Loose leg lock problem - Gitzo 2227 Explorer

Wonder if anyone knows a solution to this head ache: I want to sell this tripod but the leg locks are loose, and I don't know how to fix it.

This is an inherent issue with both versions of this tripod: 2227 (3 sections) and 2228 (4 sections). The locks were fine when new - one lifts up the flaps to move the legs and push down to tighten to desired leg angle. Now it doesn't matter much even when the flaps are down. See image - the legs are supposed to be locked with the flaps down but I can pretty much move the legs freely.

Thanks in advance.

You can tighten the screws near the lock with an inbus key (hex key). I use Manfrotto tripods and there there's one screw above the locks to tighten the legs if they are loose (resulting in movement of the leg from the left to the right). These tend to come loose after long or heavy use but once retightened it should be fine again, but don't tighten the screws too much otherwise the leg movement becomes stiff.

Hi Phil, is this where you meant to have tightened? I tried already and nothing budged. It seems they are already pushed to the max. The added variable is the flap, because it has something to do with keeping the legs tight. Or perhaps they are supposed to be this way - staying somewhat loose? But it would not make

a whole lot of sense. Come to think of it, the legs were never too tight even when new. But now they are very loose.

There should also be a screw on the back of each leg, could be that one controls the locks. On my Manfrotto tripod, when one leg is too loose (resulting in the tripod being wobbly) I have to tighten the screws which on your tripod seem to be the ones in the above picture (when tightening these too much the legs angle movement becomes too stiff). But there's also a screw on the back of each leg, also near the lock.

I'll check later. Thanks.

There should also be a screw on the back of each leg, could be that one controls the locks. On my Manfrotto tripod, when one leg is too loose (resulting in the tripod being wobbly) I have to tighten the screws which on your tripod seem to be the ones in the above picture (when tightening these too much the legs angle movement becomes too stiff). But there's also a screw on the back of each leg, also near the lock.

You are right Phil. On the flip side of each leg has something that looks like can be adjusted with a wrench. Will go to Lowe's or Home Depot tomorrow.

Thanks!

Here's a poor but slightly informative view of the mechanism: (e.t.a. you can download the PDF and it's easier to look at)

Gitzo G2227 Spare Replacement Parts

It looks as if there are nuts on the back side that should tighten the locks.

My old Manfrottos are different in that they a few specfic leg positions, and the flaps only act as a ratchet stop in one direction.

Think I figured out where to tighten it. It needs a wrench size that I did not have. Was thinking to take it to Home Depot to ask for the right size - listed on eBay at the same time, and someone already bought it. Oh well. - I did mention that the flaps were loose.

Seriously, I would not recommend this tripod. I had not used it for a long time as one needs to be extra careful because the legs are flexible (meant to be that way). There were situations when this feature was an advantage - such as balancing it against uneven rocks. However, on the whole, it's a pain, especially when one is in a rush. I had broken a camera as it fell to the ground.

I sympathize with the disuse you find with your tripod. I have not found any situation in the field I couldn't handle with a conventional (Gitzo) tripod. The legs have several fixed angles and are easily adjusted for length. It's easy to eyeball the level to within the range handled by a revealing platform or ball joint under the head.

Early on, I bought a Benbo tripod for the same applications as the Gitzo 1227/1228. While you can set it up for practically any shot by holding the camera and adjusting the angles, you undergo the same setup for even the simplest applications. The Benbo is great for closeups in nature, but it takes two hands and at least one foot every time you set it up. Unlike the Gitzo, which has separate clamped for each leg and the column, the Benbo has one clamp for all.

The Gitzo is much more portable, while the Benbo resembles a 60 mm mortar. The only consolation is that horse riders sharing the park paths (and their poop) will not pass you from either direction unless you hide the beast ;)

Gitzo 1227/1228.

I used the 1227 for a while and eventually replaced it with Gitzo 1325 and its subsequent updates. This is my favorite for heavier Nikon lenses. The lack of center-column is a plus. Now I mostly use the traveler tripod (GT1542T) for my lighter Olympus M43 gear. All good.

The Gitzo 2227, however, is a different animal. I never liked it so much due to the legs that were over-flexible. Also, the "macro" arm was a klutz - though it could be uniquely useful (meaning "cannot be performed by other tripods") under some rare circumstance which one may never come across. ;)