Replacement parts for Older Gitzo

[Michael Graves]

Hello,

I have an old Gitzo Tele-Studex with a Rationale #4 head. I need to replace the long handle for it, and Bogen, who seems to have taken over Gitzo can't supply it. Does anyone know of a source. And by the way, if you're ever out on a lonely highway in the middle of the desert, late at night and you have a blowout and discover you don't have a jack handle, that long handle IS strong enough to act as one. But it really chews up the threads something fierce. I should have thought to wrap the end first. Also, using a 3/4" ratchet with the correct socket will get the lugs off, but (1) it won't act as a jack handle and (2) you'll bust your b... it's really hard work getting them off.

[bbauer]

I had a similar problem finding a replacement for mine, and ended up having a small machine shop make the shaft for around $20 and I added a wooden handle.

If you go this route, you'll want to check around -- I received quotes as high as $100 from shops that apprentyl didn't want to be bothered with small jobs like this, and the low quote was from someone who enjoyed something out of the ordinary.

[Oren Grad]

If all else fails, you might try sending the head and the mangled handle to SK Grimes which is, after all, a machine shop. Although they're not the cheapest around, this doesn't sound like an especially difficult job, and they might be able to fabricate a new handle at a reasonable price.

[jj_4045]

And you can forget getting any service under the Gitzo LIFETIME Warranty many of us got when we purchased the tripods. Bogen is Bogus on honoring these.