Manfrotto 128RC Head fault (1 Viewer)

[barontan2418]

Just wondered if anybody had experienced and managed to fix a fault which has just occurred with the above head. No matter how tight I turn the horizontal hold turn screw (for lack of a better name) the head will not tighten sufficiently to support my Leica 77 (which it used to). I have had the relevant bits off the head, there is not much to them, I thought that perhaps to lubricant used to allow smooth movement has degraded thus allowing movement when non was wanted. Any help much appreciated. I know that my last resort will be sending it for repair but am trying to avoid being without a usable tripod.

 

[PYRTLE]

Are the three grub screws within the centre column circular base/platform sufficiently tightened into the base of the 128rc head? Also there should be a spring washer to aid tension between the horizontal locking knob and the unit. Good luck

 

[barontan2418]

Thanks Pyrtle, After further investigation it seems the threads have worn out on the inside of the rotating wheel. Well I guess I've had six or seven years out of it. It the knackers yard I'm afraid. Anyone got a 701RC2 for sale?

 

[SteveClifton]

Don't give up on it yet! I've had mine for well over 15 years and it's still going strong. In fact I've just bought another on ebay as I like it so much!

I recently had to order a spare locking knob and camera screw for mine (the 128LP version) and they arrived in less than a week.

Call Johnson's Photopia (who handle spares for Manfrotto) on 0870 443 6843, describe the problem and I reckon they'll sort it for you for under a tenner with postage included. Probably the only tools you'll need are a set of Allen keys and a screwdriver. The guy I spoke to recently was the same one I dealt with last year when I lost the pan handle off it, he was very laid-back and helpful to deal with.
Hope this is helpful, Steve.

 

[barontan2418]

Don't give up on it yet! I've had mine for well over 15 years and it's still going strong. In fact I've just bought another on ebay as I like it so much!

I recently had to order a spare locking knob and camera screw for mine (the 128LP version) and they arrived in less than a week.

Call Johnson's Photopia (who handle spares for Manfrotto) on 0870 443 6843, describe the problem and I reckon they'll sort it for you for under a tenner with postage included. Probably the only tools you'll need are a set of Allen keys and a screwdriver. The guy I spoke to recently was the same one I dealt with last year when I lost the pan handle off it, he was very laid-back and helpful to deal with.
Hope this is helpful, Steve.

Thanks for the advice and information Steve, I will give Johnson's Photopia a call. I'm rather attached to the 128.

Mick

 

[SteveClifton]

Let us Know how you get on,
Steve

 

[barontan2418]

Let us Know how you get on,
Steve

Just ordered that required parts from Johnson's Photopia, £20 inc postage to get me up and running again. Very helpful chap and a good service, would recommend to other Manfrotto users who might require spare parts. Thanks again Steve.

 

[SteveClifton]

Good Stuff Mick! Hope that does the trick.