Velbon CF tripod handling (1 Viewer)

[Swissboy]

I own a Velbon Sherpa Pro 6400 carbon fibre tripod. I have had it since October 2003, and I am very pleased with the quality. However, there are two things that bug me a bit, and I am therefore looking into the possibilities to get a newer version Velbon. The things that I am not so happy with are
1 - The twisting legs when I try to lock or unlock them. I understand the newer models have flip locks. How user friendly are these? I know Manfrotto models where one tends to get the fingers caught and hurt when opening or closing the locks. Also, are there any longer-term experiences with the Velbon flip locks? The twisting mechanisms tend to be very durable. But my experiences with flip locks are rather mixed. They tend to get lose over the years. I know, the Velbon flip locks have not been around that long. Nevertheless, I hope to get some ideas about their durability.
2 - The second problem on my present Velbon model concerns the extension of the center column. The lock for it is below the base, meaning it can only be handled when the legs are extended. Gitzo and Benro models have the locking mechanism on top. From the (rather smallish) pictures of the present Velbon models that I found, it would seem there is no such lock on top. But I also can't see a locking ring below. So how is the center column locked? Is there a knob on the side?

I do not want to start another discussion on the merits of different brands. The examples mentioned are just to illustrate my concerns. As I have been very pleased with my present Velbon, I would prefer replacing it with the same brand. That is why I specifically ask about the changes that had been made as apparent improvements of the model I own.

 

[KorHaan]

Hi Robert,

I have the Velbon Sherpa Pro 530, since 2006.
The center column locks with a knob on the side, a simple twist locks/unlocks it, legs extended or not extended.
My tripod has twist locks, and 3 section legs, but only the lower section of the legs can be twisted when extending that part. The upper section does not twist. The operation of extending the legs is so smooth, however, that I don't believe flip locks are quicker.
I've had a Manfrotto with flip locks that caused finger damage when operated in a hurry.
The flip locks tended to get loose over the years, but they had socket screws and could simply be tightened with a socket screw key. I expect Velbon flip locks to have something similar; a two-minute operation and the flip locks are firmly working again.

Best regards,

Ronald

 

[Jim M.]

Hi Robert,

I have only had my Velbon CF630 for about four months, but have been pleased with the flip locks so far. I have never pinched my hands or fingers in them; and they are quite secure once locked. My only minor quibble is that it does take a fair amount of force to open and close the locks, so it is not something that can be done extremely rapidly.

Also, once I tried to set up the tripod without extending the last segment of the legs on a sandy beach. This meant that the flip locks were in direct contact with the sand. Sand got into the flip lock mechanism and rendered them inoperable. I had to do a fair amount of banging and shaking to get them to partly work again. But this problem only lasted for a short time. The main lesson I learned is to not set the flip lock mechanism directly on the sand!

My brother also has a Velbon flip lock tripod that he has used for several years. He seems quite satisfied with it also.

Best,
Jim

 

[Swissboy]

Thank you Ronald and Jim, looks like the way to go then. Though it's not urgent yet. And I need to think about that sand issue a bit first. Maybe twist locks are not such a bad idea after all? At least with the grooves that prevent the legs from turning.