Manfrotto 501 is ruining my life!?!?!?

Logan LeBlanc

Logan LeBlanc

Well-known member
My 501 head is killing me...literally. In the past 2 days I've smashed my fingers because the tripod did that narcoleptic-fall-forward move and WHAM! Fingers get crushed. I mean the talent actually had to run over and pull the arm.

Even when it's balanced properly and the knob is tightened the movement is crap.

Saying that to say this: does anyone know what I can put in between the friction plates to restore some of it original viscosity? I read that one guy put some blue sticky tack stuff but if someone knows A) what the grease is actually called and B) where to find it I'd surely appreciate it.

If not for me, do it for my hands. :crybaby:

Thanks guys/gals

LL
 
I'm not sure how it would fall foreward if it were balanced properly, but maybe I misunderstood your point. I agree the 501 isn't a very good head, But then again, manfrotto doesn't make very good heads, their avg. but for the price, their desirable compared to the comp. My 20 yr old gitzo, is much better in every aspect. I do have a 501 that I use often. I would take it apart and re tighten and re lube it. or send it in and have them do it. But if your that irritated by it, why not sell it?
 
Or send it to a Manfrotto tech assistance... I have a 503 that works fine for the price point.
 
@ulisses
I wouldn't mind sending it in for servicing, but they won't quote me a price on adding the grease and they don't call back. I don't wanna send it in and it cost $75 when I could just put that toward the cost of a 503.

@maranfilms
I'm sure a more expensive head would be much better, but the fact is, the head has met all of my needs till just recently. Why buy a more expensive one if I can service/repair the one in hand right? Even when it's balanced properly it falls forward waaaaaayyyy too quickly. I just need to add more sticky fluid to get it back the way it should be. That's what I originally posted about.

Thanks guys
 
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