Gitzo GT3530LVS Question

[b.d.bop]

Just received this tripod and I have an important question for those of you that are familiar with the 3530LVS.

I loosened the fastener nut on top of the the legs and removed the video bowl from that ring, then inserted the flat tripod base/table into the ring and retightened the nut.

I'm wondering whether just tightening down this nut is sufficient to prevent the base/table (whatever it's called) and everything it's attached to from popping off the legs out of the ring.
I like to sometimes close up the tripod legs and carry the whole thing - camera, lens, ball head and all - over my shoulder, and it'd put me in a really bad mood if that thing ever popped out. Ouch.

Please edumacate me, guys & gals.
jhom - you ordinarily know all this great tripod stuff - where the hell are you? :confused:

[da_nige]

I have the same set of legs and have carried my 1D2n, 300f4 and 1.4 TC over my shoulder with no problems at all. Infact it hasn't moven a bit.

Neil

[b.d.bop]

I have the same set of legs and have carried my 1D2n, 300f4 and 1.4 TC over my shoulder with no problems at all. Infact it hasn't moven a bit.

Neil
Thanks, Neil. I take it then that you're saying that tightening the ring onto the flat platform with that one threaded nut is all that's necessary.

[gkas]

I've been perusing the Gitzo line for a new tripod, and I have pretty much decided on the 3530 Mountaineer. May I ask why you chose the 3530LVS over the 3530 Mountaineer? Lighter weight? Less vibration? I rarely extend the post, but is does come in handy once in a while.

[da_nige]

Yup Mark thats what I'm saying.

Gerry I chose the 3530LSV because I wanted a light weight tripod that would be capable of holding my current kit plus a 500f4 which I plan on buying in the future. I chose the LSV because I'm 6'1" - 6'2" and thought the added length over the 3530 and the 3530S would be useful

Neil

[b.d.bop]

I've been perusing the Gitzo line for a new tripod, and I have pretty much decided on the 3530 Mountaineer. May I ask why you chose the 3530LVS over the 3530 Mountaineer? Lighter weight? Less vibration? I rarely extend the post, but is does come in handy once in a while.

Look at this chart from the (terrific) Noink-onians website:
http://www.nikonians.org/tripods/tripods_5.html

The Mountaineer is quite a bit shorter than the 3530 Long Systematic.

By the way - I'd originally gotten the 3530S and returned it for the LVS because it didn't come up high enough.

The center column is handy, granted, but I s'pose I prefer the more stable stationary platform and the ability to abduct the legs and drop the pod almost to the ground without messing with the center column.

[gkas]

Thanks for the info. The Nikon page had some good info. I don't think I need the LS, else I'll have to bring a step stool with me.

[BBrat]

Just a heads up if you are trying to get the GT3530LVS... I tried to order it from Conoga Camera (sp) and it showed out of stock, but they had a 10% off sale thru 3/31/08 on Gitzo, so I placed the order anyway and it took it and said it would be 5-10 days for shipment.

Well I got a call the other night from Conoga Camera telling me this tripod has been discontinued and replaced with the GT3531LVS and if I wanted this tripod instead? I asked if there was anything different and they said no, all the specs are the same just a number/model change? So then I asked if the price was the same and they said its 75.00 more??? They had the 3530LVS for 600.00-10% (540.00) the newer version sells for 675.00-10% (they honored the sale) (607.50). At first I was a little pissed but I knew I wanted this tripod and if the newer model offers anything new or better then its more money well spent to me, plus since they called me to let me know I figured they deserve my bussiness.:)

So if you can find someone who has the 3530LVS in stock then get it, to save a few bucks. I noticed B+H has the new model listed but no specs and I couldnt find it on Gitzo's web site yet? They told me it would be 2 weeks before I get the newer model. Will keep you posted when it arrives.

[b.d.bop]

Just a heads up if you are trying to get the GT3530LVS... I tried to order it from Conoga Camera (sp) and it showed out of stock, but they had a 10% off sale thru 3/31/08 on Gitzo, so I placed the order anyway and it took it and said it would be 5-10 days for shipment.

Well I got a call the other night from Conoga Camera telling me this tripod has been discontinued and replaced with the GT3531LVS and if I wanted this tripod instead? I asked if there was anything different and they said no, all the specs are the same just a number/model change? So then I asked if the price was the same and they said its 75.00 more??? They had the 3530LVS for 600.00-10% (540.00) the newer version sells for 675.00-10% (they honored the sale) (607.50). At first I was a little pissed but I knew I wanted this tripod and if the newer model offers anything new or better then its more money well spent to me, plus since they called me to let me know I figured they deserve my bussiness.:)

So if you can find someone who has the 3530LVS in stock then get it, to save a few bucks. I noticed B+H has the new model listed but no specs and I couldnt find it on Gitzo's web site yet? They told me it would be 2 weeks before I get the newer model. Will keep you posted when it arrives.

Ands that's why you guys need this rig: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=480448

Let's get on it, OK? :D

[jhom]

Mark,

Sorry, too many patients.

I don't have personal experience witht lvs. However, by all accounts you should have no problems with it as long as the retaining ring bolt is tight. Gitzo supplies the necessary tools to help you keep it tight. I would periodically check all the fasteners as part of normal maintenance of the legset. If you are trully paranoid about it, you could always use some nonpermenant loctite.

[b.d.bop]

Mark,

Sorry, too many patients.

I don't have personal experience witht lvs. However, by all accounts you should have no problems with it as long as the retaining ring bolt is tight. Gitzo supplies the necessary tools to help you keep it tight. I would periodically check all the fasteners as part of normal maintenance of the legset. If you are trully paranoid about it, you could always use some nonpermenant loctite.

Will do, Jim. Thanks as always, oh Master Mentor! :D