Tripod Repair?
 

Hi guys,

Just curious if anyone knows where to get a tripod fixed locally.

one of the legs on my Velbon 200R got stuck. when you open the leg locks the poles dont come out unless you pull super hard. So i popped out the pin on the top leg lock and removed the lock and the rubber locking nub. found out the plastic inside that stops the leg from completely falling out got bent out of shape. and was jamming itself inside which caused the lower leg to stay locked out as well. So i took the jammed up half of that plastic internal cap and tried to put it back together which i did. But the rubber locking nub that i took off initially well lets just say it popped out when I was taking apart the leg lock and I lost it because I had to hammer the opposite side of the leg so it would pop out, which it did but it flew off somewhere in an undisclosed location and now i need a new one.

I tried contacting the Velbon distributor for canada via email but received no replies from them its been 2 weeks. I bought the tripod used so there is no warranty even though you wouldn't be able to tell the difference between it and a brand new one.

If anyone has any ideas on where to get some spare parts for the leg lock and the inner cap that would be helpful.

I use my tripod a lot since i shoot interiors so I'm constantly opening and closing the leg locks at least 5-7 times per shoot would a screw based leg locking system be much more durable than the standard clamping style?

No where local, I'm sure...and as you've tried a DIY repair, you've voided the warranty if it still applied. I'd say throw it away and get a Gitzo or Manfrotto tripod, as spare parts are readily available.

yeah i just put the leg lock back together and stuck in a rubber band into the slot. and wrapped it with a ball bungie to hold it closed. I dont use the tripod any higher than the 1 leg length out and center column up 90% of the time. but would be convenient. Thanks for the info.