Mod time

[GregW]

Replaced those grub screws that lock the head to the tripod with thumb screws. Feels like it has become tooless, time will tell. Also, I was having trouble unscrewing the head from the tripod. I installed a nylon washer to help with loosening the head.

 

[Basil]

Looks like logical mods that should make like a little easier.

 

[DrEntropy]

Seems like an upgrade! Is there a clip or suchlike you could attach an Allen wrench to somewhere on the tripod? Just in case.

 

[DrEntropy]

Are the cap screws long enough to properly capture the head? They look too short in the pics, with the nylon washer in the equation.

 

[DrEntropy]

And just took out one of those grub screws. Near as I can figure they're M5.5x1.0... odd size. Where'd you find cap screws? Just ordered M6x1mm 20mm long from McMaster-Carr. Will cut length to fit.

 

[GregW]

Mine are M6x1.0. I bought two lengths, 10mm and 14mm. The picture has the 10mm installed, The cap screws only provide friction to keep the head from loosening on the 3/8" center thread. I could drill recesses in the ballhead for a more positive lock to the tripod. but I'll wait to see how it works as-is.

 

[DrEntropy]

Mine are M6x1.0. I bought two lengths, 10mm and 14mm. The picture has the 10mm installed, The cap screws only provide friction to keep the head from loosening on the 3/8" center thread. I could drill recesses in the ballhead for a more positive lock to the tripod. but I'll wait to see how it works as-is.

I would rather grind (Dremel w/cutoff wheel) the screws than drill into the head. All that's needed is a bit of contact twixt screw end & head recess point. One thread more length than total contact flush at the cap screw's head. A slight torque with an Allen wrench would cinch it in place the same way the grub screw works. I think if just "finger tight" there would be opportunity for some "slack" when panning if there's much drag involved. Just have to keep the wrench with the 'pod somehow... still need a tool, but much more convenient than that grub screw!

May need to get half a dozen 5mm Allen wrenches tho.

 

[GregW]

Where'd you find cap screws?

The last great hardware store for fasteners in Los Angeles. Culver City Hardware.

 

[DrEntropy]

Well, I aborted the attempt to make the cap screws work. On this model, the area where the screws go in has the shoulder of the column too close to the screw holes. The head of the cap screws can't be wound past that shoulder and rubber washer without grinding a semi-circular "relief cut" in the column head to allow the caps to seat.

 

[Basil]

The head of the cap screws can't be wound past that shoulder and rubber washer

You just need to get the correct screws for the task:

Thought of the day-Innovative car repairs

www.britishcarforum.com

 

[DrEntropy]

Mine are M6x1.0. I bought two lengths, 10mm and 14mm. The picture has the 10mm installed, The cap screws only provide friction to keep the head from loosening on the 3/8" center thread. I could drill recesses in the ballhead for a more positive lock to the tripod. but I'll wait to see how it works as-is.

How did the cap screws work out, Greg?

I don't see having to swap heads on the 3033 'pod, so abandoned the project here. That thing is hardly a field piece unless I would be out star tracking and I'm leavin' that up to Basil!

 

[GregW]

Worked fine. There is space for the screw heads, so they don't hit anything when the center column is bottomed out. The nylon washer holds the head from spinning with just finger tight screws. I bought a rubber washer as well for more friction if needed.

 

[DrEntropy]

On the "new" Manfrotto with the ball head, the cap screw works fine. Only one set-screw. The cap screw locks the head in place, clears both the column collar and on full collapse has some space before hitting anything in the lowered position:





All good. Thanks for the idea, Greg. Much less "fiddly" to remove/swap heads.

 

[Basil]

Hey, I know a beach where you could go to try that baby out!

 

[DrEntropy]

Pazienza, bambino! First it's turtles, man. Access to west-facing beaches is a trial. Parking is a pain, most accessible places attract big sunset crowds. It'll happen but likely south of here where we have private access to some scenic areas. Englewood and Boca Grande. Friends we plan to visit some time next month.

 

[Basil]

Oooh, private beaches would be nice!

 

[GregW]

Glad someone else benefitted.

 

[DrEntropy]

Glad someone else benefitted.

Makes so much sense I'm embarrassed I didn't think of it long ago. Thanks again.

Now looking into a way to anchor the ball head on the monopod.

 

[Basil]

Now looking into a way to anchor the ball head on the monopod.

What does the top of the Monopod look like ? A single 1//4 or 3/8 female for screw-in?

 

[DrEntropy]

1/4x20 stud and small 60mm pad. Bogen 3016, old style without a grip sleeve. Ball head has a huge base by comparison. Right now it's screwed on the 'pod as tight as I could get it and seems good enough.