I'm curious what you would expect to receive if you purchased this item from Adorama--

34983 Vinten Two-Stage ENG Carbon Fiber Fibertec Tripod with 100mm Bowl, Supports 99 lbs. (http://www.adorama.com/VO34983.html?searchinfo=vinten%20%20fibretec&item_no=7)


What would you expect to find in the box?

Just sticks and a carry strap.

That is a bare tripod.

Same here. No head expected.

So the picture doesn't really indicate what to expect?

So the picture doesn't really indicate what to expect?

The photo is of tripod legs. It also comes with a strap. What's you point?

You must be referring to spreader ?? I would say that is a bit vague, and would be based on industry practice. I would have expected a spreader, based on picture, but in reading what is included, says only strap.

The picture doesn't have a head on it. At least not when I checked at noon today...

It's just the tripod for sale.

<< re-read the page in question >>

Take a look at the same tripod on B&H. Under specifications it indicates "NO" for any spreader being included.

Vinten | 3498-3 ENG/EFP 2-Stage Fibertec Tripod Legs | 34983 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/276287-REG/Vinten_34983_3498_3_ENG_EFP_2_Stage_Fibertec.html#specifications)

I'm curious what you would expect to receive if you purchased this item from Adorama--

34983 Vinten Two-Stage ENG Carbon Fiber Fibertec Tripod with 100mm Bowl, Supports 99 lbs. (http://www.adorama.com/VO34983.html?searchinfo=vinten%20%20fibretec&item_no=7)


What would you expect to find in the box?

For the head you're looking at an additional $3,500 or so.

Well, to answer your initial question, one of the best sets of sticks on the planet.

Minus a couple of important (not to say bloody expensive) options, but a start.

I must admit to feeling a certain mild panic when I saw where your post was going however, as I fleetingly wondered whether my review of said sticks could have in any way contributed to what must have been a bit of a shock and disapointment.

I have just re - read it and realised that, no, I don't actually say the other bits aren't included as standard, tho' I do list their respective prices at the end, which pretty clearly says they ain't free.

For all I know you never read it, so think I'm off the hook anyway.

As for the Adorama entry, well, yes, the picture does show a SpreadLock spreader, the text for "Included" say's it ain't included.

I've just re - checked the Vinten web site to discover that:

a. They're still showing the 2007 catalogue

b. The page (#19) that shows the FiberTecs and other CF sticks does say in big lettering at the bottom "Spreaders Sold Seperately", tho' the FiberTec page itself (#20) does show the sticks with a SpreadLoc fitted and doesn't say specifically it isn't included.

c. Much to my utter astonishment the FiberTec's are still being made and distributed, when I was told quite categorically by Vinten management they were to be discontinued as of last Christmas (2007).

[I would like to think my rather incendiary response to that piece of news had some small part in changeing their minds, guess I'll never know].

As I don't know whether you checked the Vinten web site, that's not much help either.

Anyway, back to your problem.

Think you'll have to chalk this one up to inadequate research and stump up for the SpreadLoc.

More to the point, enjoy those sticks, you made a damn good buy.


CS

PS: If this cheers you up any, just found this in my trawling - very interesting snippet.

Vinten Fibertec Legs CML-Cinematography Mailing List (http://cinematography.net/edited-pages/VintenFibertecLegs.htm)

On review, the spreader is listed after the heads to make a system. Apparently I didn't read it so well the first time around. I apologize. Next time, more coffee before forming an opinion. My bad.

Yep, legs and strap is all one should expect. Nice set of legs, though.

You guys crack me up with all the assumptions and reading between the lines. And you're alot easier on your vendors than I.

So from this ad you'd expect a bare tripod and strap, no feet, no spreader?

Well you're correct.

Searching around, and being a bargain hunter, I believed the picture and thought I'd found a better deal than B&H, but what I found was a worse listing. In fact, based on the verbage, I'm lucky they shipped the tripod, since it only states the strap is included ;)

I had seen that thread regarding the prototyping, Chris, and hoped all that work was done, but they must've sent me one from the back room, since one of the leg locks broke the second time I tried operating it. So we'll see how the warranty works.

Sure you didn't do what I did on my very first outing - grab an already open (thus horizontal) lock lever and attempt to "open it again" by pulling it up to vertical, with the resultant sound of bones breaking and the thought of mega bucks down drain for one's sheer stupidity?

If that's it, despair not.

Just grab that lever and push it back down to the locked position again. There will be the accompanying (cringe making) sound of yet more bones breaking and hey presto - it's fixed.

Doesn't pay to make a habit of it tho', and in fact, I've never done it again.

If that wasn't it, I'm interested in what, exactly did break and where.


CS

Just as an aside - Vinten have one of the best after sale services on the planet. Granted, going through your supplier may be more politically correct and MAY result in getting a replacement set (if they have any).

However, if you can identify the problem to Vinten UK (I don't believe they have a US office but am prepared to be corrected) they will, hopefully, despatch whatever replacements are required, assuming it is capable of being user serviceable, of course.

Everyone else I've heard from who has had an issue with a Vinten product raves about how quick they were to ship bits all over the planet to fix a problem.

Worth a try if it really is bust and your supplier is less than helpfull.

I'm having other issues with the tripod, so I started a thread over on that forum.

(I don't believe they have a US office but am prepared to be corrected)

From www.vinten.com/:
The Vitec Group
Camera Dynamics Inc.
709 Executive Blvd
Valley Cottage
New York, 10989
USA
t: +1 845 268 0100
f: +1 845 268 9324
info-cd-usa@vitecgroup.com

or

The Vitec Group
Camera Dynamics Inc.
2701 N. Ontario St
Burbank
CA 91504
USA
t: +1 818 845 4446
f: +1 818 845 4572
info-cd-usa@vitecgroup.com

Ever vigilant, as usual.

Just goes to show my Eurocentricity, I wouldn't have spotted that on the Vinten web site if it was in 10 foot letters highlighted with a 50 piece brass band.

Thanks again.


CS

Whilst you're "on the line" so to speak, what chance getting the DVinfo URL for my review of these sticks, tagged onto my mini review in the product description on the B&H web site?


CS

Whilst you're "on the line" so to speak, what chance getting the DVinfo URL for my review of these sticks, tagged onto my mini review in the product description on the B&H web site?
I'll have a look.

Be much obliged if it's possible.


CS