Any problems with Gitzo GT3530LS ?

[hybeagle]

Was doing some research about this tripod, and came across this review from BH which is kind of scary:

I’d love to say I love this tripod but….
By Jack from Asheville on 3/26/2009


I purchased this tripod to replace a Manfrotto 190PROXB with a center column. The GT3530LS, not having a center column, provides a much more stable base in windy conditions and does not transmit vibrations on to my Nikon D300. It’s very lightweight and as solid as a rock. That’s the upside. The down side is that there two flaws – one in my opinion a major problem and the other merely annoying. The first major problem is that there is only one small star type screw securing the bracket that holds the plate to the top of the tripod. This plate attaches to the ballhead which in turn holds the camera. Halfway into a three day shoot at the seashore this small screw somehow became loose and the plate with ball head and camera attached fell to the ground. I was carrying the tripod with camera attached on a sandy trail at waist level when this happened and, fortunately the camera fell into a pile of leaves and no damage was done. But still, what if I had the tripod in the water instead - imagine the damage to the camera then. I had the small Gitzo supplied star wrench in my backpack and was able to reattach the plate back onto the top of the tripod. Now, I know what your probably thinking, and yes I had checked this particular screw upon inspecting the tripod upon arrival and when I mounted the ball head. I’ll check a lot more often from here on out. [...]. For now I’ll keep an eye on it and inspect it regularly. The other less serious problem occurred only hours later when one of the feet fell off and could not be found. I knew beforehand that this was potential trouble and so had checked the feet several times. [...].Still, these two troubles leave me feeling a little uneasy about my purchase, especially the loose plate problem. And I find myself with less confidence about using this tripod. Gitzo’s have a reputations for being the best built with rugged dependability and now I find myself questioning that. And for the rest of the trip I found myself carrying the camera/tripod in my arms like a baby instead of over my shoulder or at waist level when traveling a very short distance. If anyone else has encountered this situation before and has a solution a post here would be appreciated.I’d love to say I love this tripod but…..

Has anyone with this tripod ever had this problem ?

[Christopher C.M. Cooke]

Has anyone with this tripod ever had this problem ?

No but I make a habbit of checking all the items that can work loose including the little feet on the legs and EVERYTHING gets a hit of LOCKTITE

[Joerg Rockenberger]

Yes, that is a known design flaw with the 3530LS and related Gitzo products. See:

http://www.birdphotographers.net/for...16158#poststop

The plate offered by naturescape mentioned in the thread is a good albeit expensive solution.

Hope that helps. JR

[Jeff Cashdollar]

I have added a leveling base to my 3530LS, think Artie uses this make as well.

I love this model and appreciate the communications. Like Chris, I check it often and will continue to do so - thanks.

[David Billingsley]

I use the plate offered by Naturescape - no more concerns.

[Nancy A Elwood]

Gitzo needs to address this issue. Why pay close to $800-900 for an item you still have to buy something else to make it safe. I went with a Feisol carbon tripod and have been very happy. www.reallybigcameras.com.

[David Pugsley]

This is disturbing reading as I was about to purchase a 3530. I'm not inclined to accept the available fixes, be they purchased or do-it-yourself, for a $700 tripod. The basic function of your gear not falling off should not need a fix. Hmmm, back to tripod research I guess?!

[Bob Miller]

I have also had this problem and was lucky the camera fell on soft ground..:eek:...Now i check that star bolt alot more often!

[hybeagle]

Sounds pretty ridiculous for a almost $1000 (after tax and shipping etc) Tripod. Guess I should look else where.

[James Prudente]

Check the nut tightness on a regular basis and you will never have a problem. I have been using Gitzo for years and have never had a problem because I make sure the plate is seated and the nut is tight. If you want a little extra margin without buying the naturescapes fix or you use a leveling base a touch of blue loctite on the threads will secure things. Don't use red loctite it is virtually permanent and will only give to heat and torque.

Jim

[Roman Kurywczak]

pane #28......John Chardine discusses a home fix:
http://www.birdphotographers.net/for...ad.php?t=64125
and here is a link to other debates on tripods;
http://www.birdphotographers.net/for...ad.php?t=64857
Good to make informed choices.