tripod storage & transport question at DVinfo.net

Tim Borek · May 8th, 2005, 07:47 AM

I have a Manfrotto 701RC2 head. How do I pack the tripod so the pan bar fits in the case? Lock the head tilt at +80 or +90 degrees, or leave the tilt at 0 degrees and loosen the pan bar to fit? I'm concerned that storing the head locked in an extreme tilt for a long time will damage the internal balance spring.

I e-mailed Manfrotto three or four days ago and haven't received a reply.

Thanks,

T.J.

* Excuse such a basic question. This is my first "real" semi-pro tripod setup.

Jerry Mohn · May 10th, 2005, 07:49 AM

It is recommended by most manufacturers, I know Sachtler does this for sure. If you store your head in a locked position it can take a toll on the locking mechanism. Of course for the larger heads this applies more since the weight is much more. I would remove the pan handle bar if it is getting in the way. Most can fold down against the tripod without being removed. You should also let the pan bar fall free without being locked in. Most tripods should be packed heads up in a case too, you do not want the weight of the tripod on the head.

Tim Borek · May 10th, 2005, 10:10 AM

I appreciate it. I'll let the pan bar dangle when packed in the case, and leave the head untilted in the neutral position.

I've learned so much from people on this board. You guys are great.

TJB

Mark Sasahara · May 10th, 2005, 05:25 PM

If you are shipping, a hard case is best. Soft cases get tossed around and don't provide adequate protection for any plastic parts, or protruding parts. When shipping, put the head and legs in separate cases. Obviously, remove the pan bar. If you can't afford a hard case, then maybe a few layers of bubble wrap and cardboard in a long box, or if it'll still fit in the soft case, great. You can figure out what will work.

Richard Alvarez · May 10th, 2005, 06:19 PM

I bought a monfrotto 316 and legs with carrying case from a buddy in Houston, and had to fly back to San Francisco with it. The airlines BUTCHERED the padded soft case, broke the pan/tilt lock knobs as well.

Now I pack it in a hardshell golf case, with wheels. The case holds all the gear and then some, locks up nice and tight, and rolls around with a handle. Paid fifty bucks for the case.

Mark Sasahara · May 10th, 2005, 06:29 PM

Ouch! I feel for ya, buddy. Great idea.

May 8th, 2005, 07:47 AM	#1
Tim Borek Major Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Westfield, IN Posts: 353	tripod storage & transport question I have a Manfrotto 701RC2 head. How do I pack the tripod so the pan bar fits in the case? Lock the head tilt at +80 or +90 degrees, or leave the tilt at 0 degrees and loosen the pan bar to fit? I'm concerned that storing the head locked in an extreme tilt for a long time will damage the internal balance spring. I e-mailed Manfrotto three or four days ago and haven't received a reply. Thanks, T.J. * Excuse such a basic question. This is my first "real" semi-pro tripod setup.

May 10th, 2005, 07:49 AM	#2
Jerry Mohn Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 83	Store tripod heads on 0 for tilt and pan, no lock It is recommended by most manufacturers, I know Sachtler does this for sure. If you store your head in a locked position it can take a toll on the locking mechanism. Of course for the larger heads this applies more since the weight is much more. I would remove the pan handle bar if it is getting in the way. Most can fold down against the tripod without being removed. You should also let the pan bar fall free without being locked in. Most tripods should be packed heads up in a case too, you do not want the weight of the tripod on the head.

May 10th, 2005, 10:10 AM	#3
Tim Borek Major Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Westfield, IN Posts: 353	Thanks for the info, Jerry. I appreciate it. I'll let the pan bar dangle when packed in the case, and leave the head untilted in the neutral position. I've learned so much from people on this board. You guys are great. TJB

May 10th, 2005, 05:25 PM	#4
Mark Sasahara Major Player Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: NYC Posts: 649	If you are shipping, a hard case is best. Soft cases get tossed around and don't provide adequate protection for any plastic parts, or protruding parts. When shipping, put the head and legs in separate cases. Obviously, remove the pan bar. If you can't afford a hard case, then maybe a few layers of bubble wrap and cardboard in a long box, or if it'll still fit in the soft case, great. You can figure out what will work. __________________ Mark Sasahara Director of Photography

May 10th, 2005, 06:29 PM	#6
Mark Sasahara Major Player Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: NYC Posts: 649	Ouch! I feel for ya, buddy. Great idea. __________________ Mark Sasahara Director of Photography

May 10th, 2005, 06:19 PM	#5
Richard Alvarez Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: San Mateo, CA Posts: 3,840	I bought a monfrotto 316 and legs with carrying case from a buddy in Houston, and had to fly back to San Francisco with it. The airlines BUTCHERED the padded soft case, broke the pan/tilt lock knobs as well. Now I pack it in a hardshell golf case, with wheels. The case holds all the gear and then some, locks up nice and tight, and rolls around with a handle. Paid fifty bucks for the case.