Al Loc: Southern Delaware

My sister-in-law, who is an avid birder, gave me an older Bogen/Manfrotto 3021 tripod with a Bogen 3055 ballhead that she used for her spotting scope. Its a heavy set of legs and I am hoping I can mount my Opteka gimbal mount on it for use with a big lens but I can't figure out how to remove the ballhead assembly. Anybody out there know how these come apart? MT Shooter, I believe you may have some knowledge of this equipment - can you offer any tips on separating them?

Bruce with a Canon Loc: Islip

Should be 3 screws under the head mount,
Also a small j]hole on the ball head mounting plate.
Remove the 3 screws, use an allen wrench and hold the tripod center shaft TIGHT, tuen the allem wtrench in the hole counter ( anti) Clockwise and the ball head will unscrew.
I just mounted my new gimbal head on my Manfrotto -055XPROB the other night.
I also put a little dab of Monydisulfide on the threads ( powered lobe similar to graphite, but much finer.

Danilo Loc: Las Vegas

I'm only going to suggest an inspection, not taking any action. Hopefully MT can jump in and help further.
I believe the heads thread onto the tripod, and once snugged down are set by means of allen-head set screws from underneath the tripod mount. I've used Bogen tripods, but long, long ago!
MT...where are you???

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

OK, I am here. The above removal info is correct. First, simply remove the center column to make it easier. Then look underneath for the three locking screws. They do NOT need to be removed, simply loosened until at least 2 full threads show below the base plate. Then the head will simply unscrew from the base plate.
Those are good, steady legs (I own 5 of them that I use for attendees of my seminars), and I also use that 3055 ball head (I have 4 of those mounted). My personal 3021 tripod has a Bogen 3038 ball head mounted to it.
The Opteka (Beike) gimbal head will mount on the legs in the exact same way. Simply screw it on tight, then screw in the 3 locking screws. Re-insert the center column and you are ready to go.
By the way, I suggest never using the tripod with the center column extended, it detracts from the tripods stability exponentially the further you extend it. The 3021 is tall enough that most people should never have to extend it anyway.

Al Loc: Southern Delaware

Thanks guys. I didn't want to start undoing things and end up with springs and levers all over the floor. It came off with no fuss at all. MT, these are definitely a hefty set of legs and there's little chance I'll ever extend the center because with the legs down it comes up to my nose! I'm going to get it back together now, and as soon as the flood waters recede (we had quite a blow and a lot of water down here last night), I'll be heading out to give it a test run at the cape.
Thanks again guys!!

Willie496 Loc: South Dakota

I see this is an older post. Will the Jobu JR.3 Deluxe Design Swing arm work with the older pre 1999 bogen 3021 tripod?

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Yes, it will mount on the Bogen.

Willie496 Loc: South Dakota

Need some advise on a good swing arm for my Minolta 300 2.8 and a 70-200 2.8 ssm GII sony lens. Smooth and Smooth operating with great balance..Which brackets will I need for the conversion? I do have a 3021 bogen that could work for now, it does flex some what. I will be panning fast cars and birds mostly. Do they have a separate bracket for shooting panoramic landscape also. Thank you! Willie