055PROB tripod modification

In an attempt to reduce vibration and improve stability, I have adapted Markins TB20/TB30 idea and applied it to the 055PROB.

I removed the centre column, complete with the centre boss, leaving things as shown. I played around with wood and GRP until I was happy with the sizes required, then got a metal turning friend to make the new boss in alloy.

The beauty of it is, if ever I need the centre column, it can be replaced in seconds.

Now I need to decide what sort of finish I want. Can small individual pieces be hard anodized at reasonable prices?

Richard

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Lowner wrote in post #5848923
Now I need to decide what sort of finish I want. Can small individual pieces be hard anodized at reasonable prices?

If you cannot find a shop to do a black anodizing, look for a shop that does powder coating. I think you'd find that almost as rugged a finish as anodizing.

Interesting... the Giottos MT9371 pretty much already does a function like this. You can remove the column except the way it is setup, you can then use the top part of the head as a 3 way head...pretty cool and it also helps remove that excess vibration. I removed the column mostly because the tripod stands 2 inches taller than I am (6') and I'll never need it, but also found it helps reduce vibration. Besides, reinstallling it is really simple and lets me use the swing down functions of the tripod. Makes macro fun...!

Nice work on this! Great idea and looks like a nice job.

-Chuck