Gitzo and Wimberley - WHAT a difference!
Well after determining that I really didn't need to take Artie's advice on tripods and that my Monfrotto 055XPROB and heavy duty Culman ballhead were all I really needed - I bought a new Wimberley II head and a used (owner used twice) Gitzo 3540XLS. O my goodness what a difference, what liberation, how easy to use and solid is this equipment!
One unbeliever well and truly converted! :D
Last edited by kevinmat; 03-01-2009 at 11:14 AM.
Thats funny Kevin :) As long as you don't try its ok :)
Now you can let go without fear of the lens falling.
Originally Posted by Jerry Barnett
What about this ?
http://www.birdphotographers.net/for...ad.php?t=30593
I also had a close all with a catastrophe.
Yesterday, out in the field, while preparing to switch TC's, I noticed my brand new Gitzo 5541LS wouldn't lock horizontally when I twisted the knob on my Wimberley II.
I removed the D3 and 600 VR, and the Wimberley head lifted right out of the Gitzo with the tripod base plate attached !
Sure enough, the Torx bolt was loose ... and this was right out of the box from the factory!
When I purchased the Gitzo the day before, the camera shop owner attached the Wimberley II to the Gitzo in what appeared to be a secure manner. I didn't even think to question it.
When I returned to the store, carrying the disassembled unit a salesman remarked that this was a "known issue".
I only wish I'd "known" before wandering blissfully toward oblivion!
As stated in the beginning, it was only dumb luck that saved my gear.
Where is Gitzo on all this? Have they acknowledged the defect and offered solutions?
I believe you have to tighten it when you get it. I almost ran into the same thing with my new 5541LS today. Luckily I had no gear on it, but lifted it up and sure enough everything lifted out. A quick check and I found that bolt was not fastened.
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