Workaround? > Tilting camera backwards prevented by Gitzo Pan/Tilt tripod head

[David Wolf]

Looking for a workaround/suggestions, please, to allow me to tilt camera backward farther than my current tripod/head will allow.

With my current set-up, I'm unable to point my camera far enough upwards to photograph, say, high into a tree canopy overhead.

I've tried swapping out the extended handle to replace with a shorter one, but the tripod's circular plate attached to the center column still prevents further backward tilting.

Even if I were to remove the pan handle as well from the tripod mount, the tripod's plate itself comes into contact with the mount.

Perhaps I'm overlooking something obvious? Or might I need a different type of tripod head altogether to shoot nearly straight upwards?

If a ballhead is an answer, kindly recommend potential good fits for my old-school Gitzo tripod for my intended use. I have no idea : )

Many thanks to all for their time and suggestions,

David

Tripod Head: Gitzo 1370M, 3 Way Pan/Tilt
Tripod: Gitzo Studex Performance

[Eric Woodbury]

Face the camera the other direction on the head.

[Michael Jones]

I agree with Eric; common work-around with a Ries, too.

[MartyNL]

Same here.

[dave_whatever]

Turn the camera the other way round on the head, then point the tilt handle away from you and use the head backwards.

[gypsydog]

Think he's having a V8 moment as he reads these?

[David Wolf]

Hiding in plain sight! Genius!
Thanks to all for this simple remedy : )
David

[trebor]

As has been said by many! Pointing the 'long' tripod handle towards the front is a justifiable solution. Ball heads may or may not be able to 'hold' the camera weight. My Tilt All tripod had the handles 'changed' years ago and never complained.