What is the difference between the Manfrotto MT190GO tripods?

I see there is an MT190GOA4 and a MT190GOA4TB so what is the difference between these two?  They look the same.

There have been three versions of MT190GO in aluminum and 2 in carbon since it came out in 2015. And other than the “TIPA” award sticker on the new one, they look almost identical.  The specifications have not changed.  They are the same size,weight and capacity.  But if you are looking for parts your are going to fin three versions right now: MT190GOA4TB-1, MT190GOA4TB-2, MT190GOA4.

I’m going to tackle these in order of appearance: MT190GOA4TB-1  was introduced 2015-02-10 and it had a TB and a TD version.  The TB is the black leg release button, the TD is the grey leg release button.  These are the same units, except for that.  The legs are sold as single parts, there is not sub-parts like bushings or twist knobs on this model.

Next in 2016-02-22 was the MT190GOA4TB-2 which is again identical, except that the leg assemblies were given different parts number.  These are the same units, except for that.  The legs are sold as single parts, there is not sub-parts like bushings or twist knobs on this model.

The latest version  MT190GOA4 was introduced 2017-05-15 is almost a completely different tripod.  The size, weight and capacity are identical.  But now, there are individual parts that make up the legs.  This is great!  You can replace the leg shims as they wear.  Now this is where it gets interesting:  The legs are no longer round tubes, they are D shaped.  There is a little flat on the inside of the tube. This makes the tube stronger, and although the tubes are still the same diameter, the twist lock knobs are “chunkier” on the newer unit, making for a better grip.  These twist lock knobs are available in single or three packs as well.  The old twist knobs are not compatible with the new, so you can’t but the knobs and replace them on the old units.  The newer knobs are officially the new M series twist knobs and the engineering is better than before.

Another difference is the feet.  The new MT190GO use push in rubber feet, while the older MT190GO used a screw in foot.  Not a huge difference, but you can see that it makes for a more stable foot.  The one of the left is the newer tripod and the foot is angled for better grip.

Be aware that these differences also translated into the carbon fiber version MT190GOC4TB and MT190GOC4 as well.  And, as is the case, many of the parts for the aluminum tripods do not fit the carbon tripods.  About the only that that does is the center column and the top and bottom plates of the main castings.  So make sure you know which tripod you have before ordering the parts.

As always, if you need help we are always happy to lend a hand.  Bas is available from 10 am to 2 pm Monday through Friday and we can take you emails and calls.  You can call us at 864-583-6835.  If you would rather not deal with it you can always send it to:

Manfrotto Repairs
c/o SpartanPhotoCenter, inc
108 Garner Road
Spartanburg, SC 29303

 

We now have parts for the New BeFree Live Video Tripod & Head

We are now stocking almost all parts for the BeFree Live tripod and most losable parts on the MVK400 Video head.  You can find the complete listing Here.

There is little that is different in the basic tear down and repair of this tripod or head.  Basic tools are needed, Torx T20, flat blade screw driver or Allen wrench; depending upon what you are working on.

The most likely parts you will loose or damage are the Leg Snap Levers, there are 3 sizes; the Center Column Locking Knob or the Bag Hook on the bottom of the center column.

The head we have already seen that the pan handle and the Pan Handle Locking Knob are going to be trouble.  The pan handle is prone to breakage, ESPECIALY of the tripod tips over and hits on the Pan Tightening Knob.

Make sure you are following the basic rules of tripod use and you should not have a problem.

If you are having problems determining what parts you need, 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 change a head on your tripod.

One of the simpler modifications you can make to your Manfrotto tripod is changing the head.  While you may be able to get by with only one head, having several for different situations will make you life easier.

 

All Manfrotto, and Bogen, tripods that have center columns will allow you to lock the head so it does not unscrew during use.  The older tripods had up to 3 locking screws, we call them “grub screws,” while the newer tripods may only have one.  The grub screw is used to put tension on the head when it is screwed on, so it will not come off.  Indeed, if you have ever attempted to remove a head while the grub screws were tightened you could more easily destroy the head than unscrew it.

You don’t even need to remove the grub screw. Just backing the screw out enough to allow the head to unscrew is all that it takes.   The grub screws are accessed from the bottom of the center column plate or to the side of the plate. Just make sure they are backed out completely before you reattach the head, because the stability of the head depends upon the base of the head and the center column plate both being in good contact with each other.

 

If even one grub screw protruded it will prevent the head from staying locked and it may wiggle or unscrew during use.  The picture to the right is a head that never stayed on tight.  the customer sent this in for repair when it was only a grub screw that was causing the problem.  Backing out the grub screw, re tightening the head and re tightening the grub screw was all it took.

We often find on the really old Bogen tripods that the head and the center column plate might get stuck after years of being together.  Sometimes this is the aluminum wanting to bond, often its is corrosion or foreign contaminants.  Either way if you cannot unlock it, we can.

There are different grub screws for different series and models of tripods and center columns.  The old Bogen 190, 055 use three grub screws,  the Manfrotto MT190, Mt055 and MT290 tripods use a single grub screw and the 055 and 190 leveling columns use a single grub screw that accesses from the side.  The video balls also have grubs screws, found here.

If you are having problems determining parts needed, 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 Use the 200PL Quick Release Plate

While there is nothing particularly complicated about the 200PL plate, there are a few things you should know.

This plate the most commonly sold and used Manfrotto quick release plate. This is good, because it gives you more choices of heads, monopods and tripods to use, without removing the quick release plate from your camera.

This plate shown to the right is the 1/4 inch screw that universally fits most small film and digital cameras ( Click here for size info) while the 3/8 size ( Click here for size info) will fit some medium format film cameras, view cameras and larger telephoto lenses that use the 3/8 screw.  The 200PL is the standard 1/4 screw and includes a 3/8 thread adapter to make it a 3/8 screw.  You can still buy a 3/8 plate if you want the strength and piece of mind of not using an adapter screw. Either way, get a plate for each camera and large lens that will fit a tripod. This way you can use the tripod without having to continuously change plates every time you use a different camera.   The screw is centered on the plate, there is also an anti-rotation pin that can be removed if not needed.  The anti-rotation pin is for video cameras that have a guide hole next to the tripod screw pin the base of the camera.

On the bottom of the plate, embossed into the plate is the word “Lens >” the arrow should be pointing toward the lens on the camera.  This makes sure that the lens is oriented correctly on the head.  This will ensure that the handles and knobs are all within reach for easy use.

While this may seem a small thing, if you are purchasing and using the Architectural plate with 1/4 inch screw ( See left, or Click here for more) this is important. Because the correct orientation when making panoramic shots, or verticals will ensure that the handles on some heads will NOT be in the way.  Some heads cannot be operated because the camera will be in the way if the camera is on the plate wrong. The Architectural plate is also available in a 3/8 inch screw as well.

As you can see to the left the architectural plate has a floating plate with a lip that snugs against the camera so it will not rotate when in the vertical position.

There are replacement screws for the 1/4 Plate or for the  3/8 screw  or you can buy the 3/8 adapter which can be used on this plate as well.  The 3/8 adapter we sell has more threads than may lesser adapters we’ve seen.  This should make the fit stronger and more secure, so the threads in your camera re not stripped or damaged.

As always, we recommend that you zip tie or stow a spare plate inside your camera bag some where, just in case you loose one.  Because your tripod is useless without one.

We have a wide selection of quick releases, adapters and parts and pieces on this accessory webpage.

New Manfrotto MVM450A Video Monopod with Fluid Base

Introducing the newest addition to the Manfrotto line of fluid monopods !

The MVM450a is the fully functional MVM250A fluid video monopod with a MHXPRO-2W Video head on top.  This monopod is ready go, featuring both a fluid head on top and the removable MVA50A base; which can now be purchased separately as well!

Key Benefits and Features:  MHXPRO-2W Video Head:
This head is quickly becoming the best selling video head on the market.  The head features a  200PL Quick Release Plate (Click here for purchase and size info) Which is Manfrottos most popular plate, and most universally used on both photo, video and monopod heads.
 Portability:
Great solution for those users who are looking for a compact and light weight support for the camera. It can be easily carried around and in those situations where the use of a tripod is not possible because of the lack of space.
 Operating Height:
Four Sections on the monopod offers a great range of operating heights. This allows the user to be more flexible while shooting and reach points of view that otherwise wouldn’t be achievable. Whether shooting at eye level or overhead you always have a smooth pan in a very limited footprint. Minimum height flooded is 30.31 inches and maximum extended height is 78.74 inches including the head. Weighs only slightly more than 4 lbs. Safe operating capacity is 8.8 pounds of gear.

New Monopod foot with fluid cartridge

 Patented Fluid Base System:
Features the patented fluid cartridge system incorporated into the base that gives an incredibly smooth panning action to the monopod while shooting video.
 Fluid Base:
The fluid base accessory will convert a photo monopod into a fully functional and video monopod. Compatible with Manfrotto models; 679B, 680B, 558B, and all the photo monopods that feature a 20mm tube in the last section.
 Reasonable Price:
The MVM450a is expected to retail for for about $ 249.99, including the installed fluid base.

Click Here to see pricing and availability.

We Repair Tripods, Monopods and Heads.

Yes, we can repair any tripod, head, monpod or products listed here  If there is any doubt as to whether you can DIY (do it yourself), or if you have the correct tools; then send us the product, and we can make the repair or find suitable replacement parts.  For more info on repairs Click here.

We strive to have our Manfrotto spare parts in stock all the time.  That can be difficult since none are actually made in the USA.

We strive to repair Manfrotto heads, tripod and monopods within 3 working days. Generally there is only a $ 25 repair fee + parts and shipping.  Un-available parts are only one problem that will slow a repair.  Fingernail polish, Super Glue, Loc Tite and other glues and epoxies that you may be tempted to use to make a repair should be avoided.  While you may be able to temporarily fix something with these items, having to remove glues and adhesives will double and triple the time required to make a fix.  This slows us down, since not all epoxies and glues do no have solvents to dissolve them after they are cured; they must be chipped away without damaging the underlaying screws or channels.

If there is a lot of parts that are broken, it may not be economically feasible to repair a tripod or head, but it could make sense to trade it it and buy a new or different model.

Whether for trade in or for repairs click here, 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.

A Few Things to Remember Before You Start A Repair…

A few basics when repairing your Manfrotto…

• Safety First…
• If you don’t know, don’t try…
• Have everything you need laid out…
• As you disassemble, lay out everything in order – then reassemble in reverse order.

Safety first…  Make sure you have the right tools.  Almost everything on Manfrotto products is metric.  You can’t repair metric with US tools.  The most common Allen wrenches are the 2mm, 3mm, 4mm and 5mm, or the TORX T25. Socket drivers are usually 8mm or 10mm.

Some heads have springs under high tension -Wear Safety goggles. Beware of sharp edges, points and springs.  Some people are allergic to the lubricants used internally, you may need to wear gloves.

If you don’t know, don’t try…A pan head is simple, and easily DIY repaired.  Replacing a handle or knob can easily be done in a few minutes.  Ball heads have more complex locking mechanisms internally.  Plus there are features inside to keep the parts and springs organized and under tension.  Without specialized tools those features will not come out.  And pulling them out with pliers may seem like a good way to get them out, it will damage them, to the other parts increasing the parts needed for your repair. Video heads and some ball heads have springs to keep the tension. These are very powerful and WILL rocket out of the head if you are not careful.  Plus you can damage other parts inside the head if you are assembling the head wrong.  Lets not even talk about gear heads or hydrostatic heads!

Screw and nut drivers

Have everything laid out before you start…  I lay my tools to the upper right of the work surface, disassembled parts to the left.  I work in the center. A cleaning cloth made of T-shirt like material is good for cleaning dirt and accumulated dirt out  of the mechanism.  But don’t remove the lubricants.  Everything that is lubed uses a gel lubricant that is designed to stay where it is put. Removing lubricants will allow parts to wear out faster.  While general lubricants like WD40 are great for general use, NEVER use it on a tripod, monopod or head. It is too fluid and will make a mess, as well as, hold dirty and grime where you don’t want it.

As you disassemble, lay out everything in order – then reassemble in reverse order… As simple as this sounds, it is always the best way to work and never vary.  Some of the parts are in a specific order to allow bearing to move smoothly, or to allow parts to slide and turn.  ALWAY remove items with caution and care paying particular attention to the orientation that they came out in.  Parts lists, and websites do not document the particularity of these items.  It is mostly done by experience.

Lastly, while the tools are all metric, please bear in mind that not all the parts are standard.  Often the parts are made just  for a particular use and are not interchangeable.  Some threads may appear to be M6 metric, but often the thread pitch or count is different and using standard hardware store screws will only damage the threaded internal parts. Some screws are threaded backwards so they will not come out during use.  You can easily strip a head off a screw before you know why then it is major surgery to remove a stripped screw.

If you get stuck, let us know.  After we stop laughing, we will help. No, seriously, we can repair any tripod head or monopod listed on our website.  Those that are not listed are because the tools and techniques are not generally made available, or are only repaired by the factory.

We have,on more than one occasion, reassembled heads for customers that just didn’t make sense once they got it apart.  You can find our repair info by clicking here.

Whether for tune up or for repair, send your name, address, daytime phone and email address along with your tripod to:

SpartanPhotoCenter, Inc
108 Garner Rd
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 Do I Repair a 503 Video Head?

The simplest answer is don’t!

Replacing the knobs and handles are fine for regular folk, but if you are attempting to open and repair parts on the inside of the housing…DON’T.  Several of these have a very large spring, under a lot of tension, that requires some specialized tools to disassemble and reassemble.

If that spring is let out improperly, it could not only do person injury, it is possible to break part of the housing, bend the flanges or mess it up to where the head is almost useless.

On any of the Bogen 519 or Manfrotto 516, 519, 526 and HDV series video heads, the best thing is let a trained technician do the repair.

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.

We now stock parts for Manfrotto arms & clamps

ManfrottoTripodParts.com Super Clamp

We just updated our selection of parts for Manfrotto accessories.  We now have a selection of parts available for the Super Clamp, Variable Friction Magic Arm; along with the 196B and 396B arms, and a whole host of other accessories.

Like our tripod and head pages, these accessories and arms are listed out showing the parts that are available from us.  Unfortunately, not all parts are available separately.  Some are sold as assemblies only, not just as a single part.  These parts and assemblies are listed on the site.

ManfrottoTripodParts.com Magic Arm

ManfrottoTripodParts.com Camera Adapter

ManfrottoTripodParts.com Dual Ball Head

 

 

 

 

 

In addition to the parts, usually the first item listed on the page is the complete item.  So if you need a complete super clamp, or a magic arm, the best place to find it is on the parts page.

These are some of the most useful items if you are attempting to mount your camera, shades or diffusers in an unusual situation, or if you need an extra hand.

We’ve helped photographers mount full sized DSLR cameras to the undercarriage of cars, to hot air balloons, or just to a tripod during a studio shoot.

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.

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