Manfrotto 055MF3 - Weak Head Mount?

[michaelnel]

Before I quit photography a couple years ago I had a Gitzo GT2530 tripod with Markins M10 head. I was very pleased with the way it worked. It was very stable and the connection between the ball head and tripod head area seemed very rigid.

I thought it was grossly overpriced, though.

In the meantime I picked up one of Tim Fitzharris' books where he recommends the Manfrotto 055MF3 over the tripods with screw lock legs, saying the flip leg locks are more reliable for outdoor use.

I decided to go with his recommendation when I came back into photography a few months back and bought the 055MF3 and a Really Right Stuff BH-40 head.

Unfortunately I have noticed that there seems to be some relative movement between the tripod platform & center tube where it goes through the top part of the tripod where the three legs attach. This is the thing that allows you to put the center post through sideways for low level work.

I have tightened the clamp thumbscrew down real tight, but there is still a flexiness there that bothers me.

I am thinking that once again I should have avoided all this by buying another Gitzo instead.

Has anyone else seen or been bothered by this problem? Fitzharris uses primarily medium format, so I figured any tripod strong enough for him should be strong enough for my wimpy 40D + 70-200F4L IS, but I think I was wrong.

[number six]

Interesting. I can't help, since I have the 055XPROB, not the MF3. FWIW, mine has no movement at all when the centerpost lock screw is tightened moderately.

I've been thinking about CF legs, so I'll be watching this thread with interest...

-js

[illusionest]

i have it, been using it for a very very long time, and no problems for me.
Make sure everything is tight (both the clamp and the column), and there shouldnt be any movement. Mine is perfect - and i use it with different heads - ballhead, pan, gimbal, etc.

ive even tried "super lower positioning" and "side ways position" and put it back to normal, nothing! perfect! :D

[jhom]

Yep...I had noticed the same problem. It is the design. The center column is held in place by essentially a single pressure plate. It is one of the reasons why I moved on to a Gitzo 2530 with a Markins M10.

[michaelnel]

It is one of the reasons why I moved on to a Gitzo 2530 with a Markins M10.

... which is funny, because that's exactly what I used to have. I should have bought the same again. I guess the new model is the GT2531, not sure how it's different from the 2530.

[jhom]

... which is funny, because that's exactly what I used to have. I should have bought the same again. I guess the new model is the GT2531, not sure how it's different from the 2530.

The new 2531 has a new type of top plate disk with and additional set screw, a new center casting that allows for an additional angle stop, and it is slightly lighter than the older 2350.

[jdkeck]

I have both the 055MF3 and PROB(metal legs) tripods. They have the same metal spider that the extension tube slides through. Both tighten with a firm twist of the screw, no excessive torque is required, and are solid. The MF3 has a video ball head with a RRS full pano head attached. If there was flexing or slipping, it would become obvious and unacceptable in the pictures.

Before dumping the tripod, you might try taking it apart to ensure there isn't something wrong with the assembly. Sorry that you are having problems.

Jeff

[foxbat]

Yep...I had noticed the same problem. It is the design. The center column is held in place by essentially a single pressure plate. It is one of the reasons why I moved on to a Gitzo 2530 with a Markins M10.
Sounds like the same design as the 190 series and was also the deciding reason for me to move to a Gitzo with no center column at all.

[Lowner]

I use the 055PROB with the same sort of arrangement. In mine the centre column is clamped in place using a thumbscrew and a sprung plate. By their very nature, all rising columns are bound to increase stability/vibration problems.

Because I never use the column I've removed it and got a friend to machine me up a tight fitting alloy plug onto which I have fitted my ballhead. It still uses the same clamping device to secure it in place, so its not a complete cure, but it's the best I can come up with.

[GSansoucie]

Hmmm, I haven't noticed this, but can't say that I've looked either.

(I do have the 055MF3)

Does the movement affect your photos and/or focusing? Or is this something that is annoying?

I seem to yank out the center column a lot, this allows me to get much lower for macro shots. Though I don't think this would affect the area you are talking about.

My tripod has taken a pretty fair beating too, I leave it in my car most of the time so that I have it when I need it. It will roll around from time to time, the kids will flip it aside, book bags get thrown onto it. It's quite sturdy for my usage. The only slippage I notice during focusing is the fault of my Cullman head, something that I bought in lieu of an RRS (to save $$).

[coorz]

055MF3 and the M10 here, no wobbling.

[ed rader]

055MF3 and the M10 here, no wobbling.


i also had the 055MF3 with no wobble.

ed rader

[michaelnel]

It's quite possible the weak head is the one on top of my neck.

I will keep using the 055MF3 and it'll likely be just fine.

Thanks everyone!

[WMWARD2]

Sadly we can say goodbye to the 055MF3, it has been discontinued. I tried to buy a second one today. The MF4 is still available, so I ordered one. My B&H tripod specialist checked and there is nothing planned to take its place.

[michaelnel]

I actually did end up selling my 055MF3 and replaced it with a Gitzo GT2531. Couldn't be happier that I did so.

[jhom]

I actually did end up selling my 055MF3 and replaced it with a Gitzo GT2531. Couldn't be happier that I did so.

Congratulations. It is tough settling on something less than what you were happy with previously.