Recommended: NatureScapes Safety Plate for all 3 and 5-series Gitzo tripods

I've wanted to get a real systematic for a while (I use an old Gitzo G1228 with a Markins base plate) and my choice was a Gitzo GT3541LS, but I knew about the potential for a loose base plate tension screw allowing camera/lens, ballhead and all to disengage from the top of the tripod. I didn't like the idea at all and eventually settled on a Benro C3780T. Then last week I heard about the NatureScapes plate that solved the Gitzo problem, did some research, and ordered the 3541LS and extra plate.

This little safety plate is a very simple solution to the potential problem. You just remove the hook from under the Gitzo base plate, slot the safety plate in and tighten the supplied screw with a 9/16" socket wrench. Takes less than half a minute and you never have to think about this again. I know I might go through all my time with the 3541LS with no issue at all, but given my sometime sloppiness about maintenance it was just great to find this little product. It's simple, has great construction, fits beautifully, and is thin and hardly noticeable. Recommended for all 3 and 5-series systematic owners!

So it's basically a giant washer?

a giant lock washer. If it would just a round washer it would not fit in between the legs. But because it is notched to between the legs, it does not spin.

jdizzle wrote in post #11505975
So it's basically a giant washer?

Good description LOL. Here's a little review of it, with much better pictures than my hastily taken snaps.

So which telephotos do use that made you purchase this piece?

I don't use telephotos. But I don't want my Fotoman 617 with Schneider-Kreuznach Super-Symmar 110/5.6 coming off the top of the legs. That thing is priceless. Much less likely, but equally disastrous would be my Leica MP3 and Noctilux falling off. I bought this little bit of metal for peace of mind, but Gitzo need to fix this, it's just really poor design.

any ballhead could backoff of a central mounting bolt on any tripod unless something like a setscrew or a drop of locktite, or lockwasher like this plate, does something to prevent it.

peter_n - the safety lock plate looks like a great idea for total security.
Thanks for the tip !

I'm glad it's there for people who worry about these things, but personally I think it's pretty useless.

It takes one-second to check your gear and make sure it's tight. I do not think this is a design flaw at all. It's part of the systematic system and is working as designed. If you fail to use your equipment correctly, it may fail. If you fail to maintain your equipment, it may fail. How is this different from anything else?

Todd Lambert wrote in post #12007147
It takes one-second to check your gear and make sure it's tight.

From the NatureScapes Review: "A simple routine check of all the bolts on the tripod should always be carried out once in a while and doing so will hopefully prevent any disasters - after all, you wouldn't drive your car for a year without checking the oil."

Todd Lambert wrote in post #12007147
I do not think this is a design flaw at all.

From the NatureScapes Review: "it certainly shouldn't be seen as a major design flaw of the systematic range of tripods".

Todd Lambert wrote in post #12007147
It's part of the systematic system and is working as designed.

I doubt that the system was designed to come apart unintentionally, regardless of how often you check and tighten it.

Todd Lambert wrote in post #12007147
If you fail to use your equipment correctly, it may fail. If you fail to maintain your equipment, it may fail. How is this different from anything else?

It's no different from any other fail-safe device. I trust you don't mean to imply that those are useless as well.

Tbh, I don't have worry about using this on my tripod bcoz' I don't lug long telephoto primes all day. The only knit I have is that you lose the hook.

Ok I'm a dope without doubt, but what problem is this fixing on a very expensive tripod made by the premier tripod company? I have a gitzo 1 series. Is mine subject to this "fault" also?

RRS addressed this "problem" in their tripods.

MDJAK wrote in post #13048683
Ok I'm a dope without doubt, but what problem is this fixing on a very expensive tripod made by the premier tripod company? I have a gitzo 1 series. Is mine subject to this "fault" also?

No you're not a dope it's a genuine issue at least in my mind. There have been accidents and I bought the plate as an insurance policy, although many people think the plate is ridiculous. "Just check the locking screw every time you take the tripod out" they say. Right! Gitzo really should fix this, it's inexcusable.

It's a problem with the Gitzo systematics only so you have no worries with your series 1.

rick_reno wrote in post #13050640
RRS addressed this "problem" in their tripods.

Yes they did, they fix the top base connection with three screws, not one. But the difference in price and performance wasn't enough to persuade me to get a TVC-33. The NatureScapes plate fixes the problem too.

As a G3541LS owner, here's my outlook on the problem, and yes, it's sad that the problem exists.
The most expensive combo I put on my tripod is the 50D, 400 f/5.6L, and 430EX flash w/ better beamer. If I ever had the money (doubtful) to buy a 500 f/4 IS L, then yes, I'd buy the saftey plate.
Otherwise, I'll give the locked ballhead a little twist before use (if the Gitzo center place is at all loose, it should move), and if it's secure, I'm confident that there will be no trouble.

Everyone shoud do what they feel comfortable doing.