AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

I have the Sunpak Pro 423 with the trigger ball head. All of a sudden the head won't stay put. It will feel tight, but when I put my camera on it, it just falls over. It can be moved without pulling back on the trigger.

I assume this is probably a quick fix that something needs to be tightened, but for the life of me I can't figure out what. The thin grooved something above the part that actually goes over the ball is obviously something that's supposed to tighten. It doesn't see to have any affect.

I googled the tripod and got contact info for Tocad. I e-mailed them several times and got no response. It's long distance to call them and I don't have long distance on my phone, so that's out.

Does anyone have a fix?

It was relatlvely expensive and I've only had it for about a year. I had one before that lasted a lot longer, but it was stolen in my burglary. I like this tripod as it's lighter to carry than my Manfrotto, so it's my "travel" tripod.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Unfortunately the best fix is a replacement with a better quality head. It is likely the head alone is not replaceable on that unit so a whole new tripod and head may be in order.

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

Well, pooh! That's a big ouch!

jcboy3

I have a Sunpak tripod, with the same pistol grip head. The head can be unscrewed from the tripod, just grip the part below the the now flopping around part (a ring that is 1/2" thick) and rotate counter clockwise. It should attach with a standard 3/8-16 thread.

I've looked at my head; no clear means to tighten the clamp on the ball. There should be three small silver screws in the ball housing (they're visible with the head attached). You can try taking it apart. But my recommendation is to get a regular ball head to replace it. Or you can buy another pistol grip head; B&H sells them for $24.99 or $37.95; these have a rectangular quick release plate (mine is the rounded version). Should only matter if you have extra plates.

Grnway Loc: Manchester, NH

I have the very same tripod with the trigger head. As jcboy3 says, you can remove it and replace it with another head. I put a Manfrotto on mine, but not because the original broke. I just wanted a head that would pan freely.
It is, indeed, a nice, lightweight tripod, so worth holding on to.

jcboy3

My Sunpak pistol grip head can pan, but it does so at the top quick release platform rather than the base for a ball head. Interestingly, it's a better pan function for panoramic shots because it rotates about the base of the camera rather than the base of the tripod (so leveling with the ball head applies to the panning axis).

Mark7829 Loc: Calfornia

Hmmm, let me state it is not an expensive tripod and head when compared to many others. It is only $129 at Amazon. It is likely not worth its repair. Likely past its warranty period. If you want to save costs, look to eBay. A good tripod can last almost a lifetime, supported by manufacturers and are repairable. Outside of the camera and lens, a good tripod is critical.

Grnway Loc: Manchester, NH

Very interesting! I'll have to take a closer look at that.

ricthetoolman Loc: Northern Michigan

I refuse to throw away anything that could be fixed the solution is to unscrew the base just above the ball joint the plunger which is the silver part above the ball upper piece/joint is twisted and catching on the linkage that goes through it you need to twist it a little bit squeeze the trigger make sure it’s moving if you put it back together again and it’s still not doing it a small washer placed between the top half of the ball joint and that plunger will fix it for three cents/while you have it apart put a couple drops of machine oil in there and just keep squeezing the handle and you’ll see what I’m talking about

ricthetoolman Loc: Northern Michigan

Everything is not disposable for less than three cents the cost of a washer unscrew the base just above the pivot place the washer on the top half of the ball joint/Between it and the plunger done 15 minutes and three cents I think it’s worth it The washer will go above the top half of the black ball joint piece and the plunger which is silver squeeze the trigger check it for binding take a pair of pliers and slightly twisted it 16th of an inch is all you need either way and it should free it up problem solved look at my username I live by that credo

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

If I can figure all this out, I'll try that! Thanks!

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

It was the unscrewing that I couldn't do. I think I'm not strong enough.