See enclosed for some photos of my old Leitz
Tiltall.
The model is #4602 and is an E. Leitz product made in Rockleigh, NJ. It
was purchased used in 1979 ($60.00) and I have had it since then. The
new short handle is a real improvement for me...easier to carry, set up
and use.
Based on my experience with this tripod, here are some tips for your readers:
The camera platform
pad can be replaced with a sheet of EPDM rubber gasket material (about
1/6" thick). These are available at most hardware stores in the plumbing
department and can be cut to fit. I cut one edge of the circle to allow
the aperture ring on my Nikon FM to turn freely. After removing the old
pad and cleaning the aluminum plate, you can attach the rubber with 3M
transfer tape or sheet. The camera pad could be removed if needed
without trouble or mess. The EPDM rubber keeps the camera from rotating
and is very wear resistant. Keep the threads on the tripod screw very
lightly lubricated. This was done long before I had found your website!
When
I received the short black handle, it was obvious it would not thread
far enough to actually exert any clamping force on the head. After
reading your site, I agreed that bushings would be the best solution.
However I felt in this situation steel would not be the best material:
consider using a Bronze Sleeve Bearing. The bronze will not react with
the aluminum collar or steel bolt and allows the handle to tighten
without potentially galling the end of the handle. A steel sleeve
bearing could potentially gall the aluminum collar. When disassembling
the handles, the collars surrounding the bolts might be loose. Just
remove them, clean the bolts and collars with some denatured alcohol.
Removing the collars exposes more of the bolt threads for cleaning. The
alcohol cuts the grease and dirt very efficiently and leaves no residue.
After that, some 400-600 grit wet or dry sandpaper can be used to
smooth any rough aluminum on the handle end before reassembly. Put a
small amount of white lithium grease on the collar threads and tighten
carefully into the body of the head. Use gaffers or duct tape on the
collar to prevent the pliers from damaging the collar...tighten
'gingerly.' You want the handle to turn but not the collar! Add some
white lithium grease to the bolt and the bronze sleeve bearing and
reassemble. It should work very smoothly and exert proper clamping force
without having to over tighten the handle.
I
ordered the Bronze Sleeve Bearings from McMaster-Carr supply company.
To be sure I ordered 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" lengths of the 1/4" ID x 3/8"
OD bearings. Part numbers are: 6381K412 (1/4" long), 6381K413 (3/8"
long) and 6381K415 (1/2" long). The 3/8" length works perfectly on my
tripod. You might check the 1/4" length for fit and function as the more
threads engaged on the handle the better. Price and shipping service
can't be beat.
http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-sleeve-bearings/=zer3in.
Some
white lithium grease can also be used for the center column and panning
locking handles to keep them turning smoothly. When cleaning these
handles, always check for galling on the ends and smooth before
reassembly. It is also a good idea to check the brass tripod leg
locking bushings. Clean thoroughly and apply a small amount of white
lithium grease to the threads. You need just enough to coat the threads
without attracting grit and dirt.
Thanks again for your service!
Bob Boettcher
Chicago, IL
