Celestron CGE Tripod

Hi,

I am new to this forum so do not know if you have already covered this question.

I acquired a Celestron CGE tripod and find that  the legs very easily slip and  splay out causing the tripod to collapse. There does not seem to be anything stopping them from slipping outward. As this occurs, the lower metal spreader just slides up the legs of the tripod. I realize that the tripod being on concrete is not ideal. Should there be some sort of hard stop so the legs do not splay?

It seems like I am missing something. Appreciate any help.

Please see attached photo.
 Thanks,


Ian

Originally Posted by IAN SLEPIAN

Hi,

I am new to this forum so do not know if you have already covered this question.

I acquired a Celestron CGE tripod and find that  the legs very easily slip and  splay out causing the tripod to collapse. There does not seem to be anything stopping them from slipping outward. As this occurs, the lower metal spreader just slides up the legs of the tripod. I realize that the tripod being on concrete is not ideal. Should there be some sort of hard stop so the legs do not splay?

It seems like I am missing something. Appreciate any help.

Please see attached photo.
 Thanks,


Ian

Hi Ian.....that definitely indicates a problem with the mount.....I cannot think of a scenario where that should be possible with a complete tripod setup. Your picture wasnt attached so I cant offer any further input.

In my post of Nov 3, the photo of the CGE tripod with legs splayed did not get attached. Possibly I need to further tighten the Allen  screws at the top of the legs?

Attached Image:

Hi Ian

It appears you do not have your spreader setup correct......Every CGE I have seen uses the following setup in the pic. 

Note where the leg bracing is and where the spreader is......

The allen screws at the top of the legs have no bearing on this.....they should be snug but not overly tight so that the legs can fold for transport.

If the lower bracing is sliding up, it shouldnt, it should be tight enough on the legs that the 3 collars around the legs do not slide (EVER).....and the upper plastic spreader should be pulled up tight with the legs in the notches on the ends on it.....

Attached Image:

Hi Greg,
Thanks for your replies. I did have it set up like your photo shows. But on concrete, at least, the legs can slip out and when  I tried to change the leg length, the legs splayed out as in the photo, and the lower spreader rose up and of course the plastic spreader became loose.
 It sounds like I need to tighten the Allen screws of the leg brace ( photo attached) to prevent the brace from sliding up as you and a friend of mine just suggested?
Thanks, Ian 

Attached Image:

Hard to tell due to the close up pic but if that is the collars around the legs for the lower braces they should definitely be tight enough to NEVER slide....ie permanently in place at or very near the lowest point they can be slid down to......If you ensure that is the case then it should never matter what surface you are putting it on.....even oiled glass

I will do that. Thanks for your help, Greg!
Ian

Hi Greg,
Problem solved by tightening those allen screws  in the brace. Thanks so much!
Best,
Ian