I want to buy spares for the MT9241B tripod. Specifically the short centre column and the lining to the spider (where the three legs meet). I've tried te UK distributor without success and the factory in China again without success. Any ideas

I'm not sure what exactly you mean by this query - if you mean how do you separate the legs on a tripod, usually you just pull them away from the centre column. With more information as to the make and model of the tripod, we could give more specific advice.

Hi Stefan
Possibly some bad news for you..., the Part #R190,304 you ordered is not made for the #190XB tripod..., it is for a model several years older (though it MAY fit)..., (see link for correct parts diagram)!!!!
http://www.manfrottospares.com/download/pdfs/190XB_20061025.pdf
To easiest way to replace one of the top leg castings is to first remove the centre column and then support the tripod in such a way that the (3) legs are not touching the ground (i.e.: all the weight is supported by the casting through which the centre column would normally mount. You will then need to undo the (3) screw (allen key style) that pierce this casting...., (the reason for wanting to support the tripod via the bottom of this casting is that all the small parts SHOULD stay in place when the top casting is separated from the lower casting. Once this has been done..., carefully remove the leg with the damaged top casting...., replace it (making sure the new one is facing the right direction) & then reverse the procedure.

Hope this helps

Peter

The 3rd video on the right side of this page web site will show you how. http://bogentripodparts.com/repairs.htm

Take it to your local camera shop, who can probably source spares and fix it for you.

Call us at 800 735-4373 regarding service on Giottos tripods. The legs are not repairable by the owner and probably not by us. Or you can send it to us at. HP Marketing Corp. PO Box 715 16 Chapin Rd. Unit 908 Pine Brook, NJ 07058 800-735-4373

Hi - had one myself years ago - excellent 'pod. Firstly, the auxiliary screw mount on the leg is for whatever purpose you choose - standard 1/4 " thread, so you can mount a flash gun on it. However, combined with the rest of your query (IIRC), to lower the viewpoint you firstly undo the leg locks where the bracing struts meet the legs - this enables you to lower the 'pod to its lowest level (don't forget to raise the centre column).
Then, unscrew the entire head from the top of the centre column, and mount it on the screw mount we spoke of earlier - this is about the lowest you can get it. Drawback is that you need to kneel down to see through the viewfinder. Hope this helps.

The top yoke of a Manfrotto 190PROB is held in place by a spring mechanism. The spring mechanism is just behind the screw that tightens the center column. First remove the center collumn. Inside the to yoke (where the centre column was) there is a small hole. Poke something in that hole to push back the spring mechanism. You should now be able to push the yoke out towards the top. When the yoke is removed you will see the three screws that keep the hinges tight. Reasembly is straight forward. Simply re-enter the yoke in such a was as to push back the spring mechanism.

the giotto 6E01 quick release plate will fit the miranda TP20. can be bought from warehouse express for

Send it back to Manfrotto at www.Bogenimaging.us

Although I'm not familiar with your particular make and model it sounds like a common problem which affects many other tripods. If the legs clamp with a lever action then if you closely examine each clamp as you activate the lever I expect that you'll find a small crack opens up in the clamp assembly.

It's a faulty design as the clamps simply aren't strong enough for the load and eventually crack due to fatigue. Some manufacturers supply replacement leg clamps but they also fail and fitting them usually costs more than the tripod is worth.

Next time, consider buying a tripod which has rotating collars to lock the legs with. They're not as quick to operate as lever action (a.k.a. "quick release") clamps, but they don't take much longer and last far longer. Rotating collar clamps are only suitable for tubular legs, and to be as rigid as extruded profile legs there's usually an increased weight penalty unless you spend far more on carbon fibre versions.

Personally, I tend to buy cheap but perfectly good non brand name lightweight tripods which I can get for £10 including a carry bag and handle and expect to have to replace them when broken: usually about once a year. It's a lot cheaper than spending over £300 on a good one and means I can afford to have a spare one in the car.

ALDI (in the UK and Europe) sell a £10 tripod which comes with a handle, carry bag, pan/tilt head,quick release leg clamps, geared centre column plus two quick release mounting plates and has a bag hook at the bottom of the centre column; it even has a no quibble three year guarantee. It's not a smooth or as well built as many, but can't be beaten at the price.