Gitzo leg locks really a problem?

[gollywop]

Tim Fitzharris, in his book "Landscape Photography," writes:

"Avoid Twist Locks: Do not buy tripod legs with concentric twist locks. These devices are not suited for working in sand, mud and water -- home territory of a landscape photographer. Exposed to such outdoor conditions, the leg extensions in a short time stiffen and seize up completely. To keep them working require time-consuming disassembly for cleaning and drying of interior parts. In my experience, all brands, no matter how prestigious, are susceptible to this problem."

This critique sounds plausible on its face. Does anyone have any experience, either pro or con, that the Gitzo locks suffer this problem?
--
gollywop

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[malch]

This critique sounds plausible on its face. Does anyone have any
experience, either pro or con, that the Gitzo locks suffer this
problem?

This certainly was a problem in the past. I believe Gitzo changed the design to eliminate some porous bushings that were previously used in their leg locks. That probably helped but I don't know by how much.

I'm sure that cleaning the locks from time to time is a prudent measure to help ensure reliable operation of any tripod. The cited author appears to view this a problem; I am more inclined to think of it as reasonable user maintenance.

Having said all that, if I needed a tripod for constant use in wet, muddy, or sandy conditions, I would probably purchase something designed for that purpose. For example:

http://www.dutchhill.com/products/p900.html

It's a beauty although somewhat large and heavy for long distance hikes!

 

[BroLuke]

Yes to a degree this is true as I've experienced.

I remember a day on the dunes a few years back and while I had no problems that day later I did have to disassemble and clean up to get better performance back. In fact I recall several times having issues with them due to sandy stream water...

I now use an aluminum Manfrotto...out in the truck so not sure of the model. Twist locks never fail and stable as a rock. I got it cheap, used to reatil for about $175 and I paid $30 so if it gets tweaked in the field no problemo. But so far the most reliable tripod I've ever used. By far I've put more mileage on this than any number of Gitzos I've owned.

That said if you keep the tripod out of the field the Gitzos do have anice way about them that I do prefer. I just don't like tripod maintanence....

BL

 

[ron wrucke]

This critique sounds plausible on its face. Does anyone have any
experience, either pro or con, that the Gitzo locks suffer this
problem?

I use my Gitzo in the sand dunes and beaches of the Chesapeake Bay and Barrier Islands and so far haven't experienced any problems .. >

--
Ron Wrucke (Va Eastern Shore)
http://EasternShoreImaging.com

 

[Jeff Kohn]

The newer Gitzos have improved leg-locks, particularly with regard to ease/convenience, but it's still a legitimate criticism IMHO. I've always preferred lever locks over the twist locks, and can confim that the Dutch Hill P900 is particularly well-suited to use in such environments where this is a concern. Unfortunatley the P900 is quite large even collapsed (especially if you get the tall verison), so it doesn't travel well (I've not yet found luggage that can accomodate it).
--
Jeff Kohn
Houston, TX
http://www.pbase.com/jkohn
http://jeffk-photo.typepad.com

 

[Bill Fagan]

If you use Gitzo's in dirty or damp environments, you learn to carry a rag. Its a fine idea to have a clean hand towel in your bag anyway. Lots of uses. And don't forget your copy of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Universe.

I always carry my heavy Manfrotto aluminum tripod when I know there is a risk of environmental contamination. The flip locks are 100% faster, but they do need occasional tension adjusting. The Gitzo is just a lot more elegant and sturdy.

 

[egrivel]

Tim Fitzharris, in his book "Landscape Photography," writes:

"Avoid Twist Locks: Do not buy tripod legs with concentric twist
locks. These devices are not suited for working in sand, mud and
water -- home territory of a landscape photographer. Exposed to such
outdoor conditions, the leg extensions in a short time stiffen and
seize up completely. To keep them working require time-consuming
disassembly for cleaning and drying of interior parts. In my
experience, all brands, no matter how prestigious, are susceptible to
this problem."

This critique sounds plausible on its face. Does anyone have any
experience, either pro or con, that the Gitzo locks suffer this
problem?

I have a Gitzo tripod with twist locks, and haven't experienced any problems. However, I have to admit that I don't regularly put my tripod down in the sand, mud or water. I usually carry it by one of its legs, and simply put it up if I can't reliably lean it on something.

Eric
--
http://www.lumenssolutions.com/photography/

 

[RBM]

--As all have noted the tripods-Gitzo and others-suffer in dusty and wet climates as far as legs, etc. are concerned. I use a wooden tripod, a Ries backpacker when i am in this type of environment. I have extending the tripod very deep into water and shot images . A rage dries off the unit easily. That is an expensive fix, but the tripod holds anything up to a 4x5--I have put either a Wisner or an Arca Swiss field 4x5 on it with no fears about steadiness. On top is an RRS BH-45.
Bob M

 

[malch]

"Avoid Twist Locks: Do not buy tripod legs with concentric twist locks.

You might also want to look at the Manfrotto Neotec tripods.

I understand this rather unusual design is such that the bottom section of the tripod is completely sealed so there's no way for mud, sand, or water to penetrate inside the legs. If this is true (and I cannot personally confirm) you can completely immerse the bottom 18 inches or whatever in the mud and water without any damage or other adverse consequences.

If you can live with the size and weight, I still think the Dutch Hill is a wonderful option. Just two heavy sections make it very solid and the thing was designed to inhabit hostile climates like construction sites. Besides, the guy next to you with a fancy Gitzo will just look a sissy in comparison ;-)

 

[douglas d]

I shoot at the ocean frequently standing in the water with the tripod, my gitzo has never been a problem. Was at the ocean with 3 others once, two of us gitzo two had lever locks. The two who had the pods with levers locked up after 2 days and couldnt extend their legs. The 2 of us with gitzos didnt have any problems. So I guess it can happen with any style.
--
I'm there to enjoy the scenery, I just happen to bring my camera along

http://www.pbase.com/ddietiker/nature

 

[Bmark]

I have owned my Gitzo for about 10 years and use it constantly. I have not really had any problems with the twist locks and my tripod has been use in wet and dirty conditions. I have hiked with in in more than half of the National parks in the U.S. with conditions ranging from the deserts of Nevada, Arizona, and Utah to the mountains of the Sierra and Rockies. There is a reason that many pros use Gitzos and why they are so expensive, you get what you pay for.

Mark

 

[daveybm]

I have not had any problems with my Gitzo G1327 used in all conditions, it helps if you strip the legs and joints and clean them now and again, see this for a quick howto :-

http://www.earthboundlight.com/phototips/gitzo-maintenance.html?search=tripod+cleaning&bool=and

Dave
--
YNWA

 

[TDong]

np I even use it in the beach salt water no problem 2/3 submerge all the time

 

[gollywop]

They are a great help. This forum is super.

best wishes,

--
gollywop

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