Bogen/Manfrotto Tripod - Adjustment Help

[MikeSun]

I currently have the following tripod:

The 351MVB2K:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...808&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

Upon travelling I had to remove the head so that it'd fit into the suitcase. My problem now is when I attach the head back to the legs, as I pan 360 degrees, the levelling bubble won't stay centered. I made sure it was levelled when I put the head back onto the legs, but the problem still existed.

Can someone please advise how I can properly level the tripod head?

 

[MikeSun]

Okay I have attached pictures to further illustrate the problem. Does anyone have any idea how I can proper level the half sphere the red arrow is pointing in picture 1? Picture 2 shows the tightening rod.

 

[avdoctor]

I think there are some set screws between the ball and the threaded stud on the ball that the head screws onto. I would think if they are not equally tightened down it would cause a slight out of level. I think there are three of the screws. It has been a while since I looked at my 516.

 

[Ming]

Is this a trick question? Don't you just hand loosen the center column, level the head with the spirit level, re-tighten and call it good? At least that's how it works on my rig, but granted it's a different brand.

 

[Angus_Findlay]

I agree with Ming. The whole purpose of the levelling ball is to allow you to level the tripod each time you use it. Did you just adjust it when you put the head back on, or are you adjusting it every time you use the tripod?

I work with a fleet of 116 and 316 heads on various Manfrotto sticks, and part of our setup procedure is to level the head at the ball, every time we use them.

 

[MikeSun]

I agree with Ming. The whole purpose of the levelling ball is to allow you to level the tripod each time you use it. Did you just adjust it when you put the head back on, or are you adjusting it every time you use the tripod?

I work with a fleet of 116 and 316 heads on various Manfrotto sticks, and part of our setup procedure is to level the head at the ball, every time we use them.

Yes, I make sure I level the tripod prior to using it. However, as I rotate the tripod 360 degrees, the levelling bubble doesn't stay in the middle. I tried to level the ball of the head by the levelling bubble and by eyeballing the whole bowl, but it still seems off? Any ideas?

 

[ben-s]

Very odd.
It sounds like you're doing the leveling right.

How great is the error?

Try taking the head off and cleaning the bowl and half-ball. The bowl and half-ball should have a light coating of grease.

If that doesn't work, take the half-ball off the head by undoing the screws arrowed below, and unscrewing the head from the centre boss.
Refit the half-ball, and try leveling it with a normal spirit level.
then check it from a few different angles.
Place the head on a known level surface and check that the built in level is true.
If all that checks out, reattach the half-ball and try it again.
Make sure the half-ball is screwed onto the head tight, and then do the 3 screws up to lock it off.

Hope this helps.

 

[Ming]

Yes, I make sure I level the tripod prior to using it. However, as I rotate the tripod 360 degrees, the levelling bubble doesn't stay in the middle. I tried to level the ball of the head by the levelling bubble and by eyeballing the whole bowl, but it still seems off? Any ideas?

I assume you meant as you pan the camera, not rotate the tripod. The ball shouldn't be moving at all when you pan, but that doesn't mean the head isn't tilted slightly off axis in relation to the ball.