Tripod Lubricants

Trail Images · Sep 2, 2022

DREW WILEY said:
inspect the inner tube seals, where there might be grime buildup more than on the legs themselves

Drew, you're correct. However, after inspection on the 20+ year old tripod I bought the repair kit with new washers and leg anti rotation sleeves. Also, the OEM supplied marine lube was of help too. So far so good.

DREW WILEY · Sep 2, 2022

That sounds good. I really try to pamper my equipment. But when some of it has undergone thousands of miles of harsh outdoor travel in the desert and high mountains, repairs and maintenance issues are inevitable. And tripods, well, that's what they're for - sticking their feet in the mud and snow, just like my boots.

Trail Images · Sep 2, 2022

DREW WILEY said:
That sounds good. I really try to pamper my equipment. But when some of it has undergone thousands of miles of harsh outdoor travel in the desert and high mountains, repairs and maintenance issues are inevitable. And tripods, well, that's what they're for - sticking their feet in the mud and snow, just like my boots.

Exactly Drew. You have stated what my unit has seen over the years. Like you, I have always protected my gear. But like all "tools" of any trade they do eventually get beyond just spit shining them.....

lxdude · Sep 3, 2022

Trail Images said:
after inspection on the 20+ year old tripod I bought the repair kit with new washers and leg anti rotation sleeves. Also, the OEM supplied marine lube was of help too. So far so good.

I remember when Feisol legs did not have anti-rotation because they said it was not as strong. I assumed that anti rotation required a notch or hole or something that could weaken the leg.
Then Feisol went to anti-rotation legs, I suppose because of market demand. (They say they still make the rotating kind for anyone who wants them). Do you see any difference in strength now that you have the anti-rotation sleeves? I have the old type on my CT-3442, and it's not a big deal, but anti-rotation would give a little less to think about, especially when I'm in a hurry setting up.

Trail Images · Sep 3, 2022

lxdude said:
I remember when Feisol legs did not have anti-rotation because they said it was not as strong. I assumed that anti rotation required a notch or hole or something that could weaken the leg.
Then Feisol went to anti-rotation legs, I suppose because of market demand. (They say they still make the rotating kind for anyone who wants them). Do you see any difference in strength now that you have the anti-rotation sleeves? I have the old type on my CT-3442, and it's not a big deal, but anti-rotation would give a little less to think about, especially when I'm in a hurry setting up.

I was one of the first to receive the 3301 units with the anti-rotating legs. I know this as a good friend bought his only a couple weeks before me and it had the rotating legs. He and I both bought thru Kerry Thalmann when he was a Feisol distributor. I can truly say that after 20 years usage the carbon fiber strength has never been any issue. This after alternating use with a Mamiya RB67 ProSD and a 4x5 Wista DXIII all those years.
The inner workings of the anti-rotation is a simple design. Each upper leg has a tiny raised spline on the inside and the lower inserting leg has a small button on the top edge of the leg. A paper thin plastic sleeve is attached to the button and has a groove that rides the upper leg spline. Simple but very effective.

lxdude · Sep 6, 2022

Trail Images said:
I was one of the first to receive the 3301 units with the anti-rotating legs. I know this as a good friend bought his only a couple weeks before me and it had the rotating legs. He and I both bought thru Kerry Thalmann when he was a Feisol distributor. I can truly say that after 20 years usage the carbon fiber strength has never been any issue. This after alternating use with a Mamiya RB67 ProSD and a 4x5 Wista DXIII all those years.
The inner workings of the anti-rotation is a simple design. Each upper leg has a tiny raised spline on the inside and the lower inserting leg has a small button on the top edge of the leg. A paper thin plastic sleeve is attached to the button and has a groove that rides the upper leg spline. Simple but very effective.

Thanks for that. From your description, it appears that my rotating-type will have to stay that way. Not a big deal.

maltfalc · Sep 10, 2022

car wax for parts i want to slide with minimal friction, candle wax for parts i don't want to seize up but also don't want to slip or loosen on their own.

Philippe-Georges · Sep 10, 2022

Ballistol (gun-) oil is your truly friend!

Tripod Lubricants

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