Bogen/Manfrotto 3236 Tripod Repair

<p>I have a Bogen 3236 tripod that has served me well for 15+ years. A couple of months ago the bottom plug for the center column loosened up and fell off and the shims for the center column also fell out. I contacted the importer but they say that they no longer have parts for this. I think I have all of the plastic shims for the column, but I have no idea how to reassemble the tripod. Does anyone know if there is a repair manual out there somewhere for this, or if there is a repair service other than the importer? I bought the equivalent new version, but it doesn't extend as high and doesn't have the right lug for a shoulder strap--one of the reasons I bought the 3236 in the first place, so I would like to repair this one if I can since it is otherwise in good condition. </p>

Manfrotto supplies exploded view sheets of all of their products. If i'm not mistaken Bogen's 3236 is Manfrotto's 475B. Have a look <a href="http://www.manfrotto.com/Service/Service+%26+Repair/?f=s&v=475B&x=11&y=7">here</a>.

<p>Thanks for the reply--unfortunately, the 475B, which I recently purchased is not identical to the 3236, and further searching via your link doesn't lead anywhere.</p>

Hi, sorry to hear about your troubles. If you don't get anywhere, I have one that I may be willing to partially dismantle. I'll keep an eye on this

thread, so just post any updates here.

<p>Bill--I appreciate the offer, but I'm sure that Manfrotto must have an elaborate jig holding in all of the plastic shims while the center column in inserted into the tube, and I would hate for you to lose the use of a good tripod. I think that I still have all of the parts, but the original incident happened on the roof of a building while I was finishing up the last shot of a very hectic commercial job, so I am not positive about that. In another week I'm going to try to see if I can put it back together, and if I succeed, I will post here again.</p>

Cool. But I'll be glad to help you out if I can. Best of luck.