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

 

How to replace the Leg Release on the MT055 and MT190 tripods

The Leg release on Manfrotto, and Bogen, tripods have several different styles and shapes as you can see to the right.  They are all unique to their tripod, so they are almost never interchangeable.

In the pictures to the right, the top leg brace has the silver leg tube attached.  this brace is one of two styles: one is swedged on and if remove it ruins the leg, the other uses a tension nut inside the tube that requires a very long socket wrench to looses and tighten.  You cannot tell the difference easily.  the leg brace at 3 o’clock has a single screw behind it that locks it into place just like the one at 6 o’clock, but they have different “ears” that attach to the main casting, and the leg tube diameters are slightly different.  This, while they look similar, are not interchangeable.  the brace at 9 o’clock has two locking screw, there is another version of this brace, where the ears are pointing out.  again not interchangeable.

How the main casting is held together is another thing to consider when changing the leg tubes.  Older Manfrotto 055 and 190, Bogen 3001, 3010, 3021 have a large main casting that hold the legs together from the bottom.  To remove any one leg you must remove two of the leg stoppers. You may need help holding the legs since they can fall out once the two leg stoppers are removed.

The newer Manfrotto MT series have a main casting that consists of an upper and a lower half.  There are 3 tensions screws that hold the halves together and provide the tension on the legs so they don’t swing out recklessly.  On these models, you will have to remove the center column before you start to take the main casting apart.  Take care that there is a shoe and spring inside the main casting that may shoot out if you are not careful.

Removing the screw is usually a Torx T23 driver.  It looks a lot like a regular screw driver, though the working end is different.  It is star shaped, instead of cross shaped like a Phillips screw driver.

I suggest that as you take apart the tripod, you lay out all the pieces in order as you go.  This will help when you reassemble the parts.  Unlike a washing machine, a tripod often cannot function without one of the screws, or other parts.

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.

 

 

 

 

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.

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.

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.

How To Adjust The Leg Lock On A MT055 Tripod?

Flip lock adjustment

The new MT055 tripods have a quick snap  lock lever.  You will need an 8mm socket nut driver.  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.

Each tripod model has different leg lock collars based on whether it is aluminum or carbon, 3 or 4 leg tubes and if the tube are upper, middle or lower.  Find your tripod models 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.

Updated to reflect the changes in address