Head stuck on Bogen 3050

C A Sugg · Feb 27, 2010

I picked up a old but servicable Bogen 3050 with a 3063 video head. I wish to use it with an NPC Prohead (Amrus Shpigel joint) however, the existing head is stuck. I did remove the set screws. I understand that this can be a shortcoming of some Bogens. Assuming a previous owner didn't glue the head on, does anyone have any tips for removing it? Or should I just pass it on to a "kinetic imaging" student?
Thanks,
Charles Sugg

Jon Shiu · Feb 27, 2010

Hi, first locate a set of channel-lock pliers. Take the column off by pulling up out of the tripod. Put a screwdriver through the holes at the bottom so that the column won't rotate. Hold the column on a bench or table, with the head hanging off the side. Grip the base of the head with the channel-locks and rotate to remove.

If this does not work, put the head and column in the freezer for a few hours and try again.

Jon

unclemack · Feb 27, 2010

Hi, I use "Boa Constrictor" tools for jobs like this - just consists of a plastic handle with a reinforced rubber strap - other trade named versions exist.
They come in different sizes, they don't mark the finish and will remove the most stubborn seized filter too.
You need two of them, one for the column & one for the head.

John Koehrer · Feb 28, 2010

+1 on the strap wrench set!
You could also put a little penetrating oil on the joint between the head & plate & let it work for a while.

C A Sugg · Feb 28, 2010

Thanks all. Just put the head in the freezer. It wouldn't fit with the column on, but the head mount screws out of it. (I hope that wasn't a huge mistake. And also that three plastic bags will protect my food from the "liquid wrench" I put on it yesterday.) There is a bolt head inside.
Jon, this one doesn't have any kind of holes on the column. An older variation? It's got the remnants of a Piedmont baggage sticker on it.
Charles

Jon Shiu · Feb 28, 2010

I had a 3021 tripod, so the construction of the column and mounting plate is probably different. I wasn't able to get enough grip or leverage with strap wrenches when I removed mine. Incidentally, the video head is worth some money. I sold mine on ebay.

Jon

C A Sugg · Feb 28, 2010

No luck with the freezing. Oh well, I have Gitzo G410 legs with both column and flat plate, with which I can go, I think, a little lower and much, much higher. It's just that I had been lusting after one of these because it would be faster to set up.
So, back together it goes before I foul up the existing head. Hopefully it won't take too long to recoup the $20 invested in it.

fotch · Mar 1, 2010

Have you tried calling Bogen for tech support? They may have a solution.

Bob-D659 · Mar 1, 2010

You have to clamp the alloy casting that is the top of the column on a Manfrotto/Bogen, otherwise if you hold the column tube only there is a good chance you can twist or distort it. You can thread some bolts into the setscrew threads to help secure the column in a vice and use a strap wrench to loosen the head.

Otherwise:

If you remove the plug in the bottom of the column tube you can see the nut that holds the taper plug in place on the top casting. The taper plug spreads the bottom of the casting to hold it into the tube. If you back that nut off a few turns, a few taps on the tube just below the casting with a non marring mallet will loosen the taper plug and you can pull the casting out of the tube. Once you have the casting out of the tube, remove the nut, taper plug and remove the other nut holding the center screw in the casting, you can remove the head with the screw attached. Apply some heat to the screw and it will come right out of the head.

You will need a couple of long 3/8" extensions and a 6 point metric socket to get at the nut in the first place.

Mike1234 · Mar 1, 2010

Forget all the above advice and go to the emergency room IMMEDIATELY!! How did you get your head stuck on your tripod anyway... a freak accident?? This is serious buisness!!

C A Sugg · Mar 1, 2010

I must have a different design. The head mounting plate screws right out of the column tube, while it is still in the legs. There is a bolt in the middle of that assembly, but, like the head, it was going nowhere. I tried, after freezing, using a wrench on that bolt with a strap wrench around the body of the head. (a strap wrench designed for plumbing) I also tried it with channnel lock pliers around the diameter of the plate.
Are there some metals that tend to fuse when they're held in contact for extend periods? This has likely been the case with this combo for at least 2 decades.

John Koehrer · Mar 1, 2010

Ummm, If you can keep the base section from rotating you could mount it in a vise & if you have some sort of protrusion you can rest a piece of wood against. You can smack the wood>protrusion a good one & it might let go.

You say the bolt in the bottom not going anywhere, could you mount the head in a vise, mount a socket or box wrench with a cheater bar & give it a twist.

Depending how high the camera ACTUALLY has to be, think about a tripod for a spotting scope. I have one that is 14" long collapsed & 14" full extended(kinda short) but, You can hold it against a tree, wall picnic table, large bear etc.

fotch · Mar 1, 2010

C A Sugg said:
I must have a different design. The head mounting plate screws right out of the column tube, while it is still in the legs. There is a bolt in the middle of that assembly, but, like the head, it was going nowhere. I tried, after freezing, using a wrench on that bolt with a strap wrench around the body of the head. (a strap wrench designed for plumbing) I also tried it with channnel lock pliers around the diameter of the plate.
Are there some metals that tend to fuse when they're held in contact for extend periods? This has likely been the case with this combo for at least 2 decades.

Metal can rust and be difficult to remove, aluminum and brass can seize, but in this case, I think your missing something. Can you post some pictures? I have a 3050 and if it is the same, maybe can figure out why your having this problem.

Most things come apart although sometimes not apparent to you.

Vanishing Point Ent. · Mar 2, 2010

Use Bogen Hex Q.R. For Tripods & Heads

Let me make an interesting suggestion to you, once you get the head removed from the tripod.

Get a couple of older, ( non-level ) Bogen Hex Quick Releases. Mount the base to the tripod

column. Use the hex plate with the flush screw, not the screw & locking dial.

This is obtainable in 1/4-20, or 3/8-16. Mount the hex plate to the tripod heads.

Since you have 2 tripods; the Gitzo & the Bogen 3050. Also 2 tripod heads, as mentioned

above, you will be able to switch heads between tripods in seconds, so you

can use the best tripod head & tripod, for the job.

I own a 3250, ( black ) & a black Auto Dolly. These 2 make a dynamite

combination, but I won't take it outside. I bought the tripod refurbished,

by Bogen, from a dealer. The original owner used it on the beach.

That's just dumb for an auto tripod, but it's great for studio use.

unclemack · Mar 2, 2010

There's a company called Karlu has some exploded drawings of Manfrotto tripods etc. which might give you a hint - they supply parts too, seem like helpful people.

http://www.karlu.com/manfrotto_spare_parts.htm

John Koehrer · Mar 3, 2010

If you haven't gotten it apart yet, have you thought about sending the head & plate to Bogen?

Wyno · Mar 3, 2010

If your head's stuck on a bogen, does that mean we can give you an ear bashing? LOL
Here in Australia, a "bogan" is probably what you Americans call trailer trash.
Mike
PS I hope I haven't offende anyone but I couldn't resist.

John Koehrer · Mar 4, 2010

Two countries separated by a common language.
AKA "I'll be stuffed"

unclemack · Mar 4, 2010

Hi, sorry for the out-of-date link for Karlu. I should have checked it first but I'm from the olden days when companies didn't play musical chairs every five f-----g minutes.

C A Sugg · Mar 4, 2010

unclemack said:
Hi, sorry for the out-of-date link for Karlu. I should have checked it first but I'm from the olden days when companies didn't play musical chairs every five f-----g minutes.

I wondered about that. All I could find looking around were some recent Manfrotto brochures.
As I said, this one is quite vintage, with baggage stickers from an airline that left the scene in 1989. The website of an outfit that sells manfrotto parts listed those for this variant as unavailable. (round column)
I've got someone coming by whose interested in it as configured, so it would be best not to further risk damaging the head.
I really like those legs, but already having the Gitzo and a Husky Quick Set, it's a little redundant.
Thanks,
Charles

Head stuck on Bogen 3050

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