Giottos Photography - Recent Questions, Troubleshooting & Support

So is this knob positioned on the lower, centre tube between the legs? Could you post photos of the Knob and where it fits to the tripod? Most tripods have adjustment for 4 settings. Height, rotation, Tilt and mounting plate angle. We'll need to work out which one of these it's for. Height is usually a crank handle so it's possibly not that one. The other 3 are usually a bolt with a moulded cap to make turning it easier. Some tripods have a screw clamp on the body to lock the legs into the open or closed positions. Comment below with more information and I'll try to help you more.

It doesn't come with a manual. It is a tripod, you extend the legs and put your camera on it. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/542257-DEMO/Giottos_MT8180_MT_8180_Carbon_Fiber_Universal.html more here https://www.google.com/search?q=Giottos+Professional+Carbon+Tripod+MT+8180+manual ..

Most tripods have a 1/4" thread attached to the centre column, which then screws into the base of the head (some may have a 3/8" thread, but the principle is the same). Grasp the head firmly in one hand, the shaft firmly in the other, and rotate the head counter clockwise to remove the old head. If it has been in situ for some time, it may be stiff to rotate. Once you have removed the old head, lubricate the threads on the centre column, then attach the new head, rotating this one clockwise. If the old head will not unscrew under firm manual pressure, remove the centre column and place in a vice, packing it with wooden battens to protect it. Then attempt to unscrew the head, using a mole grip or similar if necessary.

Take your tripod to a Giotto dealer, or go to www.giottos.com/ and order a replacement quick-mount camera plate. While you're at it, buy a spare!

Contact the importer or manufacturer, telling them the exact make and model number, plus a full description of the problem, with photos if possible. Alternatively, take it to a nearby camera shop or repair facility.

-If you need to order repair parts for your Giottos MG8240b tripod..., (vs accessories such as camera plates)..., I would suggest that you use the following link to contact the Giottos distributor in your country. They should be able to supply you with parts diagrams, this will allow you to provide them with the info to get your tripod up and running again. GIOTTOS IND INC -Hope this helps. Peter

To order service parts contact the importer: Canada-JCL Sales (Richmond B.C.) USA-HP Marketing (Pine Brook NJ) -Inform them of the tripod model and possibly provide them with photos of where the spreader arms attach to both the legs & the center column...., you may require additional parts.

Ross -It is possible that you are overloading the tripod, thus causing this problem (check specs on tripod model) HOWEVER IF YOU AREN'T....Giotto uses (2) different leg lock designs..., quick release (normally adjusted by a socket wrench) or rotary (screw locks)! - If tripod uses screw locks, sometimes foreign material gets into the mechanism and either damages it or prohibits from tightening!!!!! Note: rotary locks are easy to maintain & if you need parts..., they are user replaceable and usually inexpensive! (contact Giottos distributor in the country you live in)!!! BUT FIRST!!!! (often problem is caused by dirty lock mechanism) -carefully unscrew the leg lock (that is slipping) until it separates from the leg higher leg section & carefully pull out the lower tube (at the top of the lower tube will be 'shims' that are part of the lock mechanism). -Look closely at existing 'shims' do they show signs of cracking, of a build up of dirt, etc. (if damaged they will need to be replaced) -if shims are undamaged..., use rubbing alcohol & a clean cloth to clean shims and both the tube they sit on and the inside of the tube they slide into. -once both sides of the tubes and both male & female threads of the locking mechanism are cleaned..., place a light coating of a light oil into the threads (sewing machine oil, bike chain oil, etc)...., do not get oil on the shims!!!!! -replace locking shims back into position and carefully slide leg tube back into place..., then screw locking collar on (this should not take any force..., if while threading lock collar back on..., it seems tight..., back off collar and check positioning of shims). Repeat procedure!!! TEST RESULTS!!! Note: in most cases with rotary locks, problem is purely a maintenance issue, cleaning usually fixes the issue!!! Peter