Tripod Sea and Rock Legs

[Stagecoach]

Having come across the problem of tripod movement on slippery wet very uneven rocks I had to find a solution quicker and easier than reverting to overseas mail order.

So here's my solution, plastic water pipe, end caps, nuts and bolts with a bit of grinding and some plastic conduit to make the top clamping collets. It slides snugly over the existing rubber feet and they are pretty rigid.

It will serve two purposes, lock the feet rigidly and is waterproof up to near the top of the plastic with a bonus that if it gets scratched around on rock and coral I really don't care as they only cost me 1$ 20c FJ for the three end caps

The Prototype - to be trialled later this week, depending on weather



Now the embarrassing part, it took 6 shots to get this image

Grahame

[dabhand]

Grahame,

Neccessity is the mother of invention ! Looks good. Just in cae you find it less than practical, another option is 're-purposing' a saltwater fishing tripod rod-rest as they are designed for use in saltwater, aren't too expensive (but nothing like your economical solution), and also has the advantage that if you are a fisherman like me, it can also be used for its original pupose.

steve

[Mark von Kanel]

Bloody bodge artist... you need to paint them black !!

[Stagecoach]

I gave up fishing Steve, spent loads of money on good gear spent loads of time out in the boat and spent loads of time catching nothing. The locals do better than me with a line wrapped around a coke bottle and seem to know when and where to go

Grahame

[IzzieK]

I sincerely think you should look at the design of some old Vivitar tripods so at least you will be able to see how almost very near to their design this one is...I have two of them from the old days in the waterway shoots I did a long time ago in Oz. Very handy...Hubby bought me an extra one for $20 about 4 years ago.

[Stagecoach]

Bloody bodge artist... you need to paint them black !!

But Mark this is only the prototype, version 2 will have not only a stainless bolt but a modified locking collet arrangement so you can have your cable ties back

[William W]

... you need to paint them black !!

They are "L Series"

[dje]

Good one Grahame, I like to see ingenuity like this. I might even try it myself !

And no Bill, one couldn't possibly have an "L series tripod" with Nikon gear.

Dave

[NorthernFocus]

Looks simple and effective. The hallmark of nearly all good designs. I assume we'll get a report on how it works out and any future refinements to the design?

[Stagecoach]

I sincerely think you should look at the design of some old Vivitar tripods so at least you will be able to see how almost very near to their design this one is...I have two of them from the old days in the waterway shoots I did a long time ago in Oz. Very handy...Hubby bought me an extra one for $20 about 4 years ago.

I was hoping to be able to use one of my old (cheapo) tripods Izzie so that I would not have to worry about damage and salt water but decided the quick release mechanisms and plastic were just too risky for a rig I like to be able to put over my shoulder whilst rock traversing so as to leave one hand free.

[Stagecoach]

They are "L Series"

Good one Bill

[Stagecoach]

Good one Grahame, I like to see ingenuity like this. I might even try it myself !

And no Bill, one couldn't possibly have an "L series tripod" with Nikon gear.

Dave

Cheers Dave, it's the first time I have ever come across a surface that has given significant difficulty for stability with rubber feet especially as I want to use longer exposures as well.

[Stagecoach]

Looks simple and effective. The hallmark of nearly all good designs. I assume we'll get a report on how it works out and any future refinements to the design?

Hopefully a report will be forthcoming in the next few days Dan, the weathers improving.

[William W]

And no Bill, one couldn't possibly have an "L series tripod" with Nikon gear.

Ah yes it is L Series . . .

Because Grahame has obviously seen the light and now is making the transition . . . S L O W L Y.

. . .

One leg at a time.

[dje]

Ah yes it is L Series . . .

Because Grahame has obviously seen the light and now is making the transition . . . S L O W L Y.

. . .

One leg at a time.

Pardon me if I groan rather loudly ...

[William W]

That was very loud - I just heard a large groan down here in Sid Knee . . .

[Mark von Kanel]

But Mark this is only the prototype, version 2 will have not only a stainless bolt but a modified locking collet arrangement so you can have your cable ties back

PHEW! i was beginning to doubt your dedication to the art

[Mark von Kanel]

They are "L Series"

Sorry Bill no cigar..,. hes a nikon shooter

[AB26]

Hope you read the instructions before use:
1. Remove covers after use and dry before storage.
2. Keep clear of open flame.
3. Keep coins handy for use on soft surface – OH sorry, see you paid attention to that one.
Very innovative.
BTW, Grahame: that harsh shadow in the left upper corner is very distracting! You might consider a different crop.

[IzzieK]

David (deetheturk) is out fishing nowadays...you can sell him your prototype when he comes back. I am sure he will like that...