Just received my Gitzo G1348.

The B&H product description (and other sources on the net) cleary state that the Head Mount center plate has a reversible 3/8" <-> 1/4" Head Mount stud.

My Gitzo G1348 seems to have ONLY a one-sided 3/8" Head Mount stud. Is this normal ?

The flat platform on the 1348 has a fixed 3/8" post. The adjustable column in the 1349 (and all other adjustable column Gitzos as far as I know) has the reversible post.

Thanks. Yes, looks like the G1348 flat platform has a fixed 3/8" post.
I have tried to check out the stud of the G1318 (the seperate adjustable Rapid Column add-on to the G1348), and couldn't dis-assemble it to see whether it is double sided different threading.

Here's what I'm stuck with:

If you unscrew that post, the other end of it will have a 1/4"-20 nub at the end.

If it is tight, try placing a few drops of alcohol on the threads of the post and letting it sit 15 minutes. If still stubborn, try a piece of inner-tube as a cushion for the jaws of a pair of pliers used together to protect the post.

Cheers,

Thanks again Jack.
Tried Rust Desolver & Alcohol - to no avail. Then tried the double NUTs trick [2 nuts tightened together as a release basis]. Applied reasonable force [not to cause a permanent irreversible damage to the threading] - to no avail.

Maybe the post hidden side is welded ?

I got my 1349 in the first year of release, whenever that was years ago.

The flat plate has a simple brass bolt passing through from below to engage the head on top. It's not reversible.

However, the stud in the column is reversible with the 3/8" thread along most of its length and a smaller 1/4 inch portion at one end. Mine is very loose, requiring the nut to pull everything tight. The column itself is threaded for 3/8" and that's what engages even when the short 1/4 inch portion is upright. Interestingly the column is threaded 3/8 at each end, with the bottom covered by a screw-on cover.

Could be the specs have changed over the years, even if the literature hasn't. The stud in my column is so loose, I can't imagine why yours is so tight. Sounds like a call to Gitzo is in order.

Thanks.

Not likely -- more likely somebody didn't like it working loose and epoxied it in place.

Fix #2: On your 1/4" acessory head, it is unusual for them to be only 1/4-20 and usually there is a 3/8-16 to 1/4-20 reducing bushing. If so, remove this and you can mount it on the 3/8 post.

Fix #3: You can bust the brass bolt out of the Gitzo flat plate, though it is pinned in place so will be ruined after you do that. You could then buy the regular Gitzo double-ended post and mount it with the double jam nut trick on the underside. This way you would get your 1/4-20 up top if that's what you need.

Yeh, but my other [lousy OLD] Head Accessory has ONLY a 1/4"-20 threading.




Yeh, interesting idea, but I'd prefer not to bust this brand-new Gitzo equipment just for adapting to a lousy OLD Head accessory. I'd prefer to get a modern Head Accessory with a 3/8"-16 threading.

Either way - Thanks for the help and patience !

BTW - here's a G1318 parts list drawing I have found at Gitzo site.
This leads me to believe I have rust on the reversible stud other side.

Update:
Took a liile while to fix it.
What really happened was the the stud was glued due to corrosion !
The whole post was replaced by the Camera Shop for a new one.

I'm a happy camper now ...
Thanks to all responders in this thread !