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Hi, I just bought a cheap tripod with a head: Manfrotto 190 with 141RC for AU$179. The only problem is I found that one handle is missing a spring. It doesn;t affect anything as far as I can see, but should I return it or keep it? It is the last one in stock.

Thanks in advance.

Alex

Alex - if they did not inform you that the spring was missing I would press them to get one for you

Thanks, Chris. They are open till 9 tonight, I will go and see what I can talk them into. The problem is I feel bad returning it as it is $269 in TEDS and not much less in Vanbar, yet this shop had it for $179.

Thanks
Alex

Vanbar has had it for $199 for quite a while, I bought mine for that price in December.

Still can't believe it. I went there and asked if they could order a new tripod (the same model) for me. She called the manager who said they couldn't. Then she said to me that manager agreed to sell it to me for 50 % of the price or get a refund. So I got the tripod with the head minus that spring (still don't see what exactly it imroves) for 89.50!!! Happy with that. They were also very apologetic. Having a cold one now.
Thanks for your help
Cheers
Alex

Nice score.

How about posting a picture of the area that is missing the spring?

Wow, good on ya for scoring a REAL bargain! This is indeed a rare case of a retailer being nice to customers, perhaps you'd like to mention the name of the shop and generate some goodwill for them amongst this community.

Well done, and that tripod will serve you for years.

Thanks, Guys.

The shop wasn't a pro shop. Anyway, it's a Kodak shop in 'The Glen' shopping centre in Glen Waverley. The staff seem to be really helpful and at least one girl there seems to know more than you would expect from an average sales assistant in a shop like that.

Nick - will post a pic later today sometime.

Cheers
Alex

Ok, here is the scanned diagram of the head. The spring "D" is what is missing in my package.

Hope it's clear.
Thanks
Alex

Hmmm... the image didn't work in yahoo albums. I'll try to upload it later to my site.

Alex

Another try

Alex - try Jaycar for a spring - I know that they sell them as a set or perhaps in small packs. For what you finally paid for the tripod it is well worth finding a spring.

Here it is.




Alex

sirhc55 wrote:Alex - try Jaycar for a spring - I know that they sell them as a set or perhaps in small packs. For what you finally paid for the tripod it is well worth finding a spring.

Thanks, Chris. Sorry for my ignorance. What is Jaycar and how do I get in touch with them?

Thank you
Alex

Alex, I wouldn't worry too much about it, I just tried it with and without the spring and it makes bugger all difference.

Thanks Philip.

I thought so too. It seems to work perfectly well without it.

Cheers
Alex

Basically all the spring does is to give you a bit of tension when you loosen the arm to tilt, so that if you loosen it just a bit then the movement is a little stiff. Without the spring you are fully mobile as soon as you turn the handle a bit and fully locked as soon as you tighten it.

Jaycar Electronics - they have stores in Melbourne or try them on the web at http://www.jaycar.com.au - they are a cousin of Dick Smith Electronics

Thanks, Chris and Philip.

Chris. Will give Jaycar a try.

Philip,

Yep. I came to the same conclusion. The spring allows an easier control over tilt.

Used tripod today - works well.

Cheers
Alex