9 replies to this topic

[CTYankee]

I am not sure this post belongs in this forum, as it deals with the Berlebach Planet tripod (not a mount). Anyway, I recently bought a Berlebach Planet tripod to use with my EQ8-R mount. The tripod is solid wood, and It works great. It is rock solid, relatively light and very easy to carry. I am very happy with my purchase. There is the option to buy additional clamps for the legs to increase the carrying weight from 264 pounds to 286 pounds. So I bought the clamps, just to make sure I was doing all I could to make this a very solid platform.

 

But after I read Berlebach's instructions for installing them am a bit confused. On Berlebach's web site, there is a picture of the extra clamp positioned about 5 cm above the stock one it comes with, and both clamps are below the wooden tray. However, in the installation instructions it shows one clamp above the wooden tray, and one below it. To put it in that configuration I would have to disassemble the steel support mechanism below the tray. Which is correct?  Also the instructions say to screw the clamps to the tripod legs, which involves drilling holes in the wood, which I don't want to do. It's a new tripod and I would hate to make a mistake with this.  I have e-mailed Berlebach but haven't yet received a response on the required positioning of the clamps, or whether it is ok to not drill the holes/install the screws. 

 

So, if you own or are familiar with this tripod, I have two questions maybe you can help with:

 

1. It looks like the extra clamp can be installed without actually fastening it to the wooden legs with screws. The clamps have knobs for tightening them and I am wondering if simply tightening the knobs snugly will eliminate the need for screws. Any ideas on that?

 

2. Where exactly should these clamps be positioned on the legs?

 

Thanks!

Edited by CTYankee, 05 December 2024 - 07:53 AM.

[cmfrommen]

On several webpages that I visited, I found the imformaiton that both clamps are positioned under the accessory tray. See also the link from FLO:

https://www.firstlig...eq5-others.html

[mrowlands]

I can't imagine using the clamps without screwing them on, but I suppose you could try it.  At any rate, the higher up you have them, the less you'll be able to extend the legs.  Both my Uni and Planet have double clamps under the tray, and I feel they add to the stiffness of the legs as well as increase the load capacity (which I'm nowhere near).

 

Mike R.

Edited by mrowlands, 05 December 2024 - 09:47 AM.

[Celerondon]

There should be a PDF with detailed instructions for installing those clamps. Berlebach is normally very thorough about such things.

 

Mike is correct.  Installing a second set of clamps will cost you a few inches of height.  You can install your clamps above the tray if you desire but most folks don’t because you lose more height adjustment if you do so. I am certain that those clamps are supposed to be secured to the legs.  As I recall, partial disassembly of the tripod is required to install them. 
 

Don

 

 

Edited by Celerondon, 05 December 2024 - 10:13 AM.

[Scott99]

 

YMMV.....but if it's rock-solid, I wouldn't install the clamps.   They'll add another 1.5 pounds to the weight of the tripod and clutter things up.  I owned a Planet for 10+ years and never felt a need to add a 2nd set of clamps

Edited by Scott99, 05 December 2024 - 12:20 PM.

[robbieg147]

On my Planet the double clamps are below the tray and 100mm apart.

 

For use with a EQ8-R it would have been better to order the tripod with the double clamps which in my view you do need.

[robbieg147]

YMMV.....but if it's rock-solid, I wouldn't install the clamps.   They'll add another 1.5 pounds to the weight of the tripod and clutter things up.  I owned a Planet for 10+ years and never felt a need to add a 2nd set of clamps

You don't need the clamps for stability (the Planet as you say is solid) but to guard against a leg slipping, 

[Celerondon]

I agree, although few people actually need double clamps on their Berlebach Planet, many of us prefer them. Some folks seek additional strength while others like the insurance against slipping.

When it comes to weight, my Planet is a beast. Never having used a single clamp Planet, I can’t speculate about the improved portability of the lighter version.

Don

Edited by Celerondon, 05 December 2024 - 05:37 PM.

[CTYankee]

Thanks everyone. Since installing the extra clamps requires drilling/installing screws in the legs I think I’ll just keep using the single clamps. It has worked great with my EQ8 using single clamps so far. As they say, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” I’ll keep an eye on it though for signs of the legs slipping. If they do I’ll probably install the extra clamps. (Thanks for the info on possible leg slippage). I was going to put the clamps in without the screws, but thought about it more and decided that probably wouldn’t work-they would probably move when raising/lowering the legs. Thanks again.

[robbieg147]

Thanks everyone. Since installing the extra clamps requires drilling/installing screws in the legs I think I’ll just keep using the single clamps. It has worked great with my EQ8 using single clamps so far. As they say, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” I’ll keep an eye on it though for signs of the legs slipping. If they do I’ll probably install the extra clamps. (Thanks for the info on possible leg slippage). I was going to put the clamps in without the screws, but thought about it more and decided that probably wouldn’t work-they would probably move when raising/lowering the legs. Thanks again.

You are probably fine, I have used wooden tripods for my job for many years and the legs occasionally have slipped.

 

It depends how long you set up for? if you pack away when you are finished every night you should be ok, if you leave the mount on the legs for days be careful.