The tripod is one of those accessories that sometimes we don’t give the love it deserves and of course we hope it lasts forever, unfortunately if you don’t take good care of it end up wreaking havoc on That’s why today I bring you an article to take care of and pamper it in order to prolong your life, I’m going to show you how to clean your tripod.
We know we have to clean the camera once in a while, but why the tripod?This one has mainly two main enemies. The sand and the saltpeter. If you are one of those who take her to the beach, put her in the water, travel deserts, sandy places or places with dirt, mud or the like or escape to photograph the Northern Lights, to give away some examples, this article interests her.
- It is important to keep the tripod clean normally.
- But it is essential to clean it after each of these places where the tripod has been exposed to harmful elements for proper operation.
If you hear a squeak when the legs are outstretched, if it gets stuck, if you have a hard time opening or unscrewing them, or do you see the saltpeter ?, my friend, your tripod needs a thorough cleaning. Now I’m going to show you how.
Now, if your tripod doesn’t leave home or studio, you can relax now, not quite, but with basic maintenance, you’ll kill yourself, as they say for my land. Let’s look at basic or usual maintenance, so, we dive into the subject and see the cleaning in depth.
Like any other object, the tripod gets dirty, the dust, the hands dirty, something that approaches and splashes?To maintain this type of dirt, so you do sporadically (this may be once a year) the next cleaning is more than enough.
Fresh water does not damage the tripod, but moisture can cause corrosion of certain metals, therefore, both after that shower and after returning from a session where the tripod may have been wet (rainwater, river, pool?) Leave it flat to make sure it dries well.
It’s also convenient, when you take it on lawns, dirt roads or very dirty places, since you clean your feet on the way home, you don’t have to clean the tripod every time, but will a footrest always do you good?
And, of course, if it has been in contact with salt water, before leaving the site, you remove the water that may have penetrated, you put it face down, you remove the top of the legs, etc. , but there is no salt water. It’s inside the tubes. And when you get home, rinse it with fresh water and dry it well.
Here’s a gallery on how to bathe your tripod
This is what you will do after a long journey in which your tripod has suffered some mistreatment;), a visit to the beach, the desert or any other place with sand, mud or saltpeter, that is what there is if you want your tripod to survive and you don’t have to buy another one.
Here is a list of the materials you need to clean the tripod:
Normally, to clean the tripod, it is not necessary to disassemble the feet upwards, where they are attached to the central column. Value whether it’s necessary or not, but unless you’ve fallen into the water all over the sea?Or something strange, you won’t need it.
When you take off your legs try to put everything together and in order so that nothing is lost, if you are not sure you can go to photograph the process when you have to do it the other way around, an ideal tip for forgetful (like me) and those who are not very skilled in any kind of montage. In addition to photographing the process to see how the pieces are going, put them all in order.
Before proceeding, I should warn you to take precautions with the metal edges of the tubes, with some you can cut yourself, so be careful or wear gloves to protect yourself.
Clean the disassembled parts one by one with the cloth or even with the water jet, if they are small pieces, you can even immerse them in the water, like these stops.
For the most hidden areas or inaccessible corners, use the toothbrush, for example, to remove sand from cables.
If any of this has accumulated saltpeter to make it visible, it is best to soak in vinegar for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse and dry. Are there also those who use Coca-Cola?.
Time to grease the cables, and only the cables. Pick up the fat with your finger (with or without gloves) and spread it out.
The commonly used grease is lithium as it is the most recommended for threaded elements, but any grease can do you good. Don’t obsess about this, I’m sure you’re advised on movies at the hardware store in your neighborhood.
What you have to be careful about is not putting too much fat, just put a little on the nets, if you put too much you will have to clean the leftover and distribute it well.
Well, you can raise your tripod. If it was very dirty, you will see how it opens and closes now more easily (and without noise?).
When you get your feet up, screw and unscrew several times so that the fat does its job.
Once you’ve finished the whole process, with the damp cloth you can go through everything so that there is no residue left, dry it and ready, like the first day, to continue enjoying.
Don’t panic. Don’t be sad. If it doesn’t come off, stretch it completely, clean each joint thoroughly with hot water and soap, and use a small brush (for example, a toothbrush) to clean the grooves and joints. Pass the legs in soapy water several times in case there is sand inside Once rinsed, dry thoroughly and leave to make sure it is dry before storing.
The following video is in English, but even if you don’t speak the language, it will help you watch on video what I told you.
And so far today’s article. If you have something to add, we encourage you to leave your comment, any help will be appreciated.
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Thank you and soon.