Tripod legs stuck - any advice how to free them

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100

09/28/2012 03:05:25 AM · #1

I have a Gitzo tripod (can't remember the model). Anyway it has 3 legs obviously and each leg has to extension elements which are released by rotating the plastic band. On 2 out of the 3 legs I am unable to release one level of the extension - they just appear to be stuck. I have tried a reasonable amount of force but don't want to break them.

Any suggestions how to release these stuck legs. Note when the legs do release correctly it feels like they are under pressure or something like that - like there is air inside or something - this is probably the norm.

spiritualspatula

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

09/28/2012 03:08:23 AM · #2

Are you saying the locks won't rotate or that the leg won't telescope (after loosening the twist lock)?

ETA:Clarify

Message edited by author 2012-09-28 03:09:01.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

09/28/2012 03:57:36 AM · #3

Sorry, I should have explained that better. The locks rotate fine - just the legs will not telescope after loosening the twist lock.

Giles

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

09/28/2012 04:12:28 AM · #4

have you tried lubrication, a bit of wd40 etc 3 in1 et al....

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

09/28/2012 04:30:47 AM · #5

Thanks Giles - hadn't tried anything yet as didn't want to damage them. I wasn't even sure if I could completely taken them apart as thought there may have been some vacuum in them that causes them to move with a bit of momentum. I have several cans of WD40 for the bike so will give it a squirt and see what happens:)

raish

Olympus C-2500L

09/28/2012 04:31:56 AM · #6

I was looking for a generic reference for WD40,
but it seems to be a bit universal. I've had some joy with penetrating oil on a superannuated Manfrotto.
Stand it on its head and let the juice trickle down? Works better for tripods than it does for industrial
economies.

mrchhas

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

09/28/2012 04:53:04 AM · #7

google is the answer

spiritualspatula

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

09/28/2012 05:11:45 AM · #8

Originally posted by paulsteven:

Yes, WD40 sparingly is a good bet. Don't overdo it. Try to keep it off the rubber.
I'd recommend a complete disassemble. Here's a good explanation.

ETA: Ha! Should've read your post... we linked to the same place... I've had that site bookmarked for awhile so didn't even bother seeing what you put-

Originally posted by mrchhas:

google is the answer

Message edited by author 2012-09-28 05:12:44.