Need explanation of redundant locks on this tripod
Sep 27, 2011 10:58:36 #
I'm attaching a picture of my tripod.
For the life of me, I can't figure out why there is a need for two seemingly redundant locking mechanisms for the center column.
I can tighten "A" to hold the center column in place.
Or I can tighten "B" to do the same thing.
I usually keep both of them tightened. But I keep wondering if I'm missing something. Are those just two redundant locks or does each one have its own utility?
The only thing I can think of is, I can loosen up "B" without raising the column. Then, I can loosen "A" to rotate the head with the column (without raising it), and then quickly tighten "A" to lock it in. But the same thing can be achieved by loosening the controls of the head.
This is really not a bid deal. It just annoys me that I don't fully understand it.
For the life of me, I can't figure out why there is a need for two seemingly redundant locking mechanisms for the center column.
I can tighten "A" to hold the center column in place.
Or I can tighten "B" to do the same thing.
I usually keep both of them tightened. But I keep wondering if I'm missing something. Are those just two redundant locks or does each one have its own utility?
The only thing I can think of is, I can loosen up "B" without raising the column. Then, I can loosen "A" to rotate the head with the column (without raising it), and then quickly tighten "A" to lock it in. But the same thing can be achieved by loosening the controls of the head.
This is really not a bid deal. It just annoys me that I don't fully understand it.
Sep 27, 2011 11:44:42 #
On a ball head, if you loosen the head the camera will flop around..
If you can loosen the column so it rotates in place, you are able to pan on a single plane.. Loosening/tightening the friction lock gives you a different feel for fast or slow panning..
If you can loosen the column so it rotates in place, you are able to pan on a single plane.. Loosening/tightening the friction lock gives you a different feel for fast or slow panning..
Sep 27, 2011 12:06:08 #
Sep 27, 2011 12:36:04 #
KG wrote:
Hmm. Let's forget the head for a second. What does "A" do that "B" can't do and vice versa?
A is typically the column lock to raise and lower the column, but since your column is not "round" it would also not usually rotate.. When you raise the center column how does each lock perform ?
Sep 27, 2011 14:32:51 #
The column is round. If I loosen up A and B, then I can raise and rotate the column and then hold it in place by tightening either A or B.
A is just a screw that gets pressed against the column.
B simply tightens the grip around the column.
As far as I can tell, they do the exact same thing just in different ways.
A is just a screw that gets pressed against the column.
B simply tightens the grip around the column.
As far as I can tell, they do the exact same thing just in different ways.
Sep 28, 2011 08:04:22 #
Paw Paw Bill
Loc: d
If you lock with the top screw, you have a more secure and 'less likely to move when bumped' lock. However, you could scar the post if you pan. Use the lower lock if panning is anticipated.
Sep 28, 2011 08:08:31 #
If you raise it all the way up and tighten B you will probably have a bit of wobble. A is acting like a set screw to lock it in place so it wont wobble or slip back down. When it is up and you tighten B try to see if you can push it back down. If so, then A will lock it in place so it will not slip down.
Hope this will help.
Hope this will help.
Sep 28, 2011 08:57:21 #
Sep 28, 2011 09:01:47 #
Paw Paw Bill
Loc: d
Also, panning may be a function of the head. You could end up with a tripod with panning function and a head with panning ability. Under these circumstances you end up with 3 ways to move the tube. Just take your pick.
Sep 28, 2011 09:28:16 #
I would see if your tripod has explanations on its website or pdf file. Most often the manufactures will give an explanation for every scenario.
Sep 28, 2011 09:44:54 #
I am thinking ..the top one..is a security thing..the one further down does the raising and lowering..the one on top is for when you move locations with camera on tripod...its tightens the column and secures the column from moving while you are hiking up the mountain with your camera attached. Similar to the security on a ballhead..mine has two sytems to prevent slipping. ONce you are at a location don't use lock on top..just the big one further down..when you go to move tighten lock one on top for extra security.
Sep 28, 2011 11:47:43 #
tiger1640 wrote:
If you raise it all the way up and tighten B you will probably have a bit of wobble. A is acting like a set screw to lock it in place so it wont wobble or slip back down.
I agree with tiger1640 about the wobble.
Have you ever used a telephoto and rotated it? Some pods will seek a new horizon as you turn. It's not as noticeable on a wide angle. (Then again, some people don't really care about a small change of horizon.)
Some pods also use the upper "clamp" to smooth-down the verticle travel. If your pod has felt-like padding, that is likely what it's for.
Sep 28, 2011 12:09:14 #
Maybe each lok is rated at a certain capasity. So for small cameras one works. You would need the second if you decided to do olympic events on top of the tripod exceeding the recomended weight capasity of an individual lock.
Sep 28, 2011 14:05:05 #
My guess it that B locks the column up and down but panning is still possible. A then locks collar to stop prevent panning and column movement totally.
Make and model would be handy.
Make and model would be handy.
Sep 28, 2011 17:06:00 #
Thanks for the replies.
When B is locked, panning is not possible. When A locked, panning is also obviously not possible. From the functional perspective, they do the exact same thing.
Stability isn't a problem. If B is locked, the center column is held still.
I'm beginning to agree with the opinion that it's a matter of additional safety. I can't screw A in too tight because it would damage the column. But it seems like it's meant to acts as an additional lock just in case B is not set tight enough.
There was no manual with the tripod. Just a tiny booklet with a warranty and manufacturer info.
I searched the net for a manual. Couldn't find it.
Yes, the head also supports panning and the tripod supports two ways to pan (there is one more -- the head screw has a ring around it that can pan separately from the center column).
It's a Promaster tripod. Don't remember the model now, but I'll look it up in a bit.
I guess I'll just keep using both A and B at the same time... for safety.
Thanks for the brainstorming session :)
When B is locked, panning is not possible. When A locked, panning is also obviously not possible. From the functional perspective, they do the exact same thing.
Stability isn't a problem. If B is locked, the center column is held still.
I'm beginning to agree with the opinion that it's a matter of additional safety. I can't screw A in too tight because it would damage the column. But it seems like it's meant to acts as an additional lock just in case B is not set tight enough.
There was no manual with the tripod. Just a tiny booklet with a warranty and manufacturer info.
I searched the net for a manual. Couldn't find it.
Yes, the head also supports panning and the tripod supports two ways to pan (there is one more -- the head screw has a ring around it that can pan separately from the center column).
It's a Promaster tripod. Don't remember the model now, but I'll look it up in a bit.
I guess I'll just keep using both A and B at the same time... for safety.
Thanks for the brainstorming session :)
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.