Advice on used Gitzo Systematic? (1 Viewer)

[mtar925]

I just bought a used Gitzo GT5542LS, 5-series Systematic tripod from the generation previous to the current line. Cosmetically it's in great shape but on closer examination there are a few issues. I'm not sure they're serious enough to consider returning the tripod during the 30-day refund period. My only other Gitzo experience is with an old G505. I hope someone with experience with this generation of Gitzo might share your advice.

This tripod uses G-Lock, not the current G-Lock Ultra. There is a bit of rotational play in the locking collars. Most notably when the legs are locked, the collars can be rotated loosely back and forth a few degrees (just a few) without affecting the locking action. Is that normal operation? Or a sign that the previous owner may have overtightened and possibly damaged the leg locks?

The middle sections of the legs are girdled with smooth, dark ~2mm lines---wear from the locking collars, I assume. I've only owned 1 rotary-locking carbon tripod before (a Sirui) and it also developed these lines, but not nearly as dark and visible as these. Is this normal wear on a Gitzo, or another sign the collars were regularly overtightened?

Finally, the top platform. The top (rubber-finished) plate seems to have rotated vs the lower portion of the platform, so that the Safelock screw that comes up from below doesn't line up with the upper slot and can't be used. I will definitely ask the seller to remedy this, but I'm wondering how much force this would require, and if it's yet another sign that while it looks clean cosmetically the working parts on this tripod may be prematurely aged by overtightening.
Finally, for my primary intended use I need to replace the 3/8" mounting screw with a 1/4" bolt. But the 3/8" screw is fixed verrrry tightly. I've put a spanner on the squared-off bottom end, and have not been able to turn it. Is the mounting screw meant to be user-removeable?

Thanks for any help. Even at the used price this tripod represents a substantial outlay. If these are just cosmetic issues, I'll keep it, but I don't want it fail on me next month.

 

[dwatsonbirder]

Are those lines indentations within the CF itself? They look a bit like markers a previous user has drawn on to enable quick deployment to a specific height. Regarding the top plate, you may wish to consider an alternative - the Gitzo ones are expensive, so a nice option is the Artcise AS88C which is tough and lightweight and works well on my old G1329.
Apologies if this is of limited help, hopefully someone else will be able to assist.

 

[SUPPRESSOR]

I just bought a used Gitzo GT5542LS, 5-series Systematic tripod from the generation previous to the current line. Cosmetically it's in great shape but on closer examination there are a few issues. I'm not sure they're serious enough to consider returning the tripod during the 30-day refund period. My only other Gitzo experience is with an old G505. I hope someone with experience with this generation of Gitzo might share your advice.

This tripod uses G-Lock, not the current G-Lock Ultra. There is a bit of rotational play in the locking collars. Most notably when the legs are locked, the collars can be rotated loosely back and forth a few degrees (just a few) without affecting the locking action. Is that normal operation? Or a sign that the previous owner may have overtightened and possibly damaged the leg locks?

The middle sections of the legs are girdled with smooth, dark ~2mm lines---wear from the locking collars, I assume. I've only owned 1 rotary-locking carbon tripod before (a Sirui) and it also developed these lines, but not nearly as dark and visible as these. Is this normal wear on a Gitzo, or another sign the collars were regularly overtightened?

Finally, the top platform. The top (rubber-finished) plate seems to have rotated vs the lower portion of the platform, so that the Safelock screw that comes up from below doesn't line up with the upper slot and can't be used. I will definitely ask the seller to remedy this, but I'm wondering how much force this would require, and if it's yet another sign that while it looks clean cosmetically the working parts on this tripod may be prematurely aged by overtightening.
Finally, for my primary intended use I need to replace the 3/8" mounting screw with a 1/4" bolt. But the 3/8" screw is fixed verrrry tightly. I've put a spanner on the squared-off bottom end, and have not been able to turn it. Is the mounting screw meant to be user-removeable?

Thanks for any help. Even at the used price this tripod represents a substantial outlay. If these are just cosmetic issues, I'll keep it, but I don't want it fail on me next month.

Mine has those lines.
Gives a whole new meaning to the word rigid.

 

[mtar925]

Are those lines indentations within the CF itself? They look a bit like markers a previous user has drawn on to enable quick deployment to a specific height. Regarding the top plate, you may wish to consider an alternative - the Gitzo ones are expensive, so a nice option is the Artcise AS88C which is tough and lightweight and works well on my old G1329.
Apologies if this is of limited help, hopefully someone else will be able to assist.

Thanks for the replies.

The depth of the lines is too slight to measure with any technique I know---but I can feel them when I run my fingernail over them, or the pad of my finger. The weave of the carbon fiber appears to be intact. I'm more concerned about excessive wear on the leg locks.

What about the slight rotational play in the leg locks? I notice now that my Sirui does it too, while my old G505 doesn't exhibit any looseness, anywhere. Perhaps I expected the newer Gitzo to have the same combination of rock-like solidity and watch-like precision as its ancestor. But the G505 uses the old-style leg locks that must be rotated a full turn or more to loosen... Is the bit of rotational play inherent in the rapid-release G-lock?

Re the Arctise top plate: does it engage the Gitzo safety catch? I'm testing the GT5542LS with the platform from my G505---which fits the hub, already has a simple 1/4-20 bolt fitted, and might be an ounce heavier than the new platform. But the old platform does not engage the safety catch and I'd like to have that extra security. And I see that the Arctise includes a 1/4-20 option, which would suit me well.

 

[FVG]

I also bought the exact same Gitzo tripod second hand a few weeks ago. I also have the play on the collars and I think it is normal. My Sirui Reporter RX3213 tripod (also a sturdy one), which I bought new in 2020, has also had this from the start. I also have the stripes (markers) on the legs and are probably intended as an aid when you do not need the full length. My Sirui also has something like that, but in the form of a centimeter measurement in white numbers on each leg. Still useful. I don't know the problem with the top plate, but it seems that the previous user over-tightened the tripod head, causing the two parts to shift slightly from each other and the 3/8 screw to become extra tight.

 

[The BulbMogul]

I just bought a used Gitzo GT5542LS, 5-series Systematic tripod from the generation previous to the current line. Cosmetically it's in great shape but on closer examination there are a few issues. I'm not sure they're serious enough to consider returning the tripod during the 30-day refund period. My only other Gitzo experience is with an old G505. I hope someone with experience with this generation of Gitzo might share your advice.

This tripod uses G-Lock, not the current G-Lock Ultra. There is a bit of rotational play in the locking collars. Most notably when the legs are locked, the collars can be rotated loosely back and forth a few degrees (just a few) without affecting the locking action. Is that normal operation? Or a sign that the previous owner may have overtightened and possibly damaged the leg locks?

The middle sections of the legs are girdled with smooth, dark ~2mm lines---wear from the locking collars, I assume. I've only owned 1 rotary-locking carbon tripod before (a Sirui) and it also developed these lines, but not nearly as dark and visible as these. Is this normal wear on a Gitzo, or another sign the collars were regularly overtightened?

Finally, the top platform. The top (rubber-finished) plate seems to have rotated vs the lower portion of the platform, so that the Safelock screw that comes up from below doesn't line up with the upper slot and can't be used. I will definitely ask the seller to remedy this, but I'm wondering how much force this would require, and if it's yet another sign that while it looks clean cosmetically the working parts on this tripod may be prematurely aged by overtightening.
Finally, for my primary intended use I need to replace the 3/8" mounting screw with a 1/4" bolt. But the 3/8" screw is fixed verrrry tightly. I've put a spanner on the squared-off bottom end, and have not been able to turn it. Is the mounting screw meant to be user-removeable?

Thanks for any help. Even at the used price this tripod represents a substantial outlay. If these are just cosmetic issues, I'll keep it, but I don't want it fail on me next month.

 

[Birdister]

I bought a Gitzo tripod second hand and had the same issue with the slot not matching up. I managed to peel off the top rubber plate and rotate it around, which solved the issue.