naturalite Loc: Up state NY

I just bought another tripod.....my 5th. one for every possible need. And I was getting ready to modify it like I do all of them. Then I wondered if anyone else does this same modification.
But before I get to the additions I do to all my tripods, here is "why" I do.
When I first moved up to a Pentax 645 medium format. I went out for a test shoot. I took "the tank", I call it that because its 3 times as heavy as your average 35mm slr. And attached it to my heavy tripod. It was a bit top heavy, but hey, it'll be OK....I thought. I jiggled it, shoved it down and made sure it was stable. But as I walked away my pant leg caught the lowest latch on one leg.....Oh God ! my heart jumped. I spun around just in time to catch my falling Brand new camera from slamming to the ground.
Needless to say, I had to figure out how to keep this from ever happening again. After some study I came up with a counter balance. I put a ring through the bottom of the center shaft. Attach a length of chain with a 5 pound weight at the end.
It works very well, and I haven't ever toppled a tripod since.
I've also used a worm screw to put in the ground to attach my chain to if I don't want weight. And if I back pack in some place and don't want to carry weight. I carry a nylon net to put stones in and hang from the end of the chain.
Anyone else done something to secure their tripod?

Frank T Loc: New York, NY

I haven't gone as far as you but I have hung my camera bag or backpack from the center post to keep things in place.

dfalk Loc: Chugiak, Alaska

I do all my tripod work while naked to keep from snagging a leg.

naturalite Loc: Up state NY

I tried that once....I scared the old folks in the park. And I almost got caught by a cop who thought I looked pretty good.
:shock:

Roger Hicks Loc: Aquitaine

Thanks for the earth screw/ground anchor/tent peg idea -- a new one on me. With a hanging weight, always have it brushing the ground so that it doesn't swing and decrease sharpness.

Cheers,

R.

CanonShot Loc: Lancaster County, PA

Roger, can you offer a specific example of how you deal with this issue on solid ground vs. a sandy beach situation where sea breezes become part of the situation?

Roger Hicks Loc: Aquitaine

Not really. I think I've said it. A weight dragging on the ground, no matter what the ground, can't swing. A weight suspended freely, can. The trick is to provide enough friction with the ground that the wind can't move it, without supporting the weight so much that there's no stabilizing factor.

I'm not sure how to be clearer, but then, no-one ever knows exactly how someone else will read their words.

Sorry not to be more helpful,

Cheers,

R.

CanonShot Loc: Lancaster County, PA

Sometimes there is a tweak that someone, like you, might be working on... given your experience in all kinds of places and circumstances. One of those "why didn't I think of that years ago" type things.

Then, there are some good common sense ideas that just do the trick as in this case of stabilizing a tripod. I do appreciate your response just the way you presented it.

photo guy Loc: Chippewa Falls, WI

Not yet but that is great info. Thanks for that. I have actually thought about doing something with mine as it has a hook on the bottom center that I can hang something from to help keep it steady.

Bruce with a Canon Loc: Islip

tried that, scared the livestock!

picturedude Loc: Yosemite natl. park, Ca.

I tried that and got arrested for "Assault with a dead weapon."

heyjoe Loc: cincinnati ohio

I use a heavy tri pod

Sala

I make my own bean bags (for lens support on a car window, etc.) I have added long adjustable loops to them so I can hang them from the tripod, just as you do the weight. Dual duty, and one less thing to carry.

Country's Mama Loc: Michigan

Thank you for the advice. One more modification for my husband to do on my tripod. LOL

NatureFan Loc: Winder, GA

I use a gallon milk jug which I fill with water. Pour the water out to make it portable. If a wind makes the jug move, the tornado cannot be far behind.