Rust in new Gitzo tripod

[gail bisson]

I bought the new Gitzo 3532 in April.
I faithfully wash and rinse it thoroughly after use in hostile environments and usually take the legs apart to remove sand etc. I have noticed rust stains on the screws under the tripod platform.
Is this anything to worry about? Should I remove the rust and how should I do this?
Many thanks for your advice,
Gail

[Andrew Merwin]

Gail, if it was my tripod, I would replace the screws with stainless steel or aluminum screws. I think the screws are too small to clean effectively. Also, the rust will return fairly quickly. I suggest taking a screw to your local hardware store to find one that matches it. Also, if they don't stock the screw, they may be able to tell you the size & the thread pattern so you can find them on line. You might check with RSS.

[Clemens Vanderwerf]

Gail, all the main screws and bolts are stainless steel, and should not be a problem from a rust perspective, although stainless steel is not anymore what it used to be. I suppose you are referring to the two small black hex-screws. Those I would take out and clean as the rust stain is very much on the surface. Put them back in and rub some boat/car wax on top or them to prevent salt water from getting to it (repeat that every now and then). I would not replace with aluminum as that will corrode even quicker with salt water, and you might not be able to get them out again.

[Grace Scalzo]

Frankly, I would contact the manufacturer.

[Andrew Merwin]

Frankly, I would contact the manufacturer.

That is the best idea yet.

[Marina Scarr]

I would contact Gitzo and raise **** but your chances of getting anywhere if it's been in salt water are slim to none. Next time around, I would simply a a Feisol. It's the best decision I ever made after all the problems I had with Gitzo.

[Norm Dulak]

Gitzo, IMHO, is vastly overrated. You are paying a steep premium for the name, and the results obtained with their equipment are not always satisfactory. I have never experienced such problems with Manfrotto or Benro tripods.

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

I agree about Gitzo been overrated. I bought my self an Induro and that thing just go! mud, sand, water, but clean it well after you inmerse it in salt water.