Bogen 3221 tripod parts hint

[Ulophot]

I thought I'd pass on my happy experience of this morning.

A small, plastic, locking collar piece of the leg-clamping assembly on my Bogen 3221 had gone missing, which I discovered while mounting some DIY improved-friction feet -- just in time fortunately, since my camera was mounted and had been standing all night!

Checking the web for parts led me to the ManfrottoSpares.com site, which is a third-party supplier. However, all I could find for my model was an assembly of the clamping lever, the long tension screw, the nut, and the collar, for $16 (plus shipping) per set, and the only part I can use is the collar, since the rest are for a different version than mine.

Here's the good news: I sent an email asking about any chance of getting only the locking collar, and received a reply in minutes, with a link to a package of three for $7 and asking if this is what I was looking for. With ebullient thanks to my savior there, I immediately ordered two sets. The supplier is in the UK, so my tripod will be out of commission for a week, but I am one happy man.

Lesson: If the part you want is not listed under the model, even a long-discontinued one such as mine, ask. You might be lucky!

For any interested, the part number for those collar pieces is R055-112.

 

[BrianShaw]

That is great news... congratulations. There are two suppliers of parts for older Bogen/Manfrotto products - the one in UK and one in US - Spartan Photo. Both are excellent resources for parts... once the mysteries of model numbers, etc. is figured out. When you get that tripod back in shape it will likely serve you well for decades!

 

[gorbas]

This one: https://spartanphotocenter.com/ ??

 

[BrianShaw]

Yes, but this link is easier:

https://bogentripodparts.com/

 

[Ulophot]

Thanks. Too bad I didn't know about Spartan earlier today; could have saved some money, as I subsequently ordered a set of spike feet as well. Ah, long-term investment, I remind myself. And yes, I do expect the tripod to last as long as I do, and then quite a bit. I purchased a floor model in nearly mint condition from a camera shop that put it on sale for about half price. I subsequently purchased, at the hardware store, a set of rubber chair foot cups, somewhat similar to crutch bottoms, which, with a bit of extra material glued inside, fit over and stay on the tripod feet, improving the traction on wood and other slippery floors dramatically.