Originally Posted by
Kevin Crisp
I've been looking for mine for months so I don't have one in hand. From memory, if the thing won't twist clockwise, then the center column is locked and won't go up and down. The spring does nothing but push out on the handle (which you are missing) so you ignore it at this point. Don't damage it or a new lever you get will just fall off.
As I said, if you can't order a new lever let me know.
You haven't asked, but here's a word of warning. That octagonal quick release plate has a habit of false latching as many have discovered -- too late. You can set the camera in there, it looks pretty close to level, the thing snaps and the locking lever moves. Only problem is the plate isn't actually fully seated because it is slightly up on one end and not fully locked. Later versions of quick release heads for the Bogen/Manfratto line were squarish plates without this tendency. So make sure before you let go of the camera that it is on there flat (eyeball it straight on) then give it a tug in a couple directions.
I used that head and tripod for many years, and other than weight for long hikes was very satisfied with the combination for 4X5 and 5X7.
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