Anyone using a Libec LS-55? Seems to be a design flaw?
 

Please excuse me if I don't use the correct terminology for the various parts of a tripod. Please also feel free to let me know what they are :)

It seems that one can attach the "handle" (you know the thing you use to train the camera where you need) on either the left side or the right side.

If you mount it on the left side, and tilt the camera down you can't lock the pan since the mounting area of the handle gets in the way of the locking lever. You can just about lock it with the camera level, but as you tilt down the locking level starts hiting the mount to the point that you can't lock anymore.

Please note, that you *can* title down all the way. That's not the problem. You just can't lock it in a tilted down position.

Unless, I'm totally missing the concept.

Shiv.

Many tripod pan handles are also clamped. Are you sure your handle isn't clamped with too much sticking forward, thus interfering with the tilt lock?

-gb-

Greg,

Thanks for the post.

The end of the Libec's handle (the end that mounts on to the head), has got a screw type thing that you align with the hole on the head and screw it in till tight.

The handle can be mounted at various angles (upwards or downwards), I guess allowing for a comfortable position (of the handle) depending on the tilt of the head. However,

Take a look at the picture here. Scroll down to the bottom to see pictures pertinent to this discussion.
http://photoalbum.matlus.com//AlbumView.aspx/6

Thanks.

Shiv.

Shiv,

Saw your photos. Can't imagine such a stupid design from a Japanese manufacturer. I have the LS-22. Luckily, the lock is far away from the pan bar mount.

BTW, saw your photos on the softbox light. What brand is it? Is it any good? I am thinking to buy one.

I'd call Libec support. I know that with my LS-22, I was able to remove and adjust the final angle of the tilt lock knob, maybe yours is off, or at the very least they could walk you through doing it (very simple process, all you need is a screwdriver). I'm not sure it'll give you a good solution to this, but it might work.

You might be able to fix this yourself. Check to see if the tilt lock lever is secured with a set screw. If it is, all you have to do is loosen the set screw, take out the lever, reposition it to where it will clear the pan handle and then re-tighten the set screw.

One of my OConnor heads also came with the tilt lock lever positioned the wrong way. Here's a picture of what it looks like taken apart.

Paul,

I started a thread in the "Photon Management" newsgroup. All the info is there. I think the lights are great. But I'm no expert by any shot of the imagination. The only thing I can compare them to is regular halogens with an umbrella.

I'm hoping people who know how to tell good from bad will pipe in :).

Tom and Tim,
I took a look at the lock level. It's press fitted over a gear like head (unlink what you've shown Tim).

It's pressed it all the way and is pretty solid. I tried levering it out, but didn't want to damage it in any way. Besides, It's also got a stopper (at 9 'o' clock) and it has a 180 degree movement.

The lock lever for the (don't know the real name) quick release plate (the plate that's really screwed onto the camera that eventually slides on to the head), has a screw on it. But other levers don't.

Looking at the pan lock lever, the stopper for it is also on the side where it's unlocked (and it has a 180 degree movement). So even if one were able to push out the lever and turn it around. The stopper will then interfere with locking the tilt. It looks like bad design to me.

Tom, when you say call Libec, do you know their office here in the US. I bought the tripod from B&H Photo. I do plan to talk to them because they sent me the floor spreaders when I specifically ordered the 55M (M for mid-level spreaders).

Shiv.

See the little sticker that says "Lock" with the arrow? On the LS-22's handles, that comes off with some gentle work with a knife around the edges, revealing a phillips head screw. Remove that, and the handle comes off and can be adjusted to a different angle. Maybe it's different on the 55 though.

Here's their website: http://libecsales.com/ (phone number is right on there)

Looking at the pictures on their website compared to your head, it definitely looks like yours isn't in the right position.

Tom,

I think I'll wait till I talk to Libec before attempting to remove something that could effectively look like tampering :).

But thanks for your help nonetheless.

Shiv.