Are Leg Tubes Interchangeable?

I bent a leg tube, so now I cannot retract my leg.  Does it matter what tube I replace it with?

The tubes are all different sizes since they have to fit into each other.  So one difference is the tube diameter.

The second is the interior shape.  Some tubes are smooth inside, others have ridges that tit into grooves so the tubes will not rotate.  The tube in the center of the picture is “D” shaped and will not work with the round tubes, or the leg braces and leg locks.  The tubes are different lengths depending upon whether the tripod is a 3 section or a 4 section.

And the last consideration is color.  In the older tripods the tubes can be silver or black.  In the same model they are interchangeable, so as long a you can live with the color difference, these are interchangeable.

Ultimately the best thing to do it find the exact model and purchase the tubes for it.  If you cannot determine what you have, send it to us.

Spartan Photo Center, Inc
108 Garner Road
Spartanburg, SC 29303

Include your Name, Address, Day time or cell phone number, and a description of what is damaged or needs to be repaired inside the box. Because of parts availability, or lack there of, we cannot guarantee rush service or turnaround times.

Some repairs can only be preformed by the Manfrotto repair technicians, and may have to be sent to a Manfrotto repair facility. Any items not listed on this site will be sent to Manfrotto. Repairs are usually quoted for complex or highly technical repairs.

What is the Hole on the Side of My Tripod?

I have an MT190XPRO3 tripod and there is a hole in the side of it.  What is this?

This is the accessory screw port.  This has been a feature on Manfrotto tripods all the way back to when they were called Bogen.  It is basically a 3/8 screw hole that allows you to add a strap, add accessory arms or attach loops and other things to the tripod easily.  This is available on all the current MT190XPRO and MT055XPRO tripods.  There is a rubber cover to protect the threads and center column workings from debris.

The current accessory screw port has notch int he top and bottom that allows for the use of an non-rotating arm.  The previous 190 and 055 tripods can accept the arms, though they may rotate and flop about if the arm is twisted or set at the wrong angle.  We do not recommend the AR versions for the older tripods.  You can find more info about the arms on the page listed below.

More information about:
Manfrotto 244 Mini Arms
Clip on strap that does not use accessory screw port

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 Bogen and Manfrotto Tripods the Same?

Yes, 20 years or so ago, Bogen tripods were made by Manfrotto.

And…

No, the current Manfrotto Tripods are very different in most cases from what the Bogen equivalent used to be called.

As you can see from the 3021/055 picture to the left, this Bogen tripod is bulkier and more angular.  The MT055 Manfrotto tripod to the right is the same series tripod, though it is made about 20 years later and it is much more stylish.

One of the major changes between the two brands, though they shared models like 055, 058, 190 etc; is generally the weight.  The newer Manfrotto tripods a very much lighter than the previous models. The old Bogen 055/3021 weighs about 6.6 lbs; while the new Manfrotto MT055XPRO3 only weighs 5.5 lbs.  The old Bogens usually used round tubes, where most of the new Manfrotto tripods have “D” shaped tubes that are lighter and just as strong as the older heavier ones.

Also the use of “technopolymer” is allowing the weight on bulky parts to be reduced.  You will find this on the newer heads.

By using newer technologies and better allows the size and strength remain the same while the weight is decreased overall. This technology is being diffused across all the tripods, heads, and monopods.

 

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.