NEQ6 tripod legs

[luka]

I recently acquired a 2nd hand NEQ6. The first thing I noticed is that there is zero resistance when the tripod legs are moved. For example, if I pick up the tripod the legs will collapse inwards slamming into each other.



On the other hand in my EQ5, which I bought new, the legs will only move if considerable force is applied.


Are the "lose" legs on the NEQ6 normal? I tried tightening them but the bolts did not move. Perhaps the threads are locked with loctite?

[traveller (Bo)]

There are tension adjustment nuts on end of each leg where they join. Tighten those and you will be fine.
Bo

[luka]

Thanks Bo. I assume that "lose" legs are not normal then.

I tried tightening the nuts but they would not move at all, even with a big spanner.

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

Luka,
Yes they can be loose at times....
The eyepiece tray and central bolt pull them tight in use - no problem.

[Kunama]

Removing the top hinge bolt and inserting a fibre washer between the leg casting and top plate does wonders for these....

[casstony]

I wouldn't try to put too much pressure on the leg retaining bolts; castings will only bend a little, then they snap.

[bojan]

Originally Posted by Kunama

Removing the top hinge bolt and inserting a fibre washer between the leg casting and top plate does wonders for these....

That's the proper way to sort this issue.. which is not really an issue (see Merlin's reply)

[LewisM]

They most definitely should NOT collapse on each other - that's why the eyepiece tray/spreader is there, which, it sounds, is removed from yours.

If you don't use the spreader as Matt said, just a fibre, nylon or stainless washer will do just fine - or even a few.

[luka]

Sorry, I did not explain everything properly. The eyepiece tray is there and will hold the legs in place once screwed in.

My question was regarding when the eyepiece tray is off (and the mount head is off). For example, when I try to move the tripod the legs are actually problematic as they "fly around" and have to be restrained. It is completely opposite from my old EQ5.


I also just noticed that (without eyepiece tray and head) the legs can be "twisted" by "few mm". Clearly the nuts are not tight at all (but stuck). Everything just feels very, very lose.

From few replies it looks like people did manage to do/undo the nuts. So I will have another go, while watching for the castings.

[luka]

Instead of tightening I went the other way and managed to get one leg off. See photos.

It looks like plastic? washers are used on each side. On one side the black washers has worn off and is not providing enough friction.

[LewisM]

Yep, you are missing the spreader/eyepiece tray. It's quite important to this type of tripod.

[Kunama]

Originally Posted by luka

Instead of tightening I went the other way and managed to get one leg off. See photos.

It looks like plastic? washers are used on each side. On one side the black washers has worn off and is not providing enough friction.

Just clean out the old washers and replace with nylon or fibre washers on both sides. Then refit the bolts.

There are a couple of other things that will improve these tripods immensely....
A proper spreader and longer leg tubes ....