Gitzo Owners - Need Help: Top Plate Necessary?

[dubesor]

Hi everyone, I'm looking at buying a used Gitzo locally but it doesn't come with the centre plate (see photos below). This is a Gitzo Systematic 3542LS which seems like a great model and the used price is a good deal. I'm hoping to replace my much more entry level Manfrotto with it, to get better stability and easier setup/takedown. Unfortunately, it doesn't come with the top mounting plate piece that a new one sells with. If it doesn't affect use I'd like to buy it, but not if it's crucial ...

Do I need this piece to attach a tripod head to or no? If I don't have it, what will I miss out on that I might not be aware of? I'm worried there's something I'm not thinking of besides the bag hook, or that it totally won't work without this plate. Basically, if I buy this would I then have to replace that missing piece ($100 or so) or can I do fine without it?

Here's the image of the tripod legs I'm considering, without the piece:

And here are a couple of shots of the "normal" look when the piece is in place:

Finally here's a picture of the replacement piece (I think that's it anyway) from B&H Photo:

 

[Robert Lai]

The tripod is useless without this plate, as you can't mount your ballhead or camera on anything with the bare legs alone. Why is the seller not including this item?

 

[dubesor]

The tripod is useless without this plate, as you can't mount your ballhead or camera on anything with the bare legs alone. Why is the seller not including this item?

Thanks for the info!! It's as I feared. He says he didn't need the plate to mount his ballhead (which he sold separately). I'm guessing whoever bought the head ended up with the plate and may not even need it - maybe I'll ask again whether he can get it back, didn't get a reply on that last time

 

[Robert Lai]

His story sounds way too fishy. I would look elsewhere.
What he claims ("He didn't need it [the top plate]") sounds ridiculous for someone willing to shell out $1000 on a tripod. Either the legs are stolen, or something terrible happened to it in the past.


The Gitzo spider (the metal casting that the legs are attached to) is magnesium alloy. If there has been any type of impact injury in the past, the metal can suddenly crack and fail i.e. break off, letting your gear fall onto the ground.

 

[Larry H-L]

I just want to add that usually, most tripod users would prefer to have a center column in there, rather than just the mounting plate. While a center column is not necessary, it sure is handy.

 

[Jockos]

I made a mounting plate for a tripod missing once, it's not that hard if you have access to a laser cutter.

 

[peter_n]

I just want to add that usually, most tripod users would prefer to have a center column in there, rather than just the mounting plate.

It can be useful but hopefully most users know that a center column is very bad for stability.

 

[Bill Kapinski]

As the others have said yes you need the plate or a center column. You can buy the plate separately but knowing Gitzo it will probably be about $70 ish. If it is a super deal then it may be worth it. I use both center column and plate depending on what I am shooting.

 

[pgk]

Gitzo supply various 'plates' to fit in the recess at the top of the tripod. Simple flat plates, centre column plates, video 'bowls' and levelling devices. I'm pretty sure that you can buy similar pieces off ebay from other sellers too (not quite 'knock-offs', but certainly designed to work with Gitzo Tripods). You will need to look into the diameter of the plate that you need - the smaller 'step' which locates into the recess is the important dimension because you can get 'multi-stepped' plates which will fit a variety of tripods so you need to ensure that one of these 'steps' will fit into yours. I don't see getting such a plate as being a big deal, it will simply take a bit of looking onto and searching for.