Home made Manfrotto center 'column'

[1981eagle]

I am a hobbyist machinist and have a 12x36 lathe and a full-size Bridgeport mill in the basement. I've been working with metal for 45 years or so off and on.
I've never liked the rigidity of the tripod head and camera with the column extended - so I nearly always keep it down against the top of the legs (even with a fairly robust Manfrotto 3011).
I looked into buying a 'short column, but then I decided to make my own.
The aluminum pieces came out like I envisioned and are tight and stable. I decided to try anodizing the parts. Both are 6061 AL. They were mounted on a rack and done at the same time with the 'battery acid method'. When it came time to dye them, the top disc took the color and the bottom did not. I'm still a newbie at anodizing and it's a mix of science, art, and math and I'm just not good at it. Anyway ... without further ado - Hope you like it and to Admins, if this isn't the right forum for DIY stuff, feel free to move it.

 

[Hardus Nameous136 84]

Sweet! I keep my tripod center column lowered whenever I can too. I also like the carabiner rather than a spring loaded hook.

 

[JBPhotog]

Great DIY when you have the tools and skills. Envy!

FWIW, have a look at other Manfrotto tripods, the centre column plate typically has 3 grub screws that are threaded up from the bottom to secure the tripod head from rotating. My 3 Manfrotto tripods use flat head screws.

.

 

[1981eagle]

Great DIY when you have the tools and skills. Envy!

FWIW, have a look at other Manfrotto tripods, the centre column plate typically has 3 grub screws that are threaded up from the bottom to secure the tripod head from rotating. My 3 Manfrotto tripods use flat head screws.

View attachment 290855.

Thanks for the comment and feedback.
Re: the grub screws: I have one that has them and I had one that didn't. I personally find that if you have the head tightened adequately onto the 3/8-16 bolt, the head hasn't come loose in normal use. Of course, I don't leave the camera on the tripod with a heavy lens and then toss it over my shoulder. I think that in doing so, the weight of a long lens may act to help loosen the head (if it is oriented in such a way - righty tighty, lefty loosey- to have the weight of the lens help unscrew it.)

 

[JBPhotog]

You are picking up why I mentioned the grub screws. That is precisely why good tripods have a way to secure the head from spinning. Additionally, if you use panning heads with some form of friction or fluid, that too can loosen the head from the centre bolt.

Keeping in mind ambient temperature can affect the contraction and expansion of dissimilar metals and although it was tight in your cozy warm home, it will become loose when stepping out in frigid conditions.

 

[1981eagle]

I can always add some if I deem it to be necessary

 

[1981eagle]

You are picking up why I mentioned the grub screws. That is precisely why good tripods have a way to secure the head from spinning. Additionally, if you use panning heads with some form of friction or fluid, that too can loosen the head from the centre bolt.

Keeping in mind ambient temperature can affect the contraction and expansion of dissimilar metals and although it was tight in your cozy warm home, it will become loose when stepping out in frigid conditions.

I decided to take your advice - thanks! It didn’t take long and the added piece of mind is well worth it

 

[Don Fischer]

I am a hobbyist machinist and have a 12x36 lathe and a full-size Bridgeport mill in the basement. I've been working with metal for 45 years or so off and on.
I've never liked the rigidity of the tripod head and camera with the column extended - so I nearly always keep it down against the top of the legs (even with a fairly robust Manfrotto 3011).
I looked into buying a 'short column, but then I decided to make my own.
The aluminum pieces came out like I envisioned and are tight and stable. I decided to try anodizing the parts. Both are 6061 AL. They were mounted on a rack and done at the same time with the 'battery acid method'. When it came time to dye them, the top disc took the color and the bottom did not. I'm still a newbie at anodizing and it's a mix of science, art, and math and I'm just not good at it. Anyway ... without further ado - Hope you like it and to Admins, if this isn't the right forum for DIY stuff, feel free to move it.
View attachment 290795

View attachment 290796

View attachment 290797

View attachment 290798

I've got a Bogan 3011 and seldom use it, unless I'm using my Yashica twin lens. But I never extenrdthat center post very much if at all. Little rubber insert under that post been thinking a long time about putting a screw eye into to hang weight down from to help steady the legs.

 

[Dale H. Cook130 24]

Of course, I don't leave the camera on the tripod with a heavy lens and then toss it over my shoulder. I think that in doing so, the weight of a long lens may act to help loosen the head ...

That would not happen with my camera. I custom made a bar to support long lenses and attached body with a Manfrotto RC2 quick release system. The bar supports long lens and body on the tripod at or very near their balance point. See my DIY telephoto bar at:

Star City Photos - Pentax K-70 Telephoto Lens Mounting Bar

Star City Photos is a personal web site devoted to my fifty-plus year involvement with photography.

plymouthcolony.net

 

[TobiasGlenwood]

I am a hobbyist machinist and have a 12x36 lathe and a full-size Bridgeport mill in the basement. I've been working with metal for 45 years or so off and on.
I've never liked the rigidity of the tripod head and camera with the column extended - so I nearly always keep it down against the top of the legs (even with a fairly robust Manfrotto 3011).
I looked into buying a 'short column, but then I decided to make my own.
The aluminum pieces came out like I envisioned and are tight and stable. I decided to try anodizing the parts. Both are 6061 AL. They were mounted on a rack and done at the same time with the 'battery acid method'. When it came time to dye them, the top disc took the color and the bottom did not. I'm still a newbie at anodizing and it's a mix of science, art, and math and I'm just not good at it. Anyway ... without further ado - Hope you like it and to Admins, if this isn't the right forum for DIY stuff, feel free to move it.
View attachment 290795

View attachment 290796

View attachment 290797
ferrari rental dubai
View attachment 290798

That came out really clean - nice work! The fit and finish look super solid, and honestly the two-tone anodizing actually gives it some character. For a first go at anodizing, that’s way better than most of us manage. Great little upgrade to the tripod setup!