Gitzo Ground Level Set

[Pindy]

I have a 2531 whose center column I would like to remove and use the Ground Level Set feature. You can easily screw the top disc-shaped base into the hook assembly once you remove the column, but it seems as though it needs another two turns to fully tighten. Am I required to loosen the column tension ring (the thing you turn to adjust the column height) in order to make up the few mm of clearance?

No matter how hard I tighten the disc on the hook part, it still leaves the whole thing loose to the tune of about 2-3mm. Am I doing it right? The GLS page on Gitzo's web site (which is rubbish—let's be clear) doesn't talk about rotating the column tension ring to compensate. No downloadable manual is available and I misplaced mine.

Help!

[Andy]

Hm. I have this pod, though I recently took the whole column out and switched to just a Markins base plate. I'm traveling Pindy, if you get no answer in 24 hours, ping me via PM and I'll have a look.

[Pindy]

Appreciate the offer, Andy. I looked up the Markins base and that looks like exactly the kind of thing I wanted in the first place, next to a series 3 Systematic. I'll fiddle a bit more tonight. Here's the only thing I could find (er... thanks Gitzo for the really great "screen saver"):

http://pindy.smugmug.com/photos/521918496_ME98b-O.png

[Pindy]

I think I figured it out. If you loosen the ring enough so that you can remove the column, it's already a couple mm higher than if you removed the column THEN tightened the ring back down. Gitzo is assuming you aren't going to tighten the ring first before doing the Ground Level Set (of course I did) in which case the top disc and the hook assembly tighten perfectly.

Having sorted it out, I think I might try that Markins base if you recommend it. It looks really solid.

[ziggy53]

I think I figured it out. If you loosen the ring enough so that you can remove the column, it's already a couple mm higher than if you removed the column THEN tightened the ring back down. Gitzo is assuming you aren't going to tighten the ring first before doing the Ground Level Set (of course I did) in which case the top disc and the hook assembly tighten perfectly.

Having sorted it out, I think I might try that Markins base if you recommend it. It looks really solid.

Good to know. Thanks for sorting this out. :thumb

[Pindy]

Good to know. Thanks for sorting this out. :thumb

Yeah, a bit of French engineering!

Bought the Markins, FYI.