Manfrotto has discontinued the part R190,311. This was a common center column locking knob for many Manfrotto and Bogen older style 190 tripods. You can use the following:
R190,41 is a similar replacement, it has a spring and the diameter and thread size is the same. Click here for more info.
R004,80 is the correct diameter and size, but there is no spring. Click here for more info.
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.
Manfrotto has another hit on their hands with the 190GOA4TB tripod!
You might think I’m biased, but actually this tripod is not the style I prefer to use; which makes it an all out homerun in my book. I can actually say that I would use this on a regular basis, not that I’ve seen and played with it. Here’s why…
Fine Precision Threadding Reduces Lock Up
I don’t like twist lock leg locks. When I was learning photography, the inexpensive tripods I had were twist lock. I hated them. I preferred the snap lever, especially the new ones on the MT055 and MT190 tripods because they are such a positive lock. When you close it you know it’s closed. Twist locks are a lazy man’s nemesis. If you are not careful to twist them far enough, they will slide. You can over tighten them, making them hard to release. You can over tighten them so you can over load the tripod with way more weight then it should have loaded on it. However…
Four Leg Sections
These twist locks are great. I have attempted to over tighten them, and cannot. The grip is large enough so that I always get a firm grip. They don’t seem to lock up when tightened, I’ve tried my best. I think the difference is the precision cut, fine threading on the inside. Also, the ease of locking and unlocking with the better, bigger grip allows for fine sliding adjustments. Like in Macro, I can slide the leg a bit and lock it. I can’t do that with my snap lock as easily, one handed.
It’s aluminum, but still fairly light weight. Carbon fiber will always beat metal for the weight issues, but aluminum is, in my mind, more rugged. Having four leg sections means the tripod can be a bit more compact than a 3 section tripod. It’s only a matter of a few inches but that often times makes a difference.
Single Push Button Release
The PRO center column feature is always worth having on a still camera tripod. The ability to go horizontal with the push of a button is worth the little bit extra in price that it adds. I like having this built into my tripod, rather than carrying another part around.
The three position leg brace allows you to set the legs flat on the ground. Combine this with the PRO side arm feature and you are only inches above the ground. Since each leg is independent, the combinations are almost limitless.
Use this for add on straps, 244Mini and 244Mirco arms that can hold lights, arm and other items
There is also the accessory port that allows you to attach the various arms and accessories Manfrotto makes, allowing you hands free diffusion or flash, or any of the new 244Mini and 244Micro arms that are now available..
A stylish black matte tripod with black on black buttons and silver and red accents. Pretty colors are never the reason you buy a tripod, but looking good while working well never hurts.
As far as this goes, any Manfrotto head that is flat bottomed will fit and work well with this tripod. Whether it is ballheads, geared heads, pan head or video heads; it is all compatible. See our YouTube Video
I know, we all think it. Is it time to trade in this old tripod for a newer, bigger, “badder” tripod? Maybe I’ll go with one of those cool, sleek, black Manfrottos with a new head; or maybe I’ll go with a bright, colorful, more portable Mefoto tripod? Well, maybe we don’t all think about these things, but as the “Tripod Guy” of Spartan Photo Center, I get asked these kinds of questions a lot. Here are a few questions to ask yourself in order to find a good match for you, or if you should consider getting a new tripod.
Question 1: What am I using this tripod for?
Are you in the studio? Are you hiking outdoors, going bird-watching, or backpacking? Are you going to be doing more portraiture, action shots, macro, or landscape work? These are some of the questions we are going to ask when you walk in the door to look at tripods. It’s important to know what you have in mind for this tripod before you purchase it. Many people don’t know that different tripods are built for different kinds of work and equipment. All tripods have a weight rating showing how much they can hold, in other words you aren’t going to put a Canon 5D MarkIII with a 70-200mm lens on a baby Sirui travel tripod, it’s just not going to work out in your favor. Also, if you’re really interested in macro work, you might want to look into a tripod with a center column that swings down to the side for a better close up view.
Question 2: Is my old tripod really that terrible?
Most Manfrotto and other high end tripods have parts available to repair your investment. If you’re missing just a small part, it might be better to just fix your tripod. You can actually find parts at manfrottotripodparts.com or bogentripodparts.com. However, if you have a part that is broken and you are thinking about buying a new tripod, go back to question one. Is your current tripod servicing your needs? If you have a tripod that doesn’t have replacement parts, you will have to send in your tripod for repair, which can get rather pricey. Ask question number one again. If you aren’t satisfied with how this one is working for you, you might be better off investing in a new tripod that will have replacement parts available. How old is your tripod? If it’s from the 1960′s or 1970′s, they probably don’t repair your tripod anymore, or even yet have replacement parts for your tripod. If they don’t have parts for your tripod, it’s probably time to say goodbye to your good old friend. It’s not you this time, it really is them.
Question 3: Should I go with the pricey one or just go with the inexpensive one?
This is the sticky part. Ask yourself again, what are you using this tripod for? If you’re a pro and you’re making a living off of your photography business, it might be better to invest in a heavier duty, more pricey, piece of equipment that is going to last and make you look good on the job. There are a wide range of options for people who are long time veterans of the photography business and those who are just beginning to dip their toes in the waters. If you’re a hobbyist, or you are just using your tripod for family photos and trips, it would be a good idea to look at a light duty tripod. That being said, be warned that if you purchase an inexpensive tripod and it breaks, and is out of warranty or doesn’t come with a warranty, your repair cost is probably going to be about half or more than what your tripod is worth. My day is riddled with distraught customers who realize that their bargain $50 tripod from the thrift store is going to require a $20.00 quick release in order to function, or be sent to the manufacturer for a $50.00+ repair. Make sure to ask when you come in if parts are readily available for your brand of tripod. If not, does the tripod come with a warranty? If you’re just using it for lightweight recreational use, these may not be very important to you.
We want to help you find what is best for your needs! Come in and let us know what you’re interested in, or you can find a selection of our tripods at ManfrottoTripodParts.com/Tripods.html
Updated 6-12-18 to correct web addresses
ManfrottoTripodParts 