Tips Lubricating Camera Tripod Heads?

[KenO]

Recently got a used MX350 Tripod. After using it for a while noticed significant sticking in certain areas,(especially when Pan vertically).

Did a forum search but only got. "Results for tripod head lubrication in sci.electronics.repair Search all groups Results: about 0 for tripod head lubrication No results found"

Hope someone may have had a similar problem and solved it.

Am interested in any tips taking apart a camera tripod head and lubricating it.

Thanks

Ken

 

[Jeff Liebermann]

On Fri, 7 Sep 2012 17:59:19 +0000 (UTC), Cydrome Leader
<presence@MUNGEpanix.com> wrote:

KenO <kenitholson@yahoo.com> wrote:
Recently got a used MX350 Tripod. After using it for a while noticed significant sticking in certain areas,(especially when Pan vertically).
Did a forum search but only got. "Results for tripod head lubrication in sci.electronics.repair Search all groups Results: about 0 for tripod head lubrication No results found"
Hope someone may have had a similar problem and solved it.
Am interested in any tips taking apart a camera tripod head and lubricating it.
Ken

I have no idea what a MX350 is,

<http://www.amazon.com/Compact-24-5-Inch-Lightweight-Tripod/dp/B001J18RM2>

but try taking it apart and wiping the
parts clean. I tend to avoid lubing up stuff like this unless it came that
way. The junk and crud from rubbing parts is usually the problem.

Agreed. You don't want the head to be sliding around on a layer of
grease. That will just make you clamp down harder on the locking
screws and eventually bend or put a dent in the mechanism. Just tear
it apart, remove the usual sand, clean well, polish, and put it back
together. You want friction, not slippage.

--
Jeff Liebermann jeffl@cruzio.com
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558

 

[Cydrome Leader]

KenO <kenitholson@yahoo.com> wrote:

Recently got a used MX350 Tripod. After using it for a while noticed significant sticking in certain areas,(especially when Pan vertically).

Did a forum search but only got. "Results for tripod head lubrication in sci.electronics.repair Search all groups Results: about 0 for tripod head lubrication No results found"

Hope someone may have had a similar problem and solved it.

Am interested in any tips taking apart a camera tripod head and lubricating it.

Thanks

Ken

I have no idea what a MX350 is, but try taking it apart and wiping the
parts clean. I tend to avoid lubing up stuff like this unless it came that
way. The junk and crud from rubbing parts is usually the problem.

 

[Jeff Layman]

On 07/09/2012 18:36, KenO wrote:

Recently got a used MX350 Tripod. After using it for a while noticed significant sticking in certain areas,(especially when Pan vertically).

Did a forum search but only got. "Results for tripod head lubrication in sci.electronics.repair Search all groups Results: about 0 for tripod head lubrication No results found"

Hope someone may have had a similar problem and solved it.

Am interested in any tips taking apart a camera tripod head and lubricating it.

Thanks

Ken

Would graphite powder help? You can get it from locksmiths.

--

Jeff

 

[KenO]

Hi Everyone,

"try taking it apart and wiping the parts clean"

Before posting, searched for a manual or least a parts list for the tripod head but found nothing.

I was able to find the parts list for the basic Manfrotto tripod head
http://mediacdn.shopatron.com/media/mfg/2747/media_document/live_2/804RC2_20060525.pdf?1272346475
http://www.ground-glass.net/diy/tripod-head-maintenance

Am sure the MX350 has much fewer parts.

Since it is only the vertical pan portion that is sticking would only like to take that portion apart and clean.

Did find general tripod cleaning info
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygmceDWMSAc

How to Take Apart a Bogen 3047 Tripod Head
http://www.wikihow.com/Take-Apart-a-Bogen-3047-Tripod-Head

Unusual post "After you've figured out the simple disassembly process, good luck trying to find the highly viscous and elastic lubricant they use...I'll give you ONE valuable hint. It's a field of interest that is highly dependent on ambient temperatures...."
http://www.howtofixcomputers.com/forums/digital-photo/overhaul-manfrotto-029-mk1-head-289825-2.html

Hope there are some general tips on taking apart tripod heads.

Thanks everyone for your help!

Ken