Sand in the tripod

[scorsesefan]

Does anyone know how to clean sand out of a tripod head? I shot a film with many locations on the beach and there are particles of sand in between the moving parts of my Sachtler Ace head. I was able to get some of it out with a blower but some stubborn grains are still in there and I can hear them when I pan/tilt. Any ideas? Thanks

 

[OldCorpse]

Aargh, that sucks. I had that happen to me once, fortunately, it was a cheap $200 head, so I just threw it out - couldn't clean it, as the sand particles got crushed and pulled into the head where it contaminated the grease - I would have had to completely disassemble the head, clean, de-grease and re-grease the head, and I didn't have the grease, so in the end I just threw it out... and yes, it's super annoying to hear that grinding of sand. It made me paranoid about shooting on the beach with expensive gear, but what can you do. Sorry I don't have any good advice, but I would take it in to those places where they service cameras and photo gear - they may be able to clean it out... on an expensive head, it may make sense.

 

[zijital]

How old is it? It might be under warranty. Minimally I'd just contact Sachtler (Vitec) and see if there is anything they can do. At the worst they'll say "no" or they'll tell you how much it'll cost to fix.

I've sent in a FSB4 head & a couple pairs of Vinten sticks, all for warranty repair & was pleased with the service.

http://www.sachtler.com/services/

Vitec Videocom Inc
14 Progress Drive
Shelton,
CT 06484
USA
Service team
T 800-541-1667 or +1 (0)203 925 4991
servicesupport@vitecgroup.com