Older style Bogen/Manfrotto leg locks vs new design

[frank_dzambic]

I was looking at B&H's website for a replacement for my trusty old Bogen

3021/Manfrotto 055 tripod and realized that the style of leg locks have changed

in the years since I first purchased mine. My tripod has the older style that

flipped in an arc from 12 o'clock to 3 o'clock and back to loosen and tighten.

Looking at the pictures of the newer style, it seems that they now pull away

from the leg (to loosen) and then hinge back towards the leg to tighten.

 

Does anybody have any experience with both, and a preference or some thoughts

on the difference between the two? Or if anybody has the newer style, do you

find them reliable, and easy to operate? Are the newer ones spring loaded, and

if so do they snap loudly (potentially scaring wildlife)? Is it easy to open

them partially if you only want to slightly extend or slightly retract

individual legs to fine tune the levelling or height? It seems like the newer

style locks would be less likely to snag on twigs and branches while walking,

but that's about all I can tell from a picture.

 

I guess it boils down to buying one with the newer style locks from B&H, or

looking for one with the older style locks on Ebay. Since I can't test them

ahead of time, I'd like some opinions if anyone has any.

[pvp]

I've got the old locks. A friend I sometimes commit photography with, has the new.

 

The new ones can pinch the hell out of you if you're not careful.

[elliot_n]

Yes, the pinching can be a problem. I now carry a first aid kit to avoid dripping blood...

[frank_dzambic]

I can't believe they'd design leg locks that are capable of drawing blood! I'm glad I asked. Looks like I'll have to try and find an older model on Ebay in good condition that hasn't been bid up to the moon!

[Matthew Currie]

I have both versions of the 3221 within reach. The new ones are quicker to use, require less strength, and don't need such fine adjustment to prevent slippage. My wife found the old style difficult to use because they are so stiff. The new ones can nip you if you're not careful, but it isn't hard to learn where not to put your fingers. They do also make a snapping noise both opening and closing if you just flick them, but you can do it silently. The action is more on/off than the old style, so you will have to support the tripod more firmly when you make fine adjustments on the ground.

 

I slightly prefer the newer style, but can live happily with the old too. Remember if you get an older one, some parts can no longer be replaced. You can still get the nut caps, but I don't think the levers are available any more.

[rquimby]

Why don't you go to a local Camera Shop and try out the new style. I'm sure you should be able to see many examples and have the ability to try them for yourself

[akajohndoe]

My Bogen 3221 and 3036 have the older style lever locks and my 3443 has the newer style.

 

I really prefer the older style, but am flexible enough to be able to use either.

 

I am not particularly fond of the twist style like used on the Gitzo.