Removing Center Column on Bogen 3021N?

[Josh Z.]

I'm wondering if anyone has removed the center column on a Bogen 3021N tripod? I'm looking to save a bit of weight, and don't have one of those plastic mounts that usually come with it for low-angle photography... Does anyone know about how much weight I can save if I do get rid of the center column? Also, is one of the plastic adaptors suitable for this task? I've also seen that bogen sells short center columns, which seems like more then I need, though I guess I could always cut either one down which seems a little drastic. Any experience with this?

[Hiro]

I replaced the center column with the low-angle adapter to save weight and to get closer to the ground. I don't see any ill effect (with Tachihara+3221+3030).
You can buy the adapter for $7 from B&H. Search by the part# "055LLA."

[Steve H]

I don't see anything drastic about cutting the center column down. I did it. Its quick, easy, and still gives you metal to bite. I left mine about 6" long. I never extended the column - I don't see it as being strong enough for my Sinar.

[Robert Oliver]

cut it...

[Jeffrey Sipress]

I guess I could have cut the center column since I never use it. But, I own a machine shop, and I made an aluminum platform with a very short post held in place by a setscrew that replaced the knob. Very thin and solid. I still have to original post if I want to revert. You can barely see it here as the light colored base under the head. I also made the large stainless steel knob to get it tighter to support a Canon 1Ds and heavy lens more securely than the original little rubber knob.

[Josh Z.]

I guess my reason for not wanting to cut the one I have is that I still use this tripod for 35mm, and it is nice then to have a center column with some length to it.

Hiro: Any problems with the head coming loose mounted to the low-angle adapter? It doesn't have any set screws, but maybe some mild loc-tite?

[Steve H]

Jeff,
Excellent idea.

[Hiro]

Josh,

I attached the adapter to the legs and just screwed in the head, using a tilt lever to gain some leverage. I suppose it's not as secure as the original metal-to-metal attachment with 3 screws, but the head never came loose. I never felt it inadequate for my relatively lightweight set up, which is around half the load capacity of the legs.