Are leg locks interchangeable on Bogen 3021 and 3011 tripods?

I have an old 055 tripod that has screws to lock the legs.  Can I switch  out the old leg locks for new ones with snap levers?

Yes you can, IF you make sure the inside diameter of the new locks are the same as the old locks.  So if you are changing the old 055 for a new 055x series clamp, there is very little difference.  In fact we recommend these (click here for upper) for the upper clamp and (click here for the lower) lower leg clamps.

Leg clamps come in all sizes

These are using the newer snap lock.  These have a very easy snap open and closed lock with a positive feel.  You know when these are locked.

Also, bear in mind that Manfrotto (more than 20 years ago it was called Bogen) has been making tripods for over 40 years.  The older tripods are not necessarily the same as the new ones.  Manfrotto has been make the 190 and 055 series for all of that time.  The newest versions are not called the MT190, and none of the old repair parts will work with the new tripods.

Replacing all the upper and lower locks could be more expensive that the tripod is actually worth.  This is a concern for obvious reasons, however we can help with several suggestions.  First, you could trade in your old tripod for a newer one.  Or secondly you can send us your used parts.  We will pay for the used parts, depending upon condition and function.

If you are having problems, or for a tune up or for repairs, send your name, address, daytime phone and email address along with your tripod to:

ManfrottoTripodParts.com Repairs
c/o SpartanPhotoCenter
108 Garner Road
Spartanburg, SC 29303

Once we have it, we will evaluate it and contact you. Please send us your daytime phone so we can reach you during business hours.

Lastly, if we are repairing your Manfrotto Product; we are recycling all broken parts and scrap articles. Almost nothing goes into the trash if we can help it.

How to Replace the Leg Locks on 055 and 190 Series So the Don’t Slip When Extended.

How do I replace the leg lock on Manfrotto 055 and 190 series tripods so the leg doesn’t slip when extended.

The 055 and 190 series tripods have been around for a long, long time.  So these instructions will cover the latest models, purchased in 2013.  The older and newer models may have slightly different screws or locking devices, but the generalities are the same.

Flip Clamp

The leg lock has two parts. The clamp (part C) and the lock (part K).  The clamp (part C) tightens down and holds the leg lock to the leg tube.   The lock (part K) is variable and allows the leg tubes to slide when unlocked and locked in place when locked down.

So,  like an onion you may have to remove the upper and lower leg tubes in sequence to get to the part you need to replace.  The simplest repair is the bottom lock.  You loosen the clamp and remove the leg section, remove the rubber foot, replace the clamp, put the tubes back and replace the foot.

Tighten the clamp enough so it is securely on the tube and doesn’t twist or pull off.  DO NOT over tighten the clamp any more than necessary to secure it.  The extra tension may break the clamp again, or deform the tube so the leg sections will not collapse properly.

Flip Lock

The upper clamp is the one that requires the most time and effort since all the lower clamps and tubes need to be removed.  Make sure you disassemble them and lay them out in order so as not to confuse the order of the parts.  Some tripods will have shims inside the tubes that are VERY place specific.

flip Lock

Adjusting the locking levers.  The locking levers need to provide enough pressure to hold the leg tube in its final position.  If the lock is not tight enough, turn the tightening screw no more than 1/4 of a turn.  Test the tension, if slippage tighten again another 1/4 turn. Do this until it will hold without slippage under a weight.

Test lock

Tightening the lock screw too much will potentially break the lever or snap, or lock the  lock so you cannot open and close it.  On both the snaps and levers, you do not need more than simple finger pressure to lock and unlock.  It should not be hard pressure.

If you are having problems, or for a tune up or for repairs, send your name, address, daytime phone and email address along with your tripod to:

ManfrottoTripodParts.com Repairs
c/o SpartanPhotoCenter
108 Garner Road
Spartanburg, SC 29303

Once we have it, we will evaluate it and contact you. Please send us your daytime phone so we can reach you during business hours.

Lastly, if we are repairing your Manfrotto Product; we are recycling all broken parts and scrap articles. Almost nothing goes into the trash if we can help it.

My leg on my 055 tripod is loose and will not stay out, how do I fix it?

The leg on my 055 tripod is very loose, it does not stay out when I extend the leg, how do I fix this ?

055 Leg Brace

The leg is simply held with tension provided by the same screws that hold the main casting together.  So it is as simple as tightening the screw on top, or in some cases on the bottom.

But first, lets check to make sure it is not loose because of excessive wear or broken parts; and make sure everything is fine inside the tripod.

1. Remove the center column.
2. Loosen the screws on the main casting to peek between the plates.  If there is sand or grit then completely disassemble the main casting and clean out the grit.
3. Lightly lubricate the parts inside with a tiny bit of silicon grease.  Do not use WD-40 or other petroleum based oils.  We want a gel type lubricant so the oil does not flow and make a big mess.  the silicon grease will stay in place and do its job.
4. Reassemble the main casting and legs back into the assembly.  Flex the legs in and out a few times. Check the tension to see that the legs are not too loose or easily moved.  Adjust each leg to tension by turning the tension screw about a 1/2 turn per test.  Too much tension is bad.

Driver Tools

This will work with the new MT055 and MT190 series tripods.  They use a TORX  for the adjustments.

Older Manfrotto 055 and 190 series will use an Allen wrench or usually an 8mm socket.  The procedure is the same as above.

Old Bogen 055 3021

Now on older (very old) 055 and 190 tripods, there is a large nut below the main casting, see the picture below.  In this example the 055 (also called a Bogen 3021 tripod) the main casting is a single part.  The large nut will provide all the tension necessary, though you should make sure the silver triangular shoe that distributes the tension on both legs is clean underneath.  The bolts on each side of the leg are what tensions the leg, so each leg needs 2 bolts to provide the correct amount of tension.  Just keep checking the adjustment so you don’t make it too tight.

As with all Manfrotto tripods, monopod and heads; be very careful when you are adjusting the parts, or screwing everything together.  Over tightening is the worst thing you can do.  It is always better to under tighten rather than over tighten.  Over tightening will prematurely wear the parts out, or cause them to brake because of the extra stress.

If you are having problems, or for a tune up or for repairs, send your name, address, daytime phone and email address along with your tripod to:

ManfrottoTripodParts.com Repairs
c/o SpartanPhotoCenter
108 Garner Road
Spartanburg, SC 29303

Once we have it, we will evaluate it and contact you. Please send us your daytime phone so we can reach you during business hours.

Lastly, if we are repairing your Manfrotto Product; we are recycling all broken parts and scrap articles. Almost nothing goes into the trash if we can help it.

Free tripod tune Up, just in time for spring! March 14 to 21st!

Blogpost by Bas

We are going to be tuning up Bogen and Manfrotto tripods March 14th through March 21st, FREE of charge!

Let us check your tripod, head, or monopod before the spring shooting season kick starts! This is a great opportunity to make sure your gear is ready to go. We will test, clean and lubricate, and let you know if any repairs are needed. Any tripod, head, or monopod listed on our ManfrottoTripodParts.com or BogenTripodParts.com websites can be repaired in-house.

We will not be charging labor for the tune ups on these days, only for any needed replacement parts and return shipping, if applicable. Gear sent to the manufacture for repair is not included. After March 22nd labor returns to standard cost starting at $25, make sure you take advantage!

Send your Manfrotto or old Bogen Tripod for tune up to:

SpartanPhotoCenter, inc
108 Garner Rd
Spartanburg, SC 29303

Our return shipping charges are $ 10.00 for 3001, 3021, 190 and 055 tripods to $25 for 3036, 475, 058 tripods.  No repairs are preformed without your approval.

My legs slip when I put a load on the tripod, how do I adjust the tension?

The legs slipping under a load is actually a common problem.  The tripod is not necessarily broken, on a premium brand like Manfrotto, it just may need an adjustment.

This example is using the MT190XPROB tripod.  This is one of the newer tripod Manfrotto makes, but generally speaking the legs on the middle to higher end will mostly adjust this way.  Some of the inexpensive Manfrotto tripods may not be as adjustable, because to make a price point competitive with cheaper brands, you may have to cut something, somewhere.

On the 055, 190, MT190 and others with removable leg lock clamps, this repair is this simple:

Unlock the leg lock, turn the lever adjust screw 1/4 turn to the right and test it under load.  If it slips, do it again.  There is almost never a reason to turn the adjust screw more than a quarter turn at a time.  Over tightening that screw WILL break the leg lever and possible crack the leg clamp or bend the leg tube.  Cracked leg locks must only be replaced, since glue (even super glue) will not stand up to the stress.  Bend or dented leg tubes will not telescope or collapse correctly, or may jam inside each other.

Also while you are at it, check the legs for sand and grit, cleaning and blowing out the leg clamps and any clamping surfaces or shims that may be inside the leg clamp.  While not all legs have the shims, these are the wear points for the leg lock and will always be on the carbon fiber type of tripods.

Worn shims will never tighten correctly, not matter how much you tighten the leg lever screw.

If you have problems,  click here to return the parts to us for reassembly.

If you are having problems, or for a tune up or for repairs, send your name, address, daytime phone and email address along with your tripod to:

ManfrottoTripodParts.com Repairs
c/o SpartanPhotoCenter
108 Garner Road
Spartanburg, SC 29303

Once we have it, we will evaluate it and contact you. Please send us your daytime phone so we can reach you during business hours.

Lastly, if we are repairing your Manfrotto Product; we are recycling all broken parts and scrap articles. Almost nothing goes into the trash if we can help it.

The Whole Leg On My Tripod Comes Off, How Do I Fix That?

The whole leg on my tripod is loose and comes off.  What is the best way to fix this?

This is a simple adjustment on many tripods, though some may not be repairable if the parts are broken, or (less likely on the Manfrotto tripods) the leg was no made to be replaced.  Almost every Manfrotto tripod is designed to be adjusted or repaired.  The older units may have parts availability issues that limit you.  I am speaking today of the old Bogen 055, 055 Manfrotto and the new MT055 tripods.  In addition, the 190, Mt190 and several others in the 200 and 300 series are just as easily adjusted and fixed.

Old 055 Leg Brace Adjustment

The leg brace that holds the leg to the main casting on the Old 055 Manfrotto or Bogen 3021 or Bogen 3011 series has two screws that use balanced tension to keep the leg in place.  Loosen both the screws a bit to allow the leg to be inserted, then tighten both the same amount.  Twist the leg tube to make sure it is not loose.  If it is loose, tighten both sides again a bit on each side until done.

Some of the leg Braces

 

If you are having problems, or for a tune up or for repairs, send your name, address, daytime phone and email address along with your tripod to:

ManfrottoTripodParts.com Repairs
c/o SpartanPhotoCenter
108 Garner Road
Spartanburg, SC 29303

Once we have it, we will evaluate it and contact you. Please send us your daytime phone so we can reach you during business hours.

Lastly, if we are repairing your Manfrotto Product; we are recycling all broken parts and scrap articles. Almost nothing goes into the trash if we can help it.

 

Are All The Feet Interchangeable on Manfrotto Tripods?

Simple answer…no.

There are as many different sizes and styles of Manfrotto feet as there are tripods.  They are not interchangeable because in most cases the diameters of the bottom legs tubes are different sizes and shapes.  Some tripods also came with retractable spikes.

Different Rubber Feet Sizes

The replacement feet are sold according to the model number of the tripod. Click Here and find your model number.  If there are no identifying made numbers then you can look the feet up by diameter.  Click Here of the page of parts listed by sizes. These parts are shown on the product pages, but check the sizes and shapes carefully.  Some rubes are not round, but they may be D shaped or 6 sided, instead of round.

Spike Feet Inserts

Spike feet are rubber feet with a retractable metal spike in the middle of the foot.  This spike can provide better traction in clay, loose or tacky situations.  The metal spike is retractable, so you can screw it up into the foot so you can still use your tripod on marble, hardwood or linoleum floors with out damaging them.  As you can see to the right, there are several sizes, based on the diameter of the black base that inserts into the tube.  The inside diameter of the tube must be measured because the black base must fit very snug in the tube.  The furtherest to the right in the picture is design to screw onto the leg.  These feet MUST be purchased by the specific model number.  There are accessory spike feet that can be added to the tripods that cannot use the spike feet shown to the right.

spike feet

Accessory spike feet are available as replacements for the rubber feet.  They are similar to the ones above, but the spikes attach but clamping to the outside of the tube, instead of inserting inside the leg tube.  So you will measure the outside diameter of these.  They are listed on the page by tube diameter.  Click Here for the page of parts witht he spike feet.

The last type of foot for your tripod is the suction cup feet.  These are cup feet are not going to stick the tripod to the floor or wall.  The foot is much broader and wide so you can use the tripod in snow, sand or mud without the legs just sinking below the surface.  This is a clamp-on that requires you to know the outside diameter of the leg tube of the tripod.  Click Here for sizes.

If you are having problems, or for a tune up or for repairs, send your name, address, daytime phone and email address along with your tripod to:

ManfrottoTripodParts.com Repairs
c/o SpartanPhotoCenter
108 Garner Road
Spartanburg, SC 29303

Once we have it, we will evaluate it and contact you. Please send us your daytime phone so we can reach you during business hours.

Lastly, if we are repairing your Manfrotto Product; we are recycling all broken parts and scrap articles. Almost nothing goes into the trash if we can help it.

How To Adjust A Leg Lock On A MT190 Tripod

The new MT190 tripods have a quick snap lock lever.  The procedure is the same whether you have a 3 leg section or 4 section tripod.  For this you will need an 8mm socket nut driver.

flip lock

On the back of the leg lock is a screw that adjusts the tension on the snap lever. If it is really loose you may need to turn it a lot, generally you will only need to turn it a little bit. In my experience never more than a third of a turn. Unlock the snap lever, turn the nut driver about a quarter to a third of a turn and snap the lever tight. Check the tension of the leg. If it is still slipping un snap the lever and adjust it again.

Be VERY careful that you do not over tighten the screw. Short term you may not see any difference, other than it is very hard to snap. long term you will wear out and damage the snap lever and maybe even crack the leg lock. Carbon fiber tubes are very strong, in length, but not diametric compression. Too much pressure and you can crack and split the tube. A simple repair then becomes a much more expensive leg tube replacement.

If you are having problems, or for a tune up or for repairs, send your name, address, daytime phone and email address along with your tripod to:

ManfrottoTripodParts.com Repairs
c/o SpartanPhotoCenter
108 Garner Road
Spartanburg, SC 29303

Once we have it, we will evaluate it and contact you. Please send us your daytime phone so we can reach you during business hours.

Lastly, if we are repairing your Manfrotto Product; we are recycling all broken parts and scrap articles. Almost nothing goes into the trash if we can help it.

Where Can I Find Parts For My Manfrotto ?

We stock a wide selection of parts for the Manfrotto support line.  Everything from tripods, heads and monopods to super clamps and Sympla video rigs.  We are constantly adding parts and products every month.

Our website will have the most comprehensive list of what we are stocking and servicing.  You can see the website is broken into product lines like tripods, heads, monopods, accessories.  This is for ease of use: find your product, find the model number, click on the item, see the part. Click here to see our complete listing of Manfrotto parts lists that we have available.  Only those that are underlined or change colors from black to red are active and may have parts associated with them.  Those that are black and not linked to anything yet are only parts lists that we can reference for you.

If we do not have a page for your product, then we don’t yet have parts.  This doesn’t mean we cannot get them.  On newer models, Manfrotto USA may not stock the items yet. On very old items, while the parts may be discontinued, we may have used parts in stock.  We can and will special order times, though it could take several weeks to get.

If you don’t have the inclination to repair or problems with your repair, click here to return the parts to us for reassembly, or send you product in for repair.

Also, We moved and opened out new facility on July 2nd.  We are more organized and ready to work.  Let us know if you have any questions.

ManfrottoTripodParts.com Repairs
c/o SpartanPhotoCenter
108 Garner Road
Spartanburg, SC 29303

Tripod parts customer service 9am to 2pm EST  864-699-9333

Blog post was changed to reflect our new address.

Why doesn’t my head lock? It moves a little bit even though everything is locked down!

Loose Head

This is actually a very simple fix.  On most Manfrotto Tripods, the head is removable.  Over time or heavy use, the connection between the head and the tripod will loosen up a little bit.  It may not unscrew more than a little bit that is mostly unnoticeable, because there are locking screws that are supposed to keep the head from moving are stopping it.

Grub Screw on Manfrotto tripod

So, raise the center column as far up as it will go.  Look under the head.  There you should see at least one or as many as three “grub screws.”  These are slotted screws that when tightened lock the head to the tripod and keep it from moving.  To repair the problem… just back out the grub screws a little bit.  Then unscrew the head and then re-tighten it.  Re-tighten the grub screws and Voila!  You are done.

Please remember: DO NOT USE finger nail polish or Loc-tite on the head or grub screws to “lock” them in place.  You may make it impossible to repair this head again in the future.

Also be aware: There are several variations of these spare parts.  Older style for number models like 055 or 190. Find it here. The newer style for lettered models like MT055 or MT190  are found here.

If you are having problems, or for a tune up or for repairs, send your name, address, daytime phone and email address along with your tripod to:

ManfrottoTripodParts.com Repairs
c/o SpartanPhotoCenter
108 Garner Road
Spartanburg, SC 29303

Once we have it, we will evaluate it and contact you. Please send us your daytime phone so we can reach you during business hours.

Lastly, if we are repairing your Manfrotto Product; we are recycling all broken parts and scrap articles. Almost nothing goes into the trash if we can help it.

Post was changed to reflect the address change