kiwi

10-06-2010, 3:42pm

yeah, im always tightening my monopod's, id imagine its much the same as the tripod

James Axford

10-06-2010, 5:13pm

slipping!
ahh probably best to updade to the last tripod you'll ever have, Gitzo! :party7:

wideangle

10-06-2010, 6:43pm

slipping!
ahh probably best to updade to the last tripod you'll ever have, Gitzo! :party7:

what is that:confused013:p:th3:

Big Pix

10-06-2010, 7:11pm

slipping!
ahh probably best to updade to the last tripod you'll ever have, Gitzo! :party7:

...... here here :D

maccaroneski

10-06-2010, 10:32pm

If you bought the unit new it should have had this attached, there is a number 5 inside which suggests its 5mm.

Finally! That's what that thing is for! I've been wondering for ages...

wideangle

11-06-2010, 6:25pm

Went to the shop and they said that it didn't need an allen key screw, just a normal screwdriver?!:confused013 Still none the wiser as the seem tight and don't budge.

wideangle

11-06-2010, 6:29pm

found this video - shows the one I am talking about
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jP2NbuTDPOQ"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jP2NbuTDPOQ

Kym

11-06-2010, 6:37pm

Have the release loose when you tighten. Do 1/4 of a turn and try it until its tight.

wideangle

11-06-2010, 6:40pm

Have the release loose when you tighten. Do 1/4 of a turn and try it until its tight.

So you are saying loosen the screw and then tighten it again?....

Ahhh reading it again, you mean have the latch that locks the legs loose then tighten?.....

Kym

11-06-2010, 6:54pm

So you are saying loosen the screw and then tighten it again?....

Ahhh reading it again, you mean have the latch that locks the legs loose then tighten?.....

Yup, loosen the latch, 1/4 turn on adjustment, then re-latch to see if its tight enough... rise/repeat until correct.

wideangle

11-06-2010, 7:00pm

Yup, loosen the latch, 1/4 turn on adjustment, then re-latch to see if its tight enough... rise/repeat until correct.

Cool, will give it a go Kym - So when you say "1/4 turn on adjustment" are you turning the screw that needs a screwdriver or does it need a allan key?

deasty1

11-06-2010, 7:10pm

Mine's been slipping for years. I constantly have to tighten them, but mine are an 8mm nut.
It's a simple thumb lever design (model 550b I think), but I just about have to tighten them with pliers to get them to stop slipping.

Blueywa

17-06-2010, 7:31pm

Manfrotto 055XPROB.
There should be a small black rubber cap on the 'clamp' adjustment - remove it and tighten using the plastic tool provided. A star head screwdriver is used to tighten the 'whole clamping assembly'.
My experience is the clamp needs re-tightening occasionally, not the whole assembly.
So as Kym suggested unclip the clamp;then gently re-tighten the nut, not to much or you will over stress the clamp when closing it.