Silly tripod question

[aam1234]

Used Bogen 3021-pro for the first time today (indoors) and notice it's not level with the legs fully extended. Used it at different spots and it's always the same. Is that normal.

[Jon]

It's possible that one of the leg clamps has slipped a bit so one leg is longer/shorter than the others. It's also possible that the bubble level's taken a hit or that there's something preventing one of the legs from opening all the way out. Have you tried with the legs at one of the wider settings? Of course, you could have some really uneven surfaces, too!

[SkipD]

You may also have one leg at a different angle from the others. It's possible to have all three legs at different angles from the extension tube (the tube that supports the head).

To get all the legs at the same angle, start by closing them all to the carrying position. Then pull the legs out WITHOUT touching the silver buttons at the tops of the legs. The legs will pull out to the first of several possible angles.

[aam1234]

Have you tried with the legs at one of the wider settings? Of course, you could have some really uneven surfaces, too!

Hi Jon,

Haven't tried any of the wider settings unfortunately. And about the uneven surface, that was my first thought too. But I tried it in many spots. It's not a big issue really, since the main adjustment will be with the head, but was curious.

[Jon]

Actually, just extend the legs all the way and pick it up so they're all folded together. Are they all the same length? If not, try it section-by-section until you find the culprit.

[aam1234]

Thanks SkipD. I did as you described it, still the same result.

What I suspects is...see, to extend a leg, I lift the tripod up then unhook the thing...it goes smashing to a stop. Could that be a reason (bouncing back up a little maybe).

[aam1234]

Actually, just extend the legs all the way and pick it up so they're all folded together. Are they all the same length?

It was a first time use (brand new), so it's pretty stiff for it to fold on its own. Had to pull the legs out with a little force to make sure they are evenly spread (no hanky panky connotation there I hope :) )

[SkipD]

Sounds like you have it figured out. A little use is all it takes to loosen things up.

One thing you should be aware of. The clamps for the leg tubes sometimes get a little loose and the legs won't stay extended under load. That's what the little wrench that came with the tripod is for. You may need to tighten the nuts from time to time. I've used my 3021BPro for quite a while without needing to adjust the clamps, but it's something to be aware of. Put the wrench in your camera bag so you'll have it when you finally need it.

[aam1234]

This is where I was shooting:

opps, let me try again:

Edit: tried to load a sample photo of the location, but it's not loading for some reason.

[aam1234]

Sounds like you have it figured out. A little use is all it takes to loosen things up.

One thing you should be aware of. The clamps for the leg tubes sometimes get a little loose and the legs won't stay extended under load.

Hope to get to that point soon, because the clamps are really stiff, almost hurt to open them.

[DocFrankenstein]

(no hanky panky connotation there I hope :) )

Goes right with the thread about lubricating your ballheads:

A little use is all it takes to loosen things up.
legs won't stay extended under load
You may need to tighten the nuts from time to time.
Had to pull the legs out with a little force to make sure they are evenly spread...
Are they all the same length?
If not, try it section-by-section until you find the culprit.
Have you tried with the legs at one of the wider settings?

[aam1234]

You are baaad Doc :lol:

[SkipD]

Hope to get to that point soon, because the clamps are really stiff, almost hurt to open them.I think I loosened mine a little when they were new.

Doc - you can add this to your list too..... :-)

[aam1234]

If anybody is interested, this is what I was doing. (http://www.pbase.com/ctfchallenge/image/41475399)

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