Linhof single leg tripod- lightweight; lock clasp popped out, need to figure out how to get it back in

-Providing that the image shown is the tripod you own..., the top leg lock levers on each leg is designed to lock the spreader angle of each leg.
-If this is not holding the leg at the correct angle...., either you are putting more weight on it than it was designed to hold..., or the 'cam' on the various locks has worn.
-A 'stop gap' fix for this problem is to insert a very thin wedge between the lever & the leg tube..., thus providing a greater amount of pressure on the tube, (this would need to be done every time the tripod is set up).
-Replacement parts are not available for this tripod & they were not designed to be user serviceable ...., sorry!!!
Peter

Ross
-It is possible that you are overloading the tripod, thus causing this problem (check specs on tripod model)
HOWEVER IF YOU AREN'T....Giotto uses (2) different leg lock designs..., quick release (normally adjusted by a socket wrench) or rotary (screw locks)!
- If tripod uses screw locks, sometimes foreign material gets into the mechanism and either damages it or prohibits from tightening!!!!!
Note: rotary locks are easy to maintain & if you need parts..., they are user replaceable and usually inexpensive! (contact Giottos distributor in the country you live in)!!!
BUT FIRST!!!! (often problem is caused by dirty lock mechanism)
-carefully unscrew the leg lock (that is slipping) until it separates from the leg higher leg section & carefully pull out the lower tube (at the top of the lower tube will be 'shims' that are part of the lock mechanism).
-Look closely at existing 'shims' do they show signs of cracking, of a build up of dirt, etc. (if damaged they will need to be replaced)
-if shims are undamaged..., use rubbing alcohol & a clean cloth to clean shims and both the tube they sit on and the inside of the tube they slide into.
-once both sides of the tubes and both male & female threads of the locking mechanism are cleaned..., place a light coating of a light oil into the threads (sewing machine oil, bike chain oil, etc)...., do not get oil on the shims!!!!!
-replace locking shims back into position and carefully slide leg tube back into place..., then screw locking collar on (this should not take any force..., if while threading lock collar back on..., it seems tight..., back off collar and check positioning of shims). Repeat procedure!!!
TEST RESULTS!!!
Note: in most cases with rotary locks, problem is purely a maintenance issue, cleaning usually fixes the issue!!!
Peter

There is a red slider under the main casting that will release the legs all together.

Maybe it could be the clasps not the locks that are broken if you need it functioning right away wedge something in between the clasps, and locks, or the clasps could be over expanded shortten that, and you'd be set.

Email me for the instruction sheet for this tripod. [email protected]

Marflex is the USA service center for Linhof 252 652-4401

To replace the batteries in each side of the 3-in-1 tripod light, you'll need to slide each light out of the central frame. Once each individual light is out on its own, you should be able to easily unscrew its bottom, giving you access to the battery compartment. Unlike the original Stanley tripod light, the actual tripod legs no longer hold the batteries.

On the original Stanley tripod LED light design, the black tripod leg tips simply unscrewed after you popped them out into the "stand" position. Much simpler to figure out.

Linhof photographic equipment is sturdy and robust, designed for use by busy professionals. I cannot understand how you can break this item not once but twice. Take it to your local repair facility and get them to repair it for you.

leg locking mechanism of the leg is failed,so replace the broken part to get it locked.

Although I'm not familiar with your particular make and model it sounds like a common problem which affects many other tripods. If the legs clamp with a lever action then if you closely examine each clamp as you activate the lever I expect that you'll find a small crack opens up in the clamp assembly.

It's a faulty design as the clamps simply aren't strong enough for the load and eventually crack due to fatigue. Some manufacturers supply replacement leg clamps but they also fail and fitting them usually costs more than the tripod is worth.

Next time, consider buying a tripod which has rotating collars to lock the legs with. They're not as quick to operate as lever action (a.k.a. "quick release") clamps, but they don't take much longer and last far longer. Rotating collar clamps are only suitable for tubular legs, and to be as rigid as extruded profile legs there's usually an increased weight penalty unless you spend far more on carbon fibre versions.

Personally, I tend to buy cheap but perfectly good non brand name lightweight tripods which I can get for £10 including a carry bag and handle and expect to have to replace them when broken: usually about once a year. It's a lot cheaper than spending over £300 on a good one and means I can afford to have a spare one in the car.

ALDI (in the UK and Europe) sell a £10 tripod which comes with a handle, carry bag, pan/tilt head,quick release leg clamps, geared centre column plus two quick release mounting plates and has a bag hook at the bottom of the centre column; it even has a no quibble three year guarantee. It's not a smooth or as well built as many, but can't be beaten at the price.