Building a Leofoto LS-323CEX leveling tripod

[@jameskezman]

Kudos to Leofoto for their modularity! I have considered a leveling base/head for years, but have never bought one. I have a panning clamp with an Arca dovetail that I slot in the ball head clamp and then level that. It is one extra piece to carry though! BTW, you have fantastic information on your channel! Thanks and good shooting!

[@emilvonmaltitz]

Thanks James. I am planning to get around to doing another video on exactly how modular they are...hoping to finally finish it next month.

[@wandering_weasel]

Just tried this with an LS-254CL and an LS-255CEX and the bushings and holes on the joints were a slightly different size so couldn’t get it to work unfortunately…😢 Was trying to avoid the additional weight and bulk of a separate self-levelling base.

[@emilvonmaltitz]

@@wandering_weasel that’s bizarre! I haven’t seen the 255CEX, but this works with the 36, 32 and 28 series tripod apexes. Absolutely at a loss as why your 25 apexes aren’t swopping.

[@wandering_weasel]

@@emilvonmaltitz I was surprised too; I bought a 255CEX assuming that apex would be interchangeable, but the pivot shafts were imperceptibly (ie

[@evertigo]

It would be nice Leofoto would sell those apexes separately for a reasonable price. It would create a situation of incredible flexibility. I’d buy one from LQ series for my LS-365C.

[@emilvonmaltitz]

Check with your local distributor. You can’t necessarily get the apex off the shelf, but they can be ordered. Our local distributor (SA) is happy to do orders for clients that come in on shipments roughly every 6-8 weeks.

[@papabear7875]

Great video. Leofoto also sell "Leofoto LS-CEX Leveling Tripod Apex with FIXED Leveling Base". I have LS-364C, and planning to get one LS-CEX Leveling Tripod Apex with FIXED Leveling Base - 36CEX.

[@emilvonmaltitz]

I reckon the CEX tripods are definitely worth it! My favourite personal tripod is the LP-364CEX. The LS version you’re getting is excellent and probably the best value for money 36mm tubed tripod you can find. Enjoy!

[@papabear7875]

Agreed. LS-364 + 36CEX is the best value compared to LP-364CEX. LP series which helps to minimize the need for maintenance due to their design in the locker system. I carry Platypod Ultra + Leofoto H50 + LH-30 ballhead for beach or scouting purpose when I don't want to carry the tripod. So far I do like it the new setup LS-364CEX with MHXPRO-BHQ2 - Manfrotto XPRO Magnesium Ball Head. Total weight about 5.10 lbs, I no longer need to carry the Leofoto leveling base. @@emilvonmaltitz

[@MrTwogiantscoops]

Very interesting to hear of the breakdown of the Leofoto part numbers and how to mix and match. I’m no expert but if you add an LB65N Levelling Head to at LS-323-CL is that the same beast apart from the ball head which you can add too.

[@emilvonmaltitz]

In theory you can turn any tripod into a leveling tripod by using the lb65n (or the smaller ones for that matter). The locking mechanism on the ball is slightly different and you get a little more height on the apex by adding the unit. Nice to have the different options.

[@firstclassfish01]

Not sure what you’re referencing here exactly? Wouldn’t all leveling bases appropriate for each tripod be the same thing as they’re just going on the spider or top of center column as it were.

[@MusikPiratCH]

@@firstclassfish01 No. The CEX has the leveling base integrated to the Apex, while a separate leveling base adds up some heights. Thats what @emilvonmaltitz is refering to. I'm though not sure if you're gaining height this way of changing legs. Sure the LS-323CEX will be sturdier than the original LS-324CEX. But the 4th section will bring up the 324 to the same height as the 323. But of course a LS-324CL would be great as mentioned. However I'd rather buy a separate leveling base to the existing LS-323C just to reach an extra height.

[@sstokoe2301]

If I have the Leofoto LS 324CX that has the standard base….Am I able to purchase the Levelling Apex to install with my legs?

[@emilvonmaltitz]

You’ll have to check with your distributor. Which country are you from? We can now do special order in SA, but turnaround is slow.

[@sstokoe2301]

@@emilvonmaltitz … I live in Canada so I would be ordering from the US…I just didn’t see it as an option

[@MusikPiratCH]

I'd rather buy the separate leveling base to the existing LS-323C to gain a little extra height. I could even combine it with a panorama plate. To get even more versatile. This you could combine with your favorite panorama setup or with the Leofoto G2 (for architecture etc.).

[@emilvonmaltitz]

That's the great thing about the system as a whole. There are so many ways to put all the bits together that you can really customize to individual photographers needs.

[@edsassler]

You’ve figured out some of the utility of a “system” tripod, but there’s still so much more potential. I start with 36mm legs because there’s more available - LS, LM and CEX apexes for example. There is also the LS-362 with very short legs. Let’s say you need a tripod for shooting over a railing. You could replace one leg with the two section short leg, put a 3/8” stud in the end, add a mini ball head and a clamp and you now have two legs on the ground and one clamped to the railing. Need that leg to be normal length again? No problem, thread a monopod into the 3/8” thread the foot normally goes into. We really should come up with a catalog of different options using stock LeoFoto parts.

[@emilvonmaltitz]

That video is on it’s way. I chop and change several components…but the tripod as a system is a wonderful plus. I want to do a better longer film as the tripod as a system. This was just a short answer to a single question. Thanks for watching!

[@edsassler]

@@emilvonmaltitz docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vS2VLw8DfpahPorhKAc4Na32YTakNYaClY_I9B9AHDa5wV3lVd8cGiOqSH0EZdi1sFmyYj-gWExg1LT/pub Skip to the end for the tripod bit.