Removable tripod head - Beginners warning...

[JDuding]

Just been trying out a bunch of the features and effects my new camera offers and had a very near miss.

I have mostly used a tripod that does not have a removable head, but not long ago... upgraded to try and improve the panning of my videos.
Now that I have a camera with a heavy lens... I tend to tighten the horizontal pan section so to slow the panning down a bit and i find the restriction provided by a tight mechanism produces a smoother pan.

BUT... Hows this... the 'removable' in removable head is located just under the horizontal pan mechanism.

So... it seems that for a while now... my tight pan mechanism was not getting looser on it's own... the entire head unit was unscrewing and...

... It's ok everyone... just a near miss.

No injuries or damage... just a large gap between the head and legs of the tripod and a very wobbly camera until I worked out why.

I'm ok.
The camera is ok and...
...I now know how to remove the head unit of my tripod.

[ameerat42]

Ta for the warning, Dude. A pic of it wouldn't go astray.
Now go and pat the dog

[JDuding]

...A pic of it wouldn't go astray...

(Admin, Please edit pic into OP. Ran out of time.)

...Now go and pat the dog...

Not until the bitch closes her legs

[bricat]

Not just beginners. A timely warning like check which lens you have on before starting to shoot? Sometimes I wonder if I am all here. I've never done so many stupid things in my life. Debatable I know. cheers Brian

[I @ M]

Very good illustrative example of why it is best for people buying tripods to spend wisely in the first instance.

Most tripods that have removable heads have one or two or three grub screws set in the mounting plate that, when the head is attached, can be tightened to stop the head being "unwound" until the grub screws are loosened.

[ameerat42]

FWIW, another alarming aspect of the accessory is the patent fact that ALL that superstructure is supported by one 1/4" bolt.
Who knows HOW well it is attached to the stem of the tripod.

[JDuding]

...Most tripods that have removable heads have one or two or three grub screws set in the mounting plate...

Just googled and I see what you mean.

Next time I'm at the camera shop I'll check out some 'wiser' tripods


----Edit--- until then... I'll see if I have any 'Loctite' in the shed.

[macmich]

you have 2.5 g sitting on a tripod, i would suggest to spend wisely and get yourself a reliable proven safe tripod
cheers macca

[ameerat42]

...you have 2.5 g sitting on a tripod...

Macca means Killer-grams

[farmmax]

Macca means Killer-grams

Or does he mean the other "G"


$2,500 worth of equipment sitting on it , (or maybe both!)

It's not the weight I would mind hitting the ground, it is the cost of the "weight" hitting the ground

[arthurking83]

you have 2.5 g sitting on a tripod, i would suggest to spend wisely and get yourself a reliable proven safe tripod
cheers macca

+1!

That one aint gunna cut it for good photos with that camera/lens combo on it.

For video and very fast shutter speeds you may not see any issues, but when shutter speeds get into the lower regions(even as fast as 1/60s or so) .. you may not be getting as sharp images as you may otherwise would.(the issue will be the top of the head itself .. especially the 90° flippy section!)

been there, done that .. not going to do it ever again(and will warn you about the issues).

[macmich]

sorry $2500

[ameerat42]

Of course! I never thought of that! I never have much of that

[JDuding]

It hurt to spend that much on anything that doesn't have a V8 inside. So no fear all... I'll be spending more to save what I have already invested

[kevin301]

I personally use a ballhead as I'm lazy and I find it quicker to set up.

Have a couple of mates who purchased Manfrotto 3-way heads, and found them to be pretty good value for money.

something like below
http://static.bhphoto.com/images/ima...000_434497.jpg

* Image removed and replaced with a link. Site rules state only photos you own copyright to can be posted on Ausphotography : Admin*