Secure tripod without center column hook

I have a Manfrotto 190XPROB tripod that my wife got for me over a year ago. I haven't needed to yet but I'm wondering how I would secure the tripod since it doesn't have a hook on the center column. I appreciate any suggestions.

Maybe here?

Its easy !
You need a metre or so of thin strong cord (i use 2mm "accessory cord" from an outdoor store, and a small Karabiner (also from outdoor/climbing store)

Heres how to put it together

A metre of thin cord tied in a loop with a "double fishermans" (method for tieing a prusik loop) with a carabiner

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I saw that but couldn't figure out what that was for. It almost seems like hanging a weight there may make the tripod tip over since it's off-center.

The Center of Gravity is very low, within the circle formed by the legs which are all outside of the bag's location. It only 'tips' if/when the COG falls outside the circle. The hanging bag MOVES the COG (of the camera & lens) downward from the high COG of the camera+lens without hanging bag.

Echo63 wrote in post #17406730
Its easy !
You need a metre or so of thin strong cord (i use 2mm "accessory cord" from an outdoor store, and a small Karabiner (also from outdoor/climbing store)

Heres how to put it together

A metre of thin cord tied in a loop with a "double fishermans" (method for tieing a prusik loop) with a carabiner

IMAGE LINK: http://s103.photobucke​t.com …673F_zps79gsuau​a.jpg.html

Wrap the cord around the tripod centre column (i did four wraps, less may cause slippage, more requires more cord)

IMAGE LINK: http://s103.photobucke​t.com …39AC_zpsxwh1c44​g.jpg.html

Put the lower loop through the upper loop

IMAGE LINK: http://s103.photobucke​t.com …B658_zpsoqr7ilq​m.jpg.html

Dress, tighten and install karabiner and bag

IMAGE LINK: http://s103.photobucke​t.com …1C2C_zpssz6kni7​l.jpg.html


If you need more help, the animated knots by grog website has directions for the klemheist and double fishermans knots (under the arborist section)

nice solution!

i use ankle weights and usually just put them around the center post above the legs. kind of a kludge solution and not really professional looking. Any ideas on how to make this permanent with a different knot/set up? My tripod has a long sleeve that the center post goes inside, I could make it permanent there and it would't get in the way. As an aside, i have made some blowgun darts from thistle down (just for fun) and have always had a problem wrapping the line and tying it off. Similar problem i guess.

It seems that most center columns can be easily modified by even ordinary folks -- hardware stores are ready sources of drills and taps and other things -- to add some means of adding a supplementary hanger from the bottom of the column which can be used to hang a bag.

I wouldn't want to alter the center column as there's a button there which is used to "release" the column so that it can be dropped into a horizontal position.

Is this your center column?

http://mediacdn.shopat​ron.com …B_20020917.pdf?​1272346470

No, that doesn't look like my center column. Mine has a recessed button which you press once the column is fully extended in order to drop it into a horizontal position.

Left Handed Brisket wrote in post #17407098
nice solution!

i use ankle weights and usually just put them around the center post above the legs. kind of a kludge solution and not really professional looking. Any ideas on how to make this permanent with a different knot/set up? My tripod has a long sleeve that the center post goes inside, I could make it permanent there and it would't get in the way. As an aside, i have made some blowgun darts from thistle down (just for fun) and have always had a problem wrapping the line and tying it off. Similar problem i guess.

A stripe of gaffa tape wrapped over a tensioned Klemheist would make it semi-permanent
Im sure i could find a way of permanently mounting it, but i actually use it so rarely that i havent bothered (thats the second time in 6 months i have tied it on a tripod)