Tripod Cleaning

Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006 2:31 pm

I just recently bought a D70s, a few days before Christmas and didn't have the money, or time to pick up a tripod.

My parents ended up getting me one for christmas since I asked for it, it's nothing special, just a $70 Giottos non-removeable head sort of deal. I know it's not great, but I am sure for now, and until I really get used to the camera and know it well it will do just fine.

I am up in the northern part of my province visiting relatives and yesterday I went out down to a beach to take some shots around the water, the wind was remarkably high and with windchill it was about -30c. I had set my camerabag and tripod down on a log on the beach and it wasn't untilI got home that I realized that the wind was kicking up a lot of sand which I couldn't see.

I could feel the legs were a little gritty when I got it home, still worked fine, just gritty. It wasn't until today when I tried to use the crank to raise the middle-shaft that I realized I was having problems. The whole middle thing barely moves and when I turn the crank hard enough to put it up I feel like it's going to snap.

Anybody have this tripod, or know the best way to clean out tripods?

Thanks,

Colin

Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006 4:01 pm

perhaps some wd-40 and soap and water? ive been pondering this situation with my tripod its a used one i just picked up.

Joined: 21 Oct 2006 Posts: 350 Location: Ontario, Canada

Total dis-assemble, clean with hot water and dish detergent. On re-assembly use a dry graphite lubricant on parts where friction is a concern.

Oil, grease and WD40 will make grit stick where ever it is applied.

Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006 11:31 pm

I gave it a try tonight, I could really only get part of the head off, only the part that takes the removeable shoe. I still can't figure out how to, or even if the middle pole can be removed, which is the most problematic area.

I think I'll just run back to the store with the receipt, return it and buy one up for it, hopefully with an upgradeable head. As sort of dishonest as that is.

Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 12:53 am

Usually a quick wipe with a rag dampened with WD-40 is all I ever do and only when the legs start to bind.

Joined: 11 Oct 2005 Posts: 176 Location: philly

get a brillo pad and soap, simple green or any kind of cleaner and gently scrub it.