Manfrotto 546B Tripod Legs - POS

M

mw5j1

Active member
I have had these legs and a 502 head for just over a month and have hated every minute of the legs (head is fine). Today, the mid level spreader cracked off at one of the connections while simply trying to pack the tripod up.
Anyone else have issues with these legs?manfrotto.jpg
 
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Yeah, I had the same ones and had the spreader connector crack off too. Bought a 2nd set of legs used on ebay (w/o spreader) and they arrived with ALL the connections cracked as well! If you're going to keep the legs the only option is to buy the ground spreader, which is a bit overpriced, but works well.
 
Thanks Rob for the feedback. I wonder if B&H will let me return them, probably not as it has been over 30 days. I will replace the part and get rid of these legs.
 
To start, the legs come with a 2-year warranty, so you should be able to return/replace them. Go through B&H first, since they're the ones who sold you the sticks.

I've had that same set, with the mid-level spreader, for well over a year and all the connections are still solid.
 
Thanks Guys.

I am out of luck unfortunately, which seems crazy.
B&H won't do anything because it is over 30 days.
Manfrotto Canada says they can't warranty the item due to it being purchased in thes States.
Manfrotto USA will warranty it but will not ship out new part outside of the States.

I think this will be last time I buy anything of value outside of Canada.
 
I got my spreader fixed under warranty in Europe after more than one year with the 546. Sold it because I hated that spreader and got a 542 which has a better spreader but my impression of Manfrotto video tripods are they wont satisfy me. I do have a Manfrotto 528 with excellent built quality but other tripods have all gone broke here and there.
 
Can you post up a picture of where it broke? We sell a lot of the 546B tripod with mid-level spreader and I haven't heard of them breaking. I also owned one for about a year of intensive shooting and had no trouble.

It looks like the mounting point is held in with a rolled pin. From there, there is a sleeve with pivoting bracket. To that, the actual spreader arms attach with a sprung c-clip. Pictures would be useful.

Thanks.

546b_spreader 002.jpg

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manfrotto.jpg
Here is a picture where it broke. This was just trying to fold up the tripod and with next to no force. Apparently this part can be bought for 30 bucks plus 15 shipping from Manfrotto Canada but I still am very surprised they will make me pay for it and also that Manfrotto USA refuses to send across the border.
 
mw5j1 said:
I still am very surprised they will make me pay for it and also that Manfrotto USA refuses to send across the border.
Click to expand...

Manfrotto Canada won't warranty a product that you did not buy from them, and likely Manfrotto USA is not licensed to ship replacement parts outside of their respective territory.

While they might sell the same products, Manfrotto Canada / USA are not owned by the same regional company. ( two completely separate businesses )
 
I understand that, but it seems it's just a bit of a loophole. When you buy a car, for example, from Ford Canda in Canada, the warranty is still good if you moved to USA and wanted to get it fixed there.

Oh well, I learnt my lesson - buying from B&H to save money doesn't always work out.
 
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