Lubricating Gitzo Pan/Tilt head.

[Peter De Smidt]

The movement of one of my Gitzo pan tilt heads is a bit rough. Mine looks just like the one at: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/170918-REG/Gitzo_G1570M_G1570_3_Way_Head.html, although mine is a Series 3 version. Gitzo sells special grease, but I'm unsure how to take the head apart. I'm assuming that there's screws under the various caps. What's the best way to remove the caps without damaging the head?

[flakrp]

Peter
Here is the site of ALL Gitzo tripod/heads diagrams and download it for instructions.
http://thefotogeeks.com/gitzo_diagrams.htm
Actually, I bought an old G1270 several days ago and did a cleaning by myself. It is similar to the 1570. The number shown in next paragraph is according to the diagram of G1570M.
I use a pin to remove the D1370.23 and unscrew D1570.112. After that, pull the whole tilt part out from the pan part (D1570M.03).
The movement of panning part can be adjusted by unscrew the nut under the D1572.03.
The D570.111 contains spring so be careful not to lose it. After removing that and D1570M.10 + D1570M.06, you can pull the D1570M.02 apart from D1570M.101.
I use Vaseline for the lubricating which is tended for linhof technika but not very effective here. I don't know why but its rough movement is well suitable for my Horseman L57. Maybe you can try the Gitzo special grease.

[Peter De Smidt]

Thanks Flakrp! That's exactly what I was looking for.

[flakrp]

:D Glad to hear that. You're welcome.