tripod help!

I recently purchased a

Gitzo G1345 MK2 Inter Pro Studex Compact Tripod (systematic series) for a good price.

I rarely used the center column on my last tripod, mainly because it was tall enough for me, and I didnt want to compromise stability. however, upon received the gitzo, I realised that my RRS ballhead is unable to lock on the gitzo's wide head base. It knocks against the side of the base.

Plus, I find that the gitzo is a little short. I guess I could bend down to look through the camera viewfinder, it dosent bother me that much. But Im assuming that I need a center column for the gitzo in order to mount use the ballhead properly.

Here's my question. Would a simple leveling base do the same trick?
And, if Im looking for a short rapid center column, does anyone have one to recommend?

This is what I'm talking about:

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Isn't the lever spring loaded? Or is that only on the BH-25?

I think the leveling base has the same diameter as the top platform.
A center column would be the G1317. That's Alu, 29 cm long.

However: I have a 1325 with the G1318 center column. (same, only CF). I think the top plate on that is about as big as the top platform is now. So my guess is that won't work either.

The BH40 lever is spring loaded and you can reposition it.

The BH40 is too small for the 13xx tripods. It was designed for the Series 2. I'd keep the tripod and put the BH40 up for sale and replace it with a Markins M20. That will give you additional height too and fit that tripod like it was made for it (it was).

J.

Thanks john/rene, Im not sure why i didnt think of the spring, it seems to lock just as it touches the edge of the base. I'll definitely look into the m20 for laters