Issue with Velbon Sherpa tripod

[rb_stern]

Hi,


I have now had 2 Velbon Sherpa 200R tripods that have suddenly developed the same problem. Suddenly one of the legs gets totally stuck almost fully up, and refuses to budge up or down, rendering the tripod useless. It seems to a problem with the flip-locks. They don't seem to be removable or repairable. Each time I returned it to the store where I had bought it, and they kindly exchanged it for a new one. I cannot think of anything I had done to cause this in either case. Is this a known design flaw in this model, does it commonly happen to other people, and how can I prevent it happening in future, especially on a remote birding trip? (Other than this, I really like the tripod and head).

Richard

[ColonelBlimp]

I've got the Velbon Sherpa 450 and the legs only get stiff when I've got grit in them or something similar.

I would personally try some WD40 and a hammer.

[rb_stern]

Hi,

I tried that, and as one of the legs was stuck in the up position, it didn't work. I also tried WD40 + a vice and vice grip to try and pull the leg section out, and that didn't work either. I like the lightness of the tripod and the ease of use of the head, but not if it's going to fail on me in the middle of scoping a bird in a remote spot.

Richard

[ColonelBlimp]

The lack of a screw-tightening feature on the Sherpas is one of the reasons I'm going to upgrade to a Manfrotto 055xv.

I don't know what else I can suggest-perhaps phoning their customer service department?

[J. Moore]

Hi Richard,

I have a higher-end carbon fiber Velbon, the CF630 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/378781-REG/Velbon_ELCARMA630A_EL_Carmagne_630A_Tripod.html). I have not had the problem you describe, but had something somewhat similar. Once I did not extend the lowest section of the tripod legs, which resulted in the flip locks coming into direct contact with the ground. It was raining, and I set it on a sandy beach. The wet sand got into the flip locks and they pretty much rendered them inoperable -- I could not budge them from whatever position they were in. This problem pretty quickly resolved itself after about 20 minutes, which included some banging on the tripod legs to dislodge the sand. The lesson I learned was to always extend the lowest section of the tripod legs.

Hope this helps,
Jim

[PYRTLE]

It could also be down to ambient temperature.....if for example its use is in or around sub zero conditions. At best this is a general purpose tripod and perhaps not best suited for a rugged life, upgrading to something like a sturdier Manfrotto or Gitzo in the future may help. For now though try to occassionally wipe down with a clean cloth and a light lubricant but do try to keep sand or grit from sliding in bewteen sections.

[J. Moore]

upgrading to something like a sturdier Manfrotto or Gitzo in the future may help.

Personally, everything I have used from Velbon has been much better than anything I have used from Manfrotto/Bogen, and much more affordable than Gitzo. Despite the one minor issue I described above, I really love my current tripod, which includes a Velbon head, and would recommend upgrading to it for anyone who wants the best value for the money.

My Two Cents,
Jim

[KorHaan]

Same experience with Velbon being much better than Manfrotto here, J. Moore.
But I have the Sherpa Pro 530 with twist locks, not flip locks, and this is really a lot better. Everything works beautifully after three years of heavy duty use, even in sandy environments like beaches. I've become so used to the Velbons working flawlessly I can't imagine I once opted for Manfrotto's!
All I do to keep them working is give them an occasional wipe with a damp cloth and that's it. The twist locks are a joy, very easy, quick and firm.

Regards, Ronald

[Birdbox]

Hi Richard,

I have a higher-end carbon fiber Velbon, the CF630 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/378781-REG/Velbon_ELCARMA630A_EL_Carmagne_630A_Tripod.html). I have not had the problem you describe, but had something somewhat similar. Once I did not extend the lowest section of the tripod legs, which resulted in the flip locks coming into direct contact with the ground. It was raining, and I set it on a sandy beach. The wet sand got into the flip locks and they pretty much rendered them inoperable -- I could not budge them from whatever position they were in. This problem pretty quickly resolved itself after about 20 minutes, which included some banging on the tripod legs to dislodge the sand. The lesson I learned was to always extend the lowest section of the tripod legs.

Hope this helps,
Jim

I'm pretty close to buying the CF630 c/w PH157Q head. Has the tripod been a good investment, would you say? Is the combination of light weight and sturdiness the adequate balance for all round birding that I hope it is.

[bitterntwisted]

It seems to a problem with the flip-locks. They don't seem to be removable or repairable.

I have a 600R, which I believe has the same flip-lock legs. These are replaceable, or at least the flip part is, by hammering through the pin which runs parallel to the leg. This will release the leg, and allowed me to replace a snapped flip piece on a couple of accasions. I now carry spare pins and flips which the shop I purchased from obtained from the Velbon distributor.

My tripod has had a lot of use, and I have been very happy with it. It's very comfortable, flexble, and tall (I'm 6' 5") I'll buy the same again if I have to replace it, which won't be for a while yet, I expect.

Graham